Jersey Landscaping: Lighting Installation and Maintenance are Essential Commercial Landscape Services

Business owners who invest in commercial landscape services with a professional, licensed company often turn a bigger profit than those who don’t. A crucial element to any design is outdoor lighting. Companies often emphasize the beauty of well-designed lights, but the benefits of installing those lights are myriad.  For the best possible return on your investment, and to keep your customers both happy and safe, put lighting at the top of your commercial landscape services wish list.

How Professional Outdoor Lighting Companies Can Grow Your Business

Just how important are the right lights? According to most landscape contractors, they can make or break your business.

1.       They protect your property. Aside from the aesthetics, commercial landscape lighting helps guide foot traffic at any time of day or year. Like day lights in a car, lit paths and walkways make walking on your property safer.  This indirectly influences people to stay away from the grass, and will unconsciously guide them to the door.

2.       They keep your clients and building safe. Security lights have come a long way from blinding spotlights. Landscape contractors can build those security lights into the overall design of your landscape, making them less conspicuous while still being effective. This protects your clientele from potential criminals, and will deter people from vandalizing your property.

3.       The increase your desirability. Commercial landscape services increase your curb appeal. That increase in appeal, however, has been directly linked to an increase in clientele. Much like people are drawn to restaurants with attractive décor, people are also drawn to properties that are beautiful. Depending on the type of property you have, outdoor lighting companies can create illumination spots designed to draw people into your space.

4.       They may increase productivity. Beautiful landscape does wonders for your employees, too. It can keep them calm, and can encourage them to linger on the property. Commercial landscape lighting can create safe havens outdoors for your employees to enjoy during breaks. It also makes them feel safer when they’re locking up for the night and walking out to their cars or to a bus.

Speak to Landscape Contractors about Different Lighting Options

Once you make the smart decision to use lights as part of your landscape, you should work with your outdoor lighting companies to choose the best types of lights for your needs. You options include:

·         Up lights along pathways, for increased visibility

·         Low lights along your shrubbery or trees

·         Modern LED lights in an array of colors

·         Old-fashioned street lights for a more traditional feel

·         Lighting water features or sculptures designed to draw the eye

·         Solar lights for more eco-conscious designs

Regardless of which commercial landscape services you need for your company, make sure a lighting design is part of them. Choose a contractor who can not only install the lights, but who is skilled enough to incorporate them into the overall feel of the landscape. Your clients – and your employees – will thank you.

Jersey Landscaping: Deciding Which Commercial Property Maintenance Services You Need

Whether you own or rent your commercial property, maintenance services are crucial all year ‘round – not just in the warmer months. Without proper maintenance, you could find your property irreparably damaged by the elements; not only do these damages take a long time to fix, but they can be costly as well. To get the best commercial property maintenance services for your space, make note of the following:

1.       The size of the property. Not all commercial landscapers will services smaller lots, and not all of the companies out there can handle a lot of acreage. You want to choose contractors who are willing, able and happy to work with you based on the amount of land you have.

2.       The applicable laws. In New Jersey, commercial property owners must clear out their parking lots and curbs within 48 hours after a snowstorm. If you have parking available at your commercial property, maintenance services after a storm are a necessity. Make sure you fully understand the laws regarding your responsibilities before you hire any company.

3.       Your sprinkler system. See how many sprinkler heads you have, where they’re placed, and whether or not any of them have had problems in the past (such as leaking, or being stuck underground). It’s a good idea to speak with a company who has a licensed irrigation contractor on staff to discuss your options. Ultimately, you’ll need to winterize your sprinkler system, but it helps you understand what that means.

4.       The likelihood of flooding. Speak with an irrigation contractor about preparing your property for potential flooding. If your business doesn’t have flood insurance, it’s a good idea to look into purchasing some. After Super Storm Sandy, we all learned that it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

5.       Your final budget. While no one likes to discuss money, your commercial landscapers need to know exactly how much you can spend – and whether there’s any wiggle room for contingencies, such as broken lines (gas or water), electrical shortages (by cut power lines or by aging electrical systems) or acts of nature. Consider purchasing additional insurance for your commercial property, so maintenance services will be covered no matter what happens.

The Benefits of Hiring Professional Commercial Landscapers

It may be tempting to hire a lawn care company or a residential contractor to handle your needs, as many of those companies charge less. But in these cases, a penny saved is rarely a penny earned. Commercial properties require different kinds of services and knowledge than residential properties do, and you want a landscaper who knows what they are. In NJ, all commercial landscapers must be licensed, whereas some lawn service companies may not be. Furthermore, commercial property maintenance services incorporate:

• An understanding of how accessibility impacts your business 
•  Having proper insurance and licensing required for working on commercial properties 
• The amount of “man hours” necessary to fulfill your needs into their calculations for the price of those services

To protect your property this winter, speak to a landscape and irrigation contractor who specializes in commercial properties. You’re ensuring the best possible care for your company when you choose commercial landscapers for the job as opposed to anyone else.