A Case Study for HOA and Commercial Property Managers

If you’re a commercial property manager or HOA community landscape manager, then you understand how important it is to maintain the curb appeal of your properties… but did you know that well-maintained landscaping can boost your property’s ROI by as much as 20%?

It’s true– and we’ve seen the results again and again.

Read on to discover how commercial properties and HOA communities drive significant ROI by investing in professional landscaping.

The ROI of Landscaping: Why It Matters

When making property investments, many managers prioritize expenditures on renovations, energy efficiency upgrades, and tenant amenities. While these are valuable enhancements, landscaping is often overlooked despite its significant impact on financial returns.

Research shows that a property’s aesthetic appeal can directly influence its market value and the rental income it generates. Well-designed, professionally maintained outdoor spaces don’t just look beautiful, they can also enhance functionality, attract business, high-value tenants, and even reduce long-term maintenance costs.

How Does Expert Landscaping Drive ROI?

  1. Increased Property Value: According to the National Association of Realtors, 94% of real estate professionals believe curb appeal directly impacts property value. A beautifully landscaped property can increase its market and resale value by up to 20%.
  2. Tenant Retention and Satisfaction: Beautiful landscaping creates a welcoming environment that significantly improves tenant satisfaction. Happy tenants are more likely to renew their leases, reducing vacancy rates and the associated costs of finding new tenants.
  3. Lower Energy Costs: Intentional landscaping choices, like planting shade trees or installing high hedges, can help reduce energy costs by providing natural cooling in the summer and insulation during the winter.
  4. Great First Impressions: A lush, well-maintained commercial property and HOA community sets a tone for the impression that tenants or owners can have for your property. One study showed that 84% of tenants who were satisfied with their first impression of a property remained satisfied until their lease ended. First impressions matter, and professional landscaping can reinforce the image of a premium, high-quality space.

Examples of ROI Gains through Professional Landscaping

Numerous case studies highlight the tangible financial benefits of professional landscaping. Here are a few remarkable success stories:

Example 1: A 200-Unit Apartment Complex

The Challenge: A property management company struggled with high vacancies in a 200-unit apartment complex. The building was well-located, but the landscaping was outdated and lacked functionality. Tenants often complained that the building looked rundown and unkempt from the street.

The Solution: The property manager partnered with a professional landscaping company to overhaul the outdoor environment. This included:

  • Designing functional outdoor spaces: The team added a mix of seating areas, walkways, and lush green spaces that encouraged tenants to spend time outside.
  • Upgrading plantings: They installed seasonal plants and trees that kept the apartment complex looking bright and beautiful throughout the year, including low-maintenance plants that required less water.
  • Eco-friendly upgrades: They planted drought-resistant plants and built a smart irrigation system to reduce water consumption.

The Result: Within a year, the commercial complex saw a 30% increase in its occupancy rate, and the complex’s rental rates increased by 15%. Tenant feedback highlighted the newly enhanced outdoor areas as a significant factor in renewing their leases. The improved curb appeal and tenant satisfaction overall property values surged.

Example 2: A 300-Home HOA Community

The Challenge: The HOA of a residential community with 300 homes was dealing with complaints about the lack of curb appeal to the neighborhood. The landscaped area at the entrance to the neighborhood was covered in weeds, and the neighborhood green spaces were brown, muddy and unkempt. The HOA board was concerned with rising maintenance costs, and that if they updated the outdoor landscaping, costs would increase.

The Solution: A professional commercial landscape company was hired to redesign the communal outdoor spaces and neighborhood entrance, focusing on the following:

  • Creating gathering spaces: They built a shaded pergola, installed fresh grass and added walking paths throughout neighborhood communal spaces to encourage social interaction and outdoor activities.
  • Updated neighborhood entrance: A brick sign with a low-maintenance rock garden was installed at the entrance to the neighborhood to create a welcoming entrance without increasing maintenance costs.
  • Improving irrigation: They installed a smart irrigation system for all green spaces in order to reduce water waste and the frequency of maintenance visits.
  • Implementing sustainable practices: They planted native plants to reduce long-term maintenance needs and water consumption.

The Result: After completing the landscaping overhaul, the HOA reported a 30% reduction in water and maintenance costs. Homeowners expressed increased satisfaction with the communal areas, leading to higher engagement. In addition, property values in the community rose as prospective buyers were drawn to the improved amenities.

How We Can Achieve This

At Terry’s Landscaping, we offer comprehensive, tailored services to enhance the aesthetic appeal of every property we touch while simultaneously boosting ROI. Here are some of the key services we provide:

  1. Expert Design & Planning: We always start with a comprehensive property assessment and walk through. Our outdoor asset managers take into consideration the needs of our properties and communities, in addition to climate conditions, the property’s architecture, the budget, and maintenance needs.
  2. Sustainable Landscaping: We strive to implement sustainable landscaping that will save money and resources over time. Our experts implement strategies like water-efficient irrigation, low-maintenance plants, and eco-friendly materials to every property that we work on. This approach reduces operating costs and increases property values.
  3. Regular Maintenance & Monitoring: We provide ongoing maintenance that includes everything from lawn care, irrigation inspections to tree pruning. We also monitor the health of plants and trees, preventing costly replacements. Our team works to ensure that your property always looks its best.
  4. Customized Solutions: Whether you’re looking to create an inviting entrance, add functional outdoor spaces, or enhance existing features, our team works closely with property managers and HOA communities to tailor our services to meet their specific needs and budget.
  5. Enhanced Curb Appeal: Finally, we always focus on how we can make each property we work on look pristine, adding specialized elements like seasonal plantings, water features, lighting, and artful hardscaping. These additions create a positive, lasting first impression and long-term ROI.

Enhancing Commercial Property Value Through Professional Landscaping

At Terry’s Landscape, we are dedicated to sustainable practices, strategic design, open communication, skilled staff, and expert landscape services. Our team of professionals proudly cares for HOA communities, office buildings, industrial facilities, retail centers, municipal parks, and more. We pride ourselves on being a trusted partner, serving communities across Greater Houston. We invite you to join us in boosting the financial success of your property. The transformation can be truly remarkable.  Contact us today at info@terryslandscape.com.