To fully answer the question “What is landscape construction,” it’s best to take a process approach, like any construction project itself. But let’s start with a high-level definition, just in case you’re short on time:
Landscape construction is the use of man made and plant materials to upgrade or improve areas both inside and outside of a built environment. Simple definition maybe, but without knowledgeable landscape professionals and careful planning, the actual process can get complicated very quickly.
In our company’s experience, we’ve found that having the best professionals on staff paves the way for the most successful landscape construction projects. It prevents pitfalls and hassles during each phase of construction.
Another added bonus?
Post-construction landscape maintenance goes smoother and is often more budget-friendly due to expert planning (not to mention fewer issues with plant as we’ll discuss later in this article).
Let’s start by getting into the process. Some of the topics we’ll cover are:
- General landscaping competencies versus landscape construction skills
- Benefits of upgrading your landscape plan (with sample ROI stats)
- Unique considerations for your landscape construction project
- A free Final Inspection Checklist template to download
- Landscape construction trends
Understanding Landscape Construction
Landscape construction is a process aimed at transforming outdoor spaces to meet specific design and functionality goals. It includes hardscaping and softscaping elements, designed to create harmony between built structures and natural, organic features.
Hardscaping includes non-living elements like patios, walkways, retaining walls, fences, and water features. These structures provide layout definition, enhance aesthetic appeal, create feature areas, and add functionality.
Softscaping includes living elements—trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf. It also involves adding mulch, topsoil, and fertilizer. These elements provide color, texture, and depth to balance the hardscape features, and support the health of the plants being installed.
Start with meticulous planning.
The planning phase sees landscape architects and clients working together to design a well-thought-out plan that considers terrain, climate, and usage. Material selection is also crucial (stone, wood, metals, etc.) as they should align with design, budget, and durability goals.
The construction and installation process requires skilled craftsmanship and precise measurements to stay within local building codes, regulations, and other community rules and guidelines.
Is there a difference between general landscaping and landscape construction?
Typically, the broad term “landscaping” refers to maintaining or enhancing existing outdoor areas. Landscape construction usually entails extensive modifications to a property or the creation of entirely new outdoor elements. Outdoor construction projects require more specialized skills and equipment since new or large projects can be seriously complex.
Despite the complex nature, the end result of a landscape construction process has some tremendous upsides.
Benefits
- Proven way to significantly enhance the curb appeal of any property
- Creates inviting areas for entertaining, relaxation, and other community needs
- Can improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, promote biodiversity, and even reduce noise
- A thoughtfully constructed landscape provides an environment human beings were designed to thrive in alongside nature
- Ensures the longevity of outdoor elements and reduces future maintenance costs if a tailored approach is used
Other factors that affect landscape costs include:
- Poor initial landscape health
- Microclimates varying across the property
- Extensive leaf drop
- Outdated irrigation systems
Any factor that slows down landscape crews will make your landscaping costs go up. We’ll talk more about that labor factor, but service frequency is next.
Components of Landscape Construction
There’s a third somewhat hidden component to any project, but first, let’s look at the main two categories most often discussed in construction.
Hardscape Elements
- Retaining walls
- Walkways
- Fencing
- Decks
- Pergolas
- Patios
- Water Features
- Outdoor Seating Areas
There’s been a shift towards eco-friendly materials in hardscaping. Unique recyclables can also meet the desire for unique, functional designs. Permeable pavers are a popular choice as they allow proper water drainage and protect soil health—which maintains healthy landscapes. Further, recycled materials like concrete, reclaimed wood, and salvaged metal can be repurposed for a variety of eye-catching hardscape features.
Commercial properties often utilize hardscapes in diverse projects. For instance:
- Office parks can create functional outdoor spaces for employees
- Hotels aim to enhance guest experiences with world-class hardscape elements
- Public parks enhance green spaces using outdoor gathering areas and athletic fields
Softscape Elements
- Trees
- Vines
- Ground cover
- Shrubs
- Flowerbeds
- Sod
- Specialized gardens (herb or community vegetable gardens)
These landscape construction elements provide borders, privacy, shade, seasonal interest, color, texture, and countless other benefits. To maximize softscape elements’ value, though, it’s critical to lean into sustainable options.
Native plants have evolved over time to thrive in your local climate. Not only will it take less fertilizer and pest control efforts to keep them healthy, property owners won’t have to worry about replacing plants that don’t fit their location. Then there are lots of options for drought-resistant plants, which reduce water waste while lowering water bills (with some xeriscaping designs, you may not need to irrigate at all).
That hidden component we mentioned?
Infrastructure Integration
Without proper integration, your hardscape and softscape elements could face problems in the long-term. Things to be aware of include:
- Irrigation system will have up-to-date features that reduce water use and maximize plant health
- Drainage solutions to prevent property damage and erosion
- Modern energy-efficient lighting for aesthetics and safety
- Proper utility access to ensure proper coordination and scheduling
There are DOT guidelines to navigate, building codes, and local community regulations that can cause delays when integrating new landscape construction on a property. An experienced landscape firm will help you avoid delays and headaches while ensuring environmental standards are upheld.
The Process of Landscape Construction
The steps involved with landscape construction are sometimes compared to the growth of a young tree. The foundation is “planted” in the planning and design stage—a collaboration between architects, engineers, public officials, and landscape designers.
Next comes site preparation. A site survey provides an in-depth look at site conditions and highlights concerns. After the survey, permits are secured before the clearing of vegetation, rocks, and debris. Excavation and grading can start after addressing drainage requirements and identifying existing structures and utilities.
Then comes the construction and installation process where hardscapes are built (patios, shade structures, fire pits, etc.) and essential systems are integrated. Irrigation systems, electrical components, and drainage solutions are integrated during this phase.
Finally, the project “blossoms” as the finishing touches bring the new landscape to life. Plants are installed after expert soil testing and preparation. And there are best practices that make all the difference with planting. For example, proper amounts of mulch or pinestraw are added to hold moisture for the young plants. And the final site inspection includes key check-offs such as:
- Verify soil quality and depth for plant health
- Test landscape lighting for function and coverage
- Test irrigation system for proper coverage and functionality
- Download a comprehensive Final Inspection Checklist here
Importance of Professional Expertise
Certified landscape professionals bring the education and credentials needed to make critical landscape decisions. They have access to resources that keep them updated on innovations, new products, techniques, and regulations. Yellowstone Landscape recommends professional certifications from the National Association of Landscape Professionals—a highly-trusted organization in the green industry.
Professional expertise helps you avoid common landscaping mistakes that can be costly or damaging to your property. Issues like poor drainage, uninformed plant selection, and mediocre materials can be avoided by hiring certified professionals.
Experts can identify possible drainage issues to prevent water pooling, erosion, and potential damage to a property's foundation. Certified horticulturists select appropriate plants for your climate, specific soil conditions, and maintenance needs to ensure long-term landscape health and beauty (while reducing your replacement costs for unhealthy plants).
Be aware—some landscape companies use subcontractors who may not be certified. Working with a company with full-time certified experts on staff is always a safer bet.
Commercial Landscape Construction: Unique Considerations
Every construction project has small differences. But broadly speaking, there are major differences between commercial and residential landscaping projects, with commercial construction being generally larger and more complex.
This means comprehensive design strategies are needed. Landscape designers and architects with more years of experience are especially valuable in these scenarios. They use their vast experience on a variety of commercial landscape construction sites to overcome challenges related to:
- Expansive lawns
- Giant parking lots
- Poor soil conditions
- Heat island effect
- Runoff from concrete and pavement in urban areas
Commercial projects also face numerous hurdles regarding local building codes and regulations. There are complicated zoning laws to plan for, in addition to parking and accessibility standards. Landscape companies must also be experts in stormwater management . Retention ponds, bioswales, and permeable hardscapes are modern solutions that must also be carefully considered and implemented within official guidelines.
And with water conservation more important than ever, landscape firms should offer property owners tailored solutions, including xeriscaping and smart irrigation systems. But clients may wish to go even further by investing in rain harvesting systems, and other innovative water management solutions.
Keep in mind, though, any solution must be chosen stand the test of time since wear and tear is a bigger issue on commercial properties than residential (due to heavier use). Property managers and owners generally prefer low-maintenance materials too. So today’s landscaping professionals are utilizing materials like:
- Natural or man-made stone
- Decorative boulders as focal points
- Brick pavers
- Unique rock for ground cover
- Mildew-resistant planters
How about four real-life examples of different property types using today’s unique solutions?
Office Parks: Functional outdoor spaces for employees to enjoy peaceful sitting areas, shade for game tables, and clear, level walking trails for fitness.
Retail Spaces: Inviting entrances with greenery and elegant courtyards to give shoppers reasons to extend their shopping excursions.
Apartment Communities: Luxury dog parks are a trend that’s bringing residents together and are made comfortable by adding shade structures (or fast-growing trees) and water stations for cooling off.
