Whether you’re developing a new commercial property or looking to enhance an existing business location, smart landscape design is one of the best investments you can make in Middle Tennessee.
I recently came across an excellent interview of Emily Swihart on KWQC News that breaks down the fundamