Industrial properties in Greater Chicago are busy places.
Employees, customers, and equipment are constantly moving at these buildings with expansive parking lots and hectic loading docks. These repetitive comings and goings are what drive these businesses' success.
But just because your commercial site is busy doesn’t mean it can’t look clean, neat, and maintained with a landscape that welcomes people in and presents a positive and professional first impression.
Industrial sites benefit from outdoor installation and maintenance to enhance their aesthetic appearance and even provide much-needed relaxation for employees during breaks and even for clients visiting.
Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help. Let’s talk about the best industrial property landscaping ideas for your industrial space.
Landscaping Ideas for Industrial Buildings
Because industrial-type properties are busy, with trucks and people moving about frequently throughout the day, these facilities can be challenging to landscape and maintain.
On top of that, all this movement around the site presents safety challenges that commercial landscape companies must keep top of mind when working in your landscape.
Here are three specific landscaping ideas for industrial buildings that tend to work best in Greater Chicago.
1. Opt for Low-Maintenance Plants
Let’s start with plants. So, an industrial property with tons of concrete spaces needs hardy, drought-resistant, and durable plants. These plants need to do their job in harsh conditions -- and do it well.
Industrial property landscaping plants need to withstand foot traffic, and if they are near concrete parking lots or walkways, they need to tolerate winter salt.
Ornamental grasses are your best bet here. They are very tolerant of all types of weather conditions and traffic, and are extremely easy to maintain.
Also, deciduous and evergreen shrubs are great choices. Deciduous shrubs like burning bush, oakleaf hydrangea, viburnum, and spirea can add color and interest to your industrial facility entryways. Evergreen shrubs that can shine through all the seasons and endure tough conditions include boxwood, juniper, holly, and rhododendron.
A landscape design professional from a reputable commercial firm can use a coordinated mix of low-maintenance plants, placing them in the best areas to maximize their ability to thrive and positively impact your business.
2. Landscaping With Safety in Mind
Because there is so much movement at industrial facilities, industrial property landscaping services on these sites need to prioritize safety first.
This includes proper, regular pruning to avoid overhanging branches that could get in the way of people moving through walkways or impede delivery trucks.
In addition to safe maintenance practices, there are choices that can enhance site safety. Because industrial properties tend to have a lot of concrete, for instance, mulch can bake in the sun.
To prevent potential fires from thrown cigarettes or over-dry mulch, river rock can be a great substitute for mulch, providing a professional look and enhancing safety even further.
3. Landscape Enhancements for Function
Entryways are extremely important for industrial properties because they are the most-trafficked areas.
Focus your budget dollars on improvements here when planning the landscape for an industrial building. A well-designed entryway, with creative and colorful plant design and lighting, can highlight your signage and draw just the right focus to your brand.
As an industrial property manager, you may also be looking for improvements that are both functional and beautiful. For instance, a properly installed and maintained rain garden or detention pond can help filter water running off your large parking lot, serving a much-needed function and providing an aesthetically pleasing view.
We Can Help You With Industrial Property Landscaping in Greater Chicago
As you can see, you don’t have to do a lot to maintain attractive industrial property landscaping.
Being proactive and having a plan to target specific areas and keep your site properly maintained can prevent your facility from falling into disrepair.
If you manage an industrial site, you already know your plate is full and your time is limited. Even this helpful list might seem overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out what to do with your site.
That’s ok. KD Landscape can help. We know it can be hard to find the perfect partner who understands your specific needs and the challenges of industrial property. Let us take that to-do off your list. We can recommend the landscape ideas for industrial properties that are best for your specific site and provide the maintenance necessary to create that quality, professional look you’re seeking that fits within your budget.
Want to learn more about our commercial services for your industrial site? Get started today with a free quote. We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice.
Image Source: River Rock
