Opinion: Small changes, big impact: Refreshing your business exterior

Kevin Runyon

One of the most overlooked expenses of running a retail space, warehouse or other physical business is the maintenance and upkeep of the building and its surroundings. For those who lease, property managers often dictate what can and can’t be updated. And while every business owner wants an inviting facade that attracts customers, financial constraints, lack of control and time can all stand in the way. Fortunately, landscaping offers a cost-effective solution to enhance curb appeal without requiring – or while you’re waiting on – a major renovation.

If you own your building, you have more freedom to shape its appearance, but budget limitations may delay a full-scale aesthetic overhaul. That’s where strategic landscaping comes in. By incorporating new focal points with hardscaping and planting, you can refresh your property’s look while postponing larger, more expensive upgrades (a helpful tip that applies to residential properties as well).

Updating hardscape elements is an effective way to elevate your exterior without extensive construction. Consider replacing cracked concrete sidewalks, stairs or entryways with pavers or natural stone that complement your building’s aesthetic. Stone or landscape block pillars create a refined statement, while a well-placed retaining wall around a patio adds both function and style.

Well-chosen greenery can transform the exterior of your business. I understand that not every business has the time or resources for intensive landscape upkeep, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice curb appeal. Trees with seasonal color or unique shapes naturally draw attention, making a lasting impression on customers as they enter. Drought-resistant plants like coneflowers, lavender and ornamental grasses provide beauty with minimal watering. Mulch and decorative rock reduce weed growth while maintaining a polished look. Installing an irrigation system ensures your investment thrives through summer heat, allowing your landscaping to mature beautifully year after year, and reducing replacement costs.

Outdoor lighting not only enhances safety but also highlights the best features of your building. Uplighting an ornamental tree or architectural detail of your building or spotlighting a stunning hydrangea in full bloom creates a striking visual, while extended nighttime visibility keeps your business on the radar of passing traffic.

For business owners reliant on property managers for major updates, landscaping provides a way to personalize and enhance a space within existing constraints. Adding vibrant plants and seasonal color signals to customers that you take pride in your business.

Planters filled with thoughtfully arranged greenery are an easy way to add interest. For maximum impact, use a combination of elements: a thriller (a bold, eye-catching centerpiece), a spiller (a trailing plant that softens edges) and a filler (fast-growing plants that add volume). A row of lush ferns or cascading blooms along a patio creates an instant seasonal refresh.

Re-creating the arrangements seasonally offers customers fresh eye candy every time they visit. Just be sure to include watering in the daily routine!

Indoor plants can do wonders for atmosphere and perception. Keep in mind texture and proportion when choosing what plants and pots to add. Large plants like a fiddle leaf fig or rubber tree make a statement in empty corners. Trailing plants can soften the hard edges of office surfaces. If adding several plants, choose an odd number of plants with different leaf and/or pot shapes. If cleaning is a concern, wall-mounted planters make a great space-saving addition. Greenery just has a way of making a space feel fresh, even in an office that may be due for a flooring or fixture upgrade.

While major building renovations take time and planning, there are plenty of ways to elevate your space in the meantime. Thoughtful landscaping and plant design offer an immediate upgrade, allowing you to create an inviting environment for customers and employees alike – without waiting years for a construction project.

Kevin Runyon owns Custom Creations Landscaping & Lawn LLC. He can be reached at kevin@customcreations417.com.