This state-of-the-art administrative campus in Columbus, Ohio, is known for being an energized workspace that can accommodate over 1,600 employees. Much of the facility’s design, inside and outdoors, is meant to provide a “spirited and spiritual” atmosphere. The 270,000-square-foot complex is the hub for a healthcare network that provides care in 47 counties and has been recognized by Fortune as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” fourteen times since 2007.
Challenges
There are larger challenges than managing a new campus like this with maturing trees and shrubbery. Yet, this challenge can’t be overlooked in relation to long-term planning. Each year’s growth means nuanced changes in how professional landscaping teams keep green spaces neat and attractive. Top-notch aesthetics are needed in order to draw remote workers to the campus for in-office work.
Safety is a larger concern, as this campus sees serious traffic on a daily basis. Our landscaping team members must be vigilant in order to protect staff going in and out of buildings constantly. Not to mention the level of attention it takes to avoid hazards to themselves in the busy parking areas as they maintain various landscape elements.
The biggest challenge, similar to other Ohio commercial properties? Changing over the campus from winter services to landscaping in the spring. Avoiding hiccups with the campus’s zero-tolerance snow and ice policy is the first obstacle during Ohio’s brutal winters. And with higher levels of de-icing and foot traffic from snow removal work, plants and turf near hardscapes are prone to damage. Lastly, with year-round services using heavy equipment and manpower, it can be difficult to avoid disturbing office employees.
Results
Yellowstone Landscape understands the importance of providing a top-notch workplace experience for employees. By using the steps below, we have helped our client achieve that experience, while overcoming a variety of landscaping challenges.
- Plant selection is informed by visual impact and positive health effects.
- Maintenance planning for maturing landscape elements is projected long before growth spurts can derail schedules or aesthetics.
- Additionally, initial tree and shrub choices help avoid any complications for maturing plants.
- Ornamental grasses and attention to detail highlight planting beds around the buildings.
- Native and winter-hardy plants have reduced maintenance needs and replacement expenses.
- Having commercial landscaping experience on similar large-scale office complexes helps plan specific safety protocols.
- Local teams get additional safety training and equipment experience through Yellowstone Landscape’s Safety Rodeos.
- Each winter, we make efforts to grow our already expansive access to de-icing materials (which smaller snow and ice management companies often run out of)
- Personnel and equipment staging before heavy winter storms strike keeps the campus 100% in compliance with snow and ice removal.
- Our horticulturalists work with designers to choose some plants that are salt-resistant to endure de-icing treatments.
- A comprehensive turf care program, including in-depth soil testing, means grass areas thrive despite Ohio’s harsh seasonal changes.
- Mixing stone, grasses, and limited use of annual flowers enhances the site’s natural beauty.
- Tree health is monitored by our arborists to ensure valuable trees add curb appeal and human health benefits for decades to come.
- Clear communication with clients helps us create a maintenance schedule that reduces disturbances for the vital campus workers.
What People Are Saying About The Property
“Well-maintained building and facilities.”
“Unbeatable campus atmosphere.”
"Beautiful, up-to-date facility.”
Nestled In Nature
Not only is this campus an attractive natural environment for those who work here, it’s also a premium example of sustainability, growth, and innovation. Few workplaces offer employees world-class outdoor spaces like this. Not the least of which is the popular area known as "The Backyard," with walking trails outlined by wildflowers and rustic outdoor seating. Plus, the outdoor pavilion features retractable walls that allow employees to have open-air meetings with epic views of the lush lawn.
When it comes to treating employees like the valuable assets they are, this client is putting on a clinic. At Yellowstone, we believe in investing in our team in the same way because they deserve the best working conditions possible. We’ve found that an ideal work environment and carefully crafted employee experiences help attract the best and brightest to come to work for our company.
This client is reaping similar rewards by using attractive landscaping to appeal to potential employees while reducing turnover. And it’s well-known that today’s employees are looking for more than a paycheck with a few benefits. They’re wisely focused on their well-being while looking for real connection—through the healing aspects of nature and comfortable areas that make collaborating with co-workers easier.
When you’re ready to partner with a provider that offers top-tier landscaping and snow removal services, contact Yellowstone Landscape for a consultation.
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