If your business premises have any outdoor green elements, such as lawns, bushes, trees, and the like, then it’s not just wise to give them the care they deserve; it’s a necessity. Aside from the fact that it is your responsibility, it can impact your business in ways far and wide, some of which you might not expect. As such, we’re going to take a closer look at the kind of care that it might require, as well as why it’s so important.
The Accident And Liability Risks
The single most important reason to take care of your premises’ outdoor areas is to make sure that you’re not allowing any safety hazards to grow. Unmaintained landscapes can quickly become safety hazards for your employees, customers, and visitors, causing accidents that can become a major drain on your finances. This can include overgrown shrubs blocking sightlines, making accidental collisions more common. Overgrown trees can cause risks from falling branches, while not raking up leaves during the fall can cause slip-and-fall hazards. Routine care for the area is an essential minimum to ensure safe access and movement throughout the exterior areas of the property. Otherwise, the potential legal liabilities and insurance claims can become a much bigger headache than a little maintenance.
Maintaining A Strong First Impression
Your business premises are a physical representation of your brand. If you have walk-in customers or visiting clients, it might well be one of the first impressions that your target market has of your entire company. They’re going to form an impression based on what they see outside before they say one word to your receptionist. As such, overgrown lawns, masses of weeds, and messy hedges can signal poor management or a lack of care that they might assume extends to the rest of the business. Arming yourself with a weed wacker, getting out there, and keeping everything trim and tidy can communicate the professionalism and attention to detail that you want people to see. Of course, more thoughtful design, be it with sleek minimalism or curated planted areas, can help you improve your brand image even further.
Mind Your Property Value
Your commercial property isn’t just a workplace or a place for your clients and customers to visit; it’s also a financial asset, as well. If you own the space, then you have an obligation to yourself to maintain its commercial property value. Attractive outdoor spaces can play a big hand in that, improving curb appeal which can, in turn, make it a more attractive proposition for tenants or buyers. A property that looks professionally managed also gives the impression that the interior is likely to have also seen the same level of care, so it won’t require as much work to keep it up to modern standards.
The Impact On Your Employees
Think about the employees who walk into the building every single day to get their work done. When they’re entering a space that is tidy, well-cared for, and looks professional, then it also reflects how they see the brand and company that they work for. They’re more likely to put work into representing that brand well if they see something worth representing. What’s more, having good access to green spaces is great for reducing stress, enhancing mood, and giving them areas to take more effective breaks away from their desks. Employees who enjoy a pleasant outdoor setting for breaks or simply view attractive landscaping from their workspace often report higher job satisfaction.
Your Role In Your Environment
For companies that care about sustainability and their impact on their surrounding environment, this same care should extend to the premises on which your building is located, as well. For instance, you can contribute to the local environment by selecting native species for any plant beds, invest in improving the soil health, and reducing the erosion that can affect not just your green spaces but the local ecosystem, as well. You can even work to improve the sustainability of the building, such as by planting trees and shrubs that improve shade around the building, which can contribute to reduced cooling on the inside. Sustainable landscaping practices like efficient irrigation systems can not only save you work but also conserve water while growing healthy green spaces, too.
Attracting More Customers
If your business relies on foot traffic and bringing customers in from the surroundings, then an inviting exterior can be an effective marketing practice. Encouraging your customers to approach and engage can be crucial forthe retail and hospitality industries, and attractive landscaping can create just the atmosphere that you want. Working with commercial landscaping teams can help you design spaces that are built to be visually engaging at all times, with clean pathways, vibrant greenery, and optimize outdoor spaces that can give a much more comfortable and pleasant first experience of the business. A visually appealing exterior can also encourage visitors to spend more time on the premises, increasing the likelihood of purchases or repeat visits.
Reduce Your Long-Term Costs
If you invest in routine landscape maintenance, then you can save yourself a lot of money in the long-term. For one, eventually, you’re going to have to tidy and care for the space, and the longer you leave it, the more demanding and costly a job it’s going to become. However, you should also consider the potential long-term costs associated with letting uncontrolled growth take over your property. Tree roots, for instance, can disrupt foundations, lift and crack pavement, and even impact your underground utilities, leading to some very expensive repairs. Overhanging branches can damage roofing, signage, and windows during storms. Blocked drains from leaves and debris can cause flooding and water damage. Putting a little time and money into care now is the most cost-effective approach.
Taking good care of your business premises is a wise investment for many reasons. Whether you begin to take care of it yourself or work with the professionals who can offer the care it might need, it’s important that you don’t neglect it, more than anything.
