While many businesses focus their energy on landscaping around a building or right at the front door, it’s also possible to extend your landscaping out further to help elevate your driveways and entrances. Not only do landscaped driveways help break up the monotony of an extensive lawn, but they also set the stage for the rest of the exterior of a commercial building, and are one of the first elements a client will notice. To effectively landscape a commercial driveway or entrance, a few important items should be considered to ensure the longevity of the investment.
Choose Low-Maintenance Vegetation
Driveways and entrances are by their very nature high-traffic areas, so when planning your landscaping, look for plants (like shrubs) that require very little maintenance and look great all year long. You don’t want to be blocking driveways and paths with constant gardening and upkeep. At the end of the day, low maintenance options help keep your entrance looking great without too much fuss.
Consider Heat-Resistant Plants
If you are lining your driveway or entrances, consider the temperatures your plants will face being so close to heat islands like asphalt and concrete. You’ll want to look for options that are hearty and heat tolerant in the summer months.
Be Strategic With Your Watering
You don’t want to lose half of the water you use in daily waterings to a sprinkler system that gives your driveway more moisture than your vegetation. Consider installing a drip irrigation system so the water gets right to the roots and doesn’t trickle away or evaporate on concrete and asphalt.
Use Vegetation to Frame Your Signage
Your entryway or driveway will be the first impression your clients and customers have of your business, and having a well-placed sign at the forefront will help you brand the space and make your business easy to find. Use greenery to your advantage by utilizing striking plants and bold colours to help frame your signage.
Don’t Forget About Pedestrians
Chances are, not everyone is driving up to your business. There may be pedestrians that will need to access your commercial property as well. Make them feel welcome and help direct foot traffic by adding in walkways and using vegetation or landscape elements such as shrubs, flower boxes, or low walls.
Add Lighting Elements
Your business can look beautiful day or night if you invest a little bit into nightscape elements. Lighting is great for highlighting signage and casting onto buildings (to show off architectural elements). It will also be invaluable in helping guide visitors along driveways and pedestrian walkways in the evenings.
By being strategic before you begin, and by planning a design before breaking ground, you’ll be able to make your driveway and entrance both eye-catching and functional.
If you need help with your commercial landscaping project, we’re here to assist. Contact us today and receive a free estimate!
