Common Landscaping Mistakes That Cost Commercial Property Owners Thousands
When it comes to maintaining a commercial property, landscaping is often one of the most visible—and overlooked—elements. Poor planning, improper maintenance, or hiring the wrong landscaping partner can lead to costly consequences. In fact, some of the most common commercial landscaping mistakes can quietly drain thousands of dollars from your bottom line each year.
At C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc., we’ve seen it all. Here are the most frequent (and expensive) commercial landscaping mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Neglecting Preventive Maintenance
Letting small issues slide—like minor irrigation leaks, overgrown trees, or drainage problems—may seem harmless at first. But these issues can quickly escalate, leading to expensive repairs, property damage, or even safety hazards.
✅ Pro tip: Invest in year-round commercial landscape maintenance to catch problems early and reduce long-term costs.
2. Poor Irrigation Practices
Overwatering, underwatering, or using outdated irrigation systems wastes water and money. A poorly tuned irrigation system can also lead to unhealthy plants, soil erosion, and higher utility bills.
✅ Pro tip: Upgrade to a smart irrigation system that adjusts based on weather, soil moisture, and plant needs.
3. Choosing the Wrong Plants
Using the wrong plants for your region, sun exposure, or soil type can lead to high replacement costs and excessive maintenance. Non-native species may struggle to thrive, and seasonal flowers may require frequent replanting.
✅ Pro tip: Work with a commercial landscaping company that selects low-maintenance, climate-appropriate plants with long-term viability.
4. Lack of a Seasonal Plan
Commercial properties that don’t adjust landscaping for the seasons often end up with dead turf in summer, unsafe walkways in winter, and underwhelming curb appeal year-round.
✅ Pro tip: Build a seasonal landscape maintenance plan that includes snow removal, spring cleanups, fall leaf management, and summer enhancements.
5. Ignoring Drainage Issues
Poor drainage leads to standing water, plant death, pest problems, and property damage. It’s one of the most overlooked yet costly commercial landscaping mistakes.
✅ Pro tip: Invest in a professional drainage assessment to identify and fix trouble spots before water damages your landscape—or your property.
6. Focusing Only on Aesthetics
While curb appeal is critical, landscaping decisions should also account for function, safety, and maintenance requirements. Ignoring these factors can lead to liability issues or higher costs down the line.
✅ Pro tip: Take a holistic approach to landscape design—one that balances beauty, safety, and functionality.
7. Hiring the Wrong Landscaping Company
Choosing a provider based solely on price often results in inconsistent service, poor communication, and subpar results. In the long run, cutting corners can lead to even higher costs.
✅ Pro tip: Partner with an experienced commercial landscaping company with a track record of reliability, safety, and proactive service.
Protect Your Investment
Avoiding these common commercial landscaping mistakes can protect your property’s value, minimize liability, and reduce long-term operating expenses.
At C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc., we help property owners across the Philadelphia region avoid costly missteps through proactive, professional landscape management. Want to see how we can help?
👉 Contact us today for a free consultation.
Properties We Serve: Healthcare Facilities, Schools & Universities, Office Complexes & Businesses, Senior Living Communities, Apartments, Hospitality, Retail Centers, Churches, Golf Courses & Country Clubs, and more!
Service Areas: Chester County, Pennsylvania; Delaware County, Pennsylvania; Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; Bucks County, Pennsylvania; Burlington County, New Jersey; Camden County, New Jersey; Gloucester County, New Jersey; Salem County, New Jersey; New Castle County, Delaware
C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc.’s mission is to build long-lasting relationships with employees, vendors, and clients by providing the highest level of commercial landscaping service in the Greater Philadelphia Region. We have rooted values of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction that will create success for our entire team and customers.