Common Commercial Landscape Problems & How to Avoid Them

Managing a commercial property comes with a long list of responsibilities—landscape maintenance should be one less thing to worry about. Yet many commercial properties across Philadelphia and surrounding counties experience recurring landscaping issues that can lead to expensive repairs, safety concerns, and lost curb appeal.

At C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc., we’ve helped countless businesses tackle these challenges with proactive, professional commercial landscaping services. Below are the most common landscape problems we see—and how your property can avoid them.

Common Commercial Landscape Problems info graphic

1. Poor Drainage and Erosion

One of the biggest threats to a healthy commercial landscape is improper drainage. Standing water, erosion, and runoff can:

  • Kill turf and plants
  • Cause soil instability
  • Damage hardscapes and building foundations

✅ How to Avoid It:

Work with a commercial landscaping contractor to assess your property’s grading and install proper drainage solutions like French drains, swales, or retaining walls.

2. Dying Turf and Bare Spots

Bald patches, brown grass, and uneven turf are not only unattractive—they’re signs of a larger issue, such as:

  • Poor soil health
  • Compacted ground
  • Lack of irrigation or overuse
landscape management - bare spots

✅ How to Avoid It:

Regular aeration, overseeding, and fertilization—paired with a smart irrigation system—can keep your commercial lawn healthy year-round.

3. Overgrown or Poorly Maintained Plantings

Untrimmed shrubs, invasive plants, and outdated landscape beds can make even the most modern property look neglected. Worse, overgrowth can:

  • Obstruct walkways and signage
  • Create security concerns
  • Damage buildings and hardscapes

✅ How to Avoid It:

Invest in a year-round commercial landscape maintenance plan to ensure plant material is pruned, replaced, and refreshed each season.

4. Inefficient Irrigation Systems

An outdated or faulty irrigation system can cause overwatering, dry spots, or increased water bills. Inconsistent watering leads to turf stress and wasted resources.

✅ How to Avoid It:

Upgrade to a smart irrigation system that adapts to weather conditions and soil moisture levels—saving time, water, and money.

Irrigation & Water Management

5. Unsafe Walkways and Hardscapes

Cracked sidewalks, uneven pavers, and slippery surfaces pose major liability risks for commercial properties. These hazards can lead to injuries and lawsuits.

✅ How to Avoid It:

Include hardscape inspections in your routine landscape maintenance and repair damage before it worsens. In winter, ensure a reliable snow and ice management plan is in place.

Drainage-Issues

6. Lack of Seasonal Interest

Properties that look dull or lifeless during certain seasons often suffer from poor plant selection or a lack of seasonal planning.

✅ How to Avoid It:

Work with a commercial landscaping company to develop a seasonal color rotation and enhancement strategy that keeps your property visually appealing year-round.

Proactive Landscape Management = Fewer Headaches

By addressing these common issues with a trusted commercial landscape contractor in Philadelphia, PA, you can:

  • Prevent costly repairs
  • Protect tenants and visitors
  • Enhance your property’s image and value
  • Ensure year-round beauty and safety

Partner with the Region’s Commercial Landscaping Experts

At C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc., we specialize in identifying and solving landscaping problems before they impact your bottom line. With more than 75 years of experience, we provide full-service commercial landscape maintenance for properties across Philadelphia, Chester County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a site evaluation and get your customized commercial landscaping plan.


Chris DiRenzo

C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc. provides award-winning commercial landscape management services throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

Properties We Serve: Healthcare FacilitiesSchools & UniversitiesOffice Complexes & BusinessesSenior Living CommunitiesApartmentsHospitalityRetail CentersChurches, Golf Courses & Country Clubs, and more!

Service Areas: Chester County, PennsylvaniaDelaware County, PennsylvaniaMontgomery County, PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia 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.

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