Industrial properties in Greater Chicago are busy places.

Employees, customers, and equipment are constantly moving at these buildings with expansive parking lots and hectic loading docks. These repetitive comings and goings are what drives the success of these businesses.

But just because your commercial site is busy doesn’t mean it can’t look clean, neat, and maintained with a landscape that welcomes people in and presents a positive and professional first impression. 

Industrial sites benefit from outdoor installation and maintenance to enhance their aesthetic appearance and even provide much-needed relaxation for employees during breaks and even for clients visiting. 

Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help. Let’s talk about the best industrial property landscaping ideas for your industrial space.

Landscaping Ideas for Industrial Buildings

Because of the busy nature of industrial-type properties with trucks and people moving about quite often throughout the day, these facilities can be challenging to landscape and maintain.

On top of that, all this movement about the site presents safety challenges commercial landscape companies must keep top-of-mind when working in your landscape. 

Here are 3 specific landscaping ideas for industrial buildings that tend to work best in Greater Chicago.

1. Opt for Low-Maintenance Plants

Let’s start with plants. So, an industrial property that has tons of concrete spaces needs plants that are hardy, drought-resistant, and tougher. These plants need to do their job in harsh conditions -- and do it well.

Industrial property landscaping plants need to be able to handle foot traffic, and if they are near any concrete parking lots or walkways, they need to be able to handle salt in the winter. 

plantings at warehouse near perimeter of building

Ornamental grasses are your best bet here. They are very tolerant of all types of weather conditions and traffic and are extremely easy to maintain. 

Also, deciduous and evergreen shrubs are great choices. Deciduous shrubs like burning bush, oak leaf hydrangea, viburnum, and spirea can add some color and interest to your industrial facility entryways. Evergreen shrubs that can shine through all the seasons and endure tough conditions include boxwood, juniper, holly, and rhododendron. 

A landscape design professional from a reputable commercial firm can use a coordinating mix of low-maintenance plants, placing them in the best areas to maximize their ability to thrive and provide a positive impact on your business.

2. Landscaping With Safety in Mind

Because there is so much movement at industrial facilities, industrial property landscaping services on these sites need to take into account safety first. 

This includes proper and regular pruning to avoid overhanging branches so they don’t get in the way of people moving through walkways or impede delivery trucks. 

landscape maintenance crew pruning tree

In addition to safe maintenance practices, there are also choices that can enhance safety on the site. Because industrial properties tend to have a lot of concrete, for instance, mulch can bake in the sun. To prevent potential fires from thrown cigarettes or over-dry mulch, river rock can be a great substitute for mulch to provide a professional look and enhance safety even further.

3. Landscape Enhancements for Function

Entryways are extremely important for industrial properties because they are the most-trafficked areas. 

flowers and water feature at signage entrance

Focus your budget dollars on improvements here when figuring out how to landscape an industrial building. A well-designed entryway with creative and colorful plant design and lighting can highlight your signage and create just the right focus and attention on your brand.

As an industrial property manager, you may also be looking for improvements that are functional as well as beautiful. For instance, a properly installed and maintained rain garden or detention pond can help filter water running off of your large parking lot, serving a much-needed function, as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing view.

We Can Help You With Industrial Property Landscaping in Greater Chicago

As you can see, you don’t have to do a lot to maintain attractive industrial property landscaping. 

Being proactive and having a plan to target certain areas and keep your site properly maintained can prevent your facility from falling into disrepair. 

If you manage an industrial site, you already know your plate is full and your time is limited. Even this helpful list might seem overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out what to do with your site. 

That’s ok. KD Landscape can help. We know it can be hard to find the perfect partner who understands your specific needs and industrial property challenges. Let us take that to-do off of your list. We can recommend the landscape ideas for industrial properties that are best for your specific site and provide the maintenance necessary to create that quality, professional look you’re seeking that fits within your budget. 

Want to learn more about our commercial services for your industrial site? Get started today with a free quote. We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice. 

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Image Source: River Rock