Running a business is never as simple as you’d hope. When you’re in charge, every decision comes back to you. And you are understandably focused on the things that matter most to your business: the products or services that your company offers the best of. But you know well that the details matter, too. From the polite and helpful manner that you expect from your employees to the condition of your office or retail space, the quality that your business expresses in the small things is part of how your clients and customers know they can trust you with the big ones.

And details are particularly important in your outdoor space. A commercial property’s landscaping says a lot about the business inside. From the character of the outdoor space to the quality with which it’s kept, you need to get every detail right.

First impressions matter

It doesn’t take much wondering to see why a commercial property’s real estate matters. After all, what’s the first thing that customers and clients see when they pull up to your business? The first glimpse that your customers have of your business is massively important; so, for that matter, is the first look that your employees get. Your commercial property’s interior space may be where the action happens, but make no mistake: The first impression is made outside, and that’s what sets the tone.

From design to execution

Of course, nobody is suggesting that you go back to school to earn a degree in landscape architecture. You’re good at what you do, and you have no plans to change careers. Clearly, commercial landscaping needs should be outsourced.

Fortunately, a lot of great contractors specialize in the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial landscape. You should reach out to a trusted local team and talk about your business’s needs and expectations.

Keeping up with your property

No two landscapes are the same. You are sure to prefer some plants and layout ideas to others, and you should work with your landscaping contractor on those decisions. And while you’re making those sorts of calls, keep maintenance in mind.

Landscapes are manicured, managed spaces. They’re not fully natural, and letting them run wild will make your space look sloppy. That’s why you’ll need to keep landscapers coming back for maintenance and upkeep.

But some plants and designs will require much more in the way of clipping, weeding, and fertilizing than others. Others require a whole lot less work. So ask yourself: How many flower beds will be replanted every year, and how many will be filled with perennials that come back on their own? How many beds will there be, and how much grass? These are important decisions to consider with your landscape design contractor.

Making full use of your outdoor space

Outdoor spaces should be beautiful no matter what sort of property they are on. In some cases, they can also be functional.

Making better use of your outdoor space can be as simple as adding an elegant bench near a flower bed, so that your customers can rest outside on nice days. If your business is the sort that could make more use of outdoor space for events or demonstrations, then you should think even more about serious improvements, such as decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, paths and walkways, and water features.

Ultimately, how you shape your outdoor space is up to you. To get the best results, share your ideas with a talented landscape designer and come up with a plan that suits your needs.