Commercial landscapes can be dramatically transformed with additional attention and effort placed on hardscaping. Compared to landscaping, hardscaping is a long-lasting solution to improve the first impression of your building. Hardscaping works to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and durable landscape for commercial properties in Tennessee and is ideal for the varied year-round climate the state experiences. Keep reading as we discover the importance of hardscaping in commercial landscaping projects in Tennessee and how our team can help you transform your building’s entrance and outer areas.
Understanding Hardscaping
Hardscaping is a term used to describe the improvement and upgrading of elements such as walkways, pools, patios, retaining walls, water features, and outdoor seating areas. On the other hand, the term softscaping focuses on softer and alive elements of your property, such as gardens, plants, and trees. Commercial property owners are looking for ways to minimize the upkeep and expense involved in looking after a property, and hardscaping is usually a better long-term investment for a business than softscaping. It’s a key tool to improve the design and functionality of commercial landscapes, creating a good first impression when anyone approaches your building.
Hardscaping Benefits in Tennessee’s Climate
Tennessee is a state which experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. From the harsh, snowy winters to the scorching hot summer, hardscaping materials like stone, concrete, and pavers are ideal for withstanding these changing weather conditions. The durability of the materials used in hardscaping and the low maintenance required to keep them in good condition help to reduce maintenance costs and time involved in these projects all year round. Especially in areas with heavy rainfall and temperature fluctuations, these can greatly benefit business owners and property owners looking to reduce costs, save time, and maintain an attractive property.
Water management is a unique challenge for states such as Tennessee, which experiences a lot of rain during its rainy season. Hardscaping can aid effective water drainage and management, reducing erosion and stopping water from pooling or flooding. Installing permeable pavers and retaining walls within your commercial property allows you to manage stormwater and protect your building. Weed minimization is another benefit of hardscaping and helps keep your property looking well-maintained all year round.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal and Property Value
While there are many practical benefits of hardscaping, you’ll also find this work’s visual impact can help elevate the aesthetic of a commercial property. Well-designed hardscaping can lead to an increase in your property’s value and give a much better first impression to visitors and potential buyers in the future. If you own an apartment building, group of stores, or other buildings you are trying to let, hardscaping can make the property more attractive to tenants, customers, and investors. They’ll also appreciate the minimal maintenance required to upkeep the area and won’t have to worry about how the building will look in a few months.
Although you might think of a hardscaping project as an excellent way to improve the first impression of your property, you can also use it to increase the entertainment and relaxation facilities offered on your site. Hardscaping elements such as outdoor kitchens or patios can provide residents and employees a place to relax and connect in an environment that will withstand the year-round weather in Tennessee. Many properties also consider adding a seasonal swimming pool for the hot summer months, which can be an extremely attractive feature for future residents.
Practical Considerations for Tennessee Commercial Properties
To experience all of the benefits of hardscaping for yourself, you’ll want to make sure you take the time to research and plan your upcoming project. One of the most important decisions for a property in Tennessee is what material you will use. You need to select durable and appropriate materials for Tennessee’s climate and environment, such as stone and concrete. On top of that, look for materials and colors that complement the architectural style of the commercial property. Your hardscaping project can help to add structure or visual interest to the landscape and create a more appealing outdoor environment. Your walkways could match the property’s exterior using the same stone or brick, and then you could add lights to ensure these details are still visible at night.
Once you choose the basic materials, you’ll want to create a design focusing on functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics. ADA compliance when designing hardscaping features is critical for property owners to ensure their building is fully accessible to future tenants or visitors. There are no limits to your options when it comes to hardscaping projects, and a design team will be willing to work with your budget and ideas to create a long-lasting design that will be an excellent investment for your building. Our team will be able to guide you through the design process from start to finish and will be excited to share ideas from our portfolio with you to offer you inspiration for the final results you’ll see.
As a property owner or manager, we highly encourage you to consider hardscaping a vital component of your landscaping projects. There are many practical and aesthetic benefits to this investment, and you’ll find that it’s one of the best decisions you can make for the future of your property. When investing in hardscaping in Tennessee, there are unique considerations to remember. Still, our experienced team will guide you through the process and ensure you choose materials and a design that will withstand the state’s unique climate and challenges.
About Reed Land & Hardscaping
Reed Landscaping can support you with your commercial hardscaping project and help create a plan that offers all of the benefits we’ve shared above. Contact us today to book a consultation with our team to help plan and execute hardscaping projects tailored to Tennessee’s unique environment.