Downtown Areas: Vertical gardens and green roofs provide cleaner air, reduce street noise, and pack a healthy punch in small spaces.
Landscape Construction and Sustainability
Sustainability is an enormous part of today’s landscaping world. And that’s a great thing for the planet and property owners alike, since sustainable choices can also lower many long-term expenses. We noted rainwater harvesting systems. Sure, they reduce water waste and save on water bills. But did you know they also reduce erosion, limit pollutant runoff, and assist in stormwater management?
Best of all, materials like galvanized steel are a long-lasting option for storing the rainwater.
We’re also seeing a steady increase of interest in adding green roofs and living walls to a property. One upside is reduced energy costs due to the natural insulation provided. These landscape elements enhance the property’s biodiversity too, which means the overall landscape’s health improves.
What about the ideal materials?
It’s wise to use local or recycled materials. Local sourcing is almost always possible, while recycled can be more challenging to source in some regions. Either way, you‘ll be doing the environment a favor by planning ahead to use materials that reduce landfill volume and transportation pollution (transportation costs too). Examples of sustainable materials you may not know about are below:
- Bamboo
- Willow
- Plastic lumber
- Concrete made from fly ash
- Garden sculptures crafted from local stones
The EPA’s green infrastructure guide provides expanded sustainable best practices for your commercial landscape.
Landscape Construction Trends for Commercial Properties
The top trends are hard not to notice. Smart irrigation systems are utilizing advanced sensors to optimize plant health and cost savings. These sensors will only get smarter in the AI controllers behind them improve. Property owners not leveraging these systems can pay as much as 30% more in utility costs!
Landscape construction professionals are also advising clients to avoid planting exotic plants that may never thrive in adverse environments. This trend won’t slow down, especially since experienced providers are showing clients how attractive and unique native plants can be (this ASLA article dives deeper into landscaping’s future).
Another popular trend is creating or enhancing outdoor spaces offering a variety of uses for staff, visitors, and residents. Examples below:
- Fire pit and water feature combo for all-season use
- Retractable patio covers for UV protection and rain shelter
- Outdoor kitchens
- Hammock lounging structures
- Meditation gardens
- Outdoor work “rooms” outlined by greenery
- Bringing the outdoors inside with interiorscapes
Statistics Showing Landscape Construction’s Positive Impact
These facts below tell the tale. Landscape enhancements can positively affect the environment and property owners’ budgets.
- 74% of the public preferred to patronize commercial establishments with trees and other landscaping features (Center for Urban Horticulture)
- Shoppers reported they’d be willing to spend 9% to 12% more for goods and services in business districts with high-quality tree canopy (Journal of Forestry)
- Lawns and landscape plants can reduce air temperatures by 7 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (University of Minnesota)
- Green spaces in urban areas can lower ambient temperatures, potentially reducing air conditioning energy requirements by up to 25%
- Properties with well-maintained landscapes can command 7% higher rental rates
Why Choose Yellowstone Landscape for Your Landscape Construction Needs?
Every property owner wants what's best for their property. With as few hassles as possible along the way. When you choose Yellowstone Landscape, you get a partner who puts your needs first. We’re in it for the long haul with you.
Plus, we offer landscape maintenance services for all our construction clients, which can give you the chance to extend your warranty beyond the standard one-year term. The comprehensive landscaping services we provide keep your green spaces healthy year-round, increasing curb appeal and longevity of the trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Landscape construction is serious business, as you already know. So be sure you choose a highly-rated landscape company with the experience to help you avoid pitfalls on new projects.We’ve received multiple National Landscape Awards and manage an array of properties, from mega-office parks to boutique hotels to premier athletic fields.
Conclusion
We hope that we’ve adequately helpd you to answer “What is landscape construction?”. And we’ve also shown that property owners have a variety of reasons for investing in these projects. We discussed many of them, including the desire to ramp up curb appeal to increase property value.
Functionality, user experience, and the health benefits of well-maintained outdoor areas are good reasons to start a landscape project, too.
But those benefits only come after successfully navigating all the elements of landscape construction projects. This includes smooth integration with existing hardscapes, softscape features, structures, and utilities. It’s all part of an in-depth process, which we laid out for you, and highlighted the importance of having a provider with legitimate expertise in this field.
One of the best ways to find true expertise? Look closer at a landscape firm’s portfolio. Three properties in our portfolio you might like to investigate further are below:
Retail Center | Charleston, South Carolina
Serene Senior Living | Austin, Texas
University of New Mexico Chemistry Building | Albuquerque, New Mexico
When you’re ready for a consultation on your next landscape construction project, please contact us.
