COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS

Transcription

1 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Mindful Water Use Native Design Exploring Turf Alternatives Creating Safer Sites Caring For Our Canopies Perfecting Plant Placement Intelligence For Landscape Infrastructure Get More Value From Your Commercial Landscape HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 2

3 INTRODUCTION GROWING SMARTER, SAFER AND SUSTAINABLE 2017 Commercial Landscaping Trends Technology changes the way we live and work and the manner in which we care for commercial landscapes in Atlanta, Georgia. A national focus on mindful water use has spurred irrigation system advances, and an emphasis on reducing the burden on our communities stormwater systems is prompting more careful, compliant-based maintenance of retention/detention ponds. Overall as a green industry and company, we re growing smarter and more conscious. We re installing advanced irrigation controllers and creating electronic maps of our underground infrastructure. We re trading some traditional grass for synthetic turf that uses no water at all. We re embracing today s technology and committing to environmental stewardship. HighGrove Partners is devoted to the sustainability, health and experience your property offers, whether you re managing a commercial office park, retail establishment, HOA, manufacturing facility or industrial portfolio. Your commercial property should provide a safe, memorable experience for guests, employees and residents. Enhancements go beyond curb appeal and take into consideration your site s impact on the community. Now, let s explore seven relevant commercial property trends for HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 3

4 1 MINDFUL WATER USE Irrigation and Stormwater Solutions That Save Resources For decades, the detention and retention ponds placed out of sight on commercial properties were ignored. The stormwater collection sites were fenced off or hidden, and forgotten as part of the landscape maintenance plan. That is no longer the case as we recognize the critical environmental service this green infrastructure can offer if properly cared for. Stormwater runoff that is not properly managed or treated flows directly into our waterways. Along the way, it collects chemicals, oils, debris and other sediment from urban surfaces. These harmful substances cycle into our water system and cause a negative environmental impact. In recent years, legislators are turning their heads toward storm water management and enforcing municipal regulations to address the issue. Retention and detention pond maintenance can ensure that structures are functioning properly so clean water leaves the site. Basic tasks include removing silt, addressing faulty piping and correcting outflow. It s a matter of getting a professional involved to repair the infrastructure to specifications and then maintain it going forward, says Gib Durden, HighGrove Partners vice president of business development. Speaking of water output, irrigation systems on commercial properties can contribute to water runoff if they are not working properly. There s a range of technology available to conserve water and make the best use of this resource while keeping turf and plants healthy. That includes smart controllers, weather stations, pressure-regulating valves and heads, and backflow preventers. While there are upfront costs to retrofitting an irrigation system, the return-on-investment is realized through water savings within 12 to 18 months. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 4

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6 2 NATIVE DESIGN Selecting Plants That Thrive In Georgia Landscapes Right plant, right place this age-old landscaping mantra speaks to a focus on selecting native plants for commercial landscapes that naturally grow strong in Georgia. When we plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, flowers and turf for our region, we don t have to work so hard for plants to thrive. That means using fewer resources to care for plants in terms of water, fertilizer and general maintenance. Rethink the idea of native because these are plants you see in beautiful landscapes every day. Native does not mean wild, grassy, unkempt. In fact, did you know azaleas are Georgia natives? Other common natives that thrive on Atlanta commercial properties include: Viburnum, Rhododendron, Spicebush, Hollies, Dogwood and more. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 6

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8 3 EXPLORING TURF ALTERNATIVES Today s Synthetic Turf Redefines Low-Maintenance Lawn There s no such thing as a year-round lawn in Atlanta, Ga. Our climate can support cool- and warmseason turf, but neither stays green all 12 months. Cool-season fescues perform well but go dormant during summer. Meanwhile, warm-season varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia grass thrive during our hot, humid summers but brown out in winter. If you want a lawn that consistently looks healthy and never goes dormant, the answer is artificial turf. The synthetic turf options on the market today are a far cry from the material we used to find on sports field the stuff that resembled a bright, green plastic rug. Today s synthetics mimic the look and feel of real turf. And, the grass is more prevalent, as commercial properties embrace the nomaintenance benefits. You realize a return on the investment because the turf does not need to be mowed, edged, fertilized or watered, Durden points out. Plus, synthetic turf is incredibly hardy in terms of how it stands up to foot traffic and rugged play. So, in addition to saving on all maintenance costs, property owners can avoid costly lawn renovation. Commercial properties with patches of lawn, or grassy areas that are smaller than 2,000 square feet, are ideal sites for synthetic turf. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 8

