Three Types Of Plants To Avoid In Your Commercial Landscaping

If you've recently decided to invest in commercial real estate, you've probably already researched various aspects of successfully owning and managing commercial properties. However, there's a lot to learn on this subject, and it is very common for those who are new to handling commercial real estate to overlook certain details that might not seem important at first glance. Landscaping is one of the most easily overlooked factors in creating a commercial environment that attracts quality tenants — many new investors believe that the addition of a few flowers and shrubs is all that's needed to dress up a commercial property.

Although it's true that attractive flowers and shrubs are an important part of attracting good commercial tenants, it's equally important for fledgling commercial landlords to know what types of landscaping elements to avoid. Commercial property owners are at increased risk of personal injury lawsuits simply because the public has access to most types of businesses. Most people don't associate landscaping with an elevated risk of injury, but smart investors err on the side of caution and avoid certain types of plants — following are three plant types you should avoid in your commercial landscaping.

Toxic Plants

Many traditional landscaping plants are toxic to humans and animals and should not be included in areas that receive high amounts of foot traffic. Examples of poisonous plants include lily of the valley, which has a fragile, ethereal appearance that belies its toxic properties, foxglove, another beautiful flowering plant that can be deadly if ingested, and hydrangeas, whose lovely looks conceal a natural — but potentially lethal — form of cyanide. Even common bulbs like daffodils and tulips have high degrees of toxicity. 

Messy Plants

Messy plants are those that drop their leaves and/or fruit in abundance during certain times of the year. Although it may be tempting to include a lovely Japanese maple, for instance, in your commercial landscaping, the leaves of this tree quickly become slick on sidewalks and grass when rain or morning dew becomes a part of the picture. Fallen fruits and nuts also pose a potential slip-and-fall hazard. Conifer trees or deciduous trees with small leaves and no nuts or fruits are better choices for commercial landscapes. 

Bushy Shrubs

The problem with bushy shrubs is that they impede visibility, which heightens the likelihood of foul play taking place on your commercial property. Keeping shrubs to a minimum or eliminating them altogether from your commercial landscaping helps promote a safe environment.

Please feel free to contact a local commercial landscaping company for more information on creating an attractive-yet-safe outdoor environment on your commercial property. 

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