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10 4 CREATING SAFER SITES Site Upgrades Enhance Experience And Reduce Liability Commercial landscaping should go beyond curb appeal and provide a safe experience for guests, employees and residents. That s why an annual site safety analysis is important for identifying potential hazards on your commercial property. Some common problem areas include buckling walkways or sidewalks and curbs that need repair. When trees mature, roots can disrupt concrete and asphalt surfaces. (Pavers are a more forgiving alternative.) Also, landscape lighting should not only illuminate outdoor features to extend the enjoyment of outdoor spaces but also light up areas where safety is a concern: parking lots, walkways, along buildings, signage. Speaking of signage, proper wayfinding helps people find their way around your commercial property. Maintaining the health of tress and shrubs is a significant aspect of commercial property safety. (Read on for more in Caring For Our Canopies.) Shrubs should be pruned at least bi-annually to keep sight lines clear for drivers and pedestrians. Limbs overhanging parking lots and foot-traffic areas should be addressed. Meanwhile, snow and ice removal services are critical for preventing slip-and-fall accidents on your commercial property. One key area of concern in this region is when the temperatures drop just low enough to freeze wet surfaces. Find out if your snow and ice service includes monitoring for thawrefreeze, suggests the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA). There are more than 30,000 slip-and-fall claims each year related to snow and ice, according to ASCA statistics. Of those, 35% are dismissed because of snow contractors that proved they did their jobs. Make sure your property is protected from frivolous lawsuits by securing a reliable snow and ice provider even in Atlanta, Ga., where severe winter weather is rare. If we do have a snow or ice event here in the Southeast, you do not want your property to be closed from lack of preparation. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 10

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12 5 CARING FOR OUR CANOPIES Treat Your Trees Like Amenities The beautiful specimen trees on your commercial property increase its value, provide shade and add character. In fact, mature trees differentiate older commercial sites from new properties and serve as a selling point. We can place a dollar amount on your property s trees with the Tree Benefit Calculator, based on a street tree assessment tool by i-tree. The purpose of the tool is to understand trees value in communities. If you have a 40-year old office building a mile up the road from a brand-new office park, that new building might have an updated health club and other bells and whistles, but the older site has tree coverage and there s no way to plant an 80-year old oak tree on a property, Durden relates. Trees bring significant value to your Atlanta commercial property, which is why proper maintenance is critical for maximizing tree health and longevity. Treat your trees like amenities, Durden encourages. A tree analysis will identify pruning needs and flag any health concerns. Commercial properties that put tree care on the back burner the past several drought years will want to address pruning with the shift toward more precipitation and growing weather. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 12

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14 6 PERFECTING PLANT PLACEMENT Plant Placement Enhances Appearance And Health For the most visual impact, landscape bed design should emphasize concentrated color. This involves proper plant spacing. Often, we end up renovating commercial landscape beds where plants were installed too closely together. As the shrubs and flowers mature, they crowd and create a messy appearance a maintenance headache that costs time and money. We end up removing plants to avoid disease issues. This can be avoided by properly installing plants based on their growth habits. Your landscaping is an investment that will increase the value of your commercial property if you plan and plant it right. Commercial offices with high-quality landscapes achieve 7 percent higher rental rates, according to a University of Washington study. And, the study showed that consumers are willing to pay an average 12 percent premium for goods they purchase in retail environments with quality landscaping. Meanwhile, a National Association of Realtors survey showed that curb appeal is important to 71 percent of buyers. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 14

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16 7 INTELLIGENCE FOR LANDSCAPE INFRASTRUCTURE Technology Like Irrigation Mapping Improves Performance Technology improves the way landscape infrastructure performs, and helps us achieve even greater return-oninvestment for commercial property owners. One example is irrigation mapping to identify key components of the irrigation system, including the parts underground you don t see. A precise, high-quality irrigation map marks every valve, sprinkler head, clock and lines. Experienced irrigation technicians use a valve locator to create a map. The benefit is, when an irrigation system requires service, the map guides technicians directly to components they need to diagnose to solve problems. It saves time with diagnosis, repairs and even general service. Plus, irrigation maps can actually increase the value of a property should it go on the market. Buyers want to access a property s infrastructural details, and they appreciate knowing exactly what is underground. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 16

17 GET MORE VALUE FROM YOUR COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE The commercial property trends we identify focus on ways to enhance the value of your grounds. Let s talk about how to get started. Call us any time at , or fill out this simple contact form and we ll get in touch with you. HIGHGROVE PARTNERS 2017 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TRENDS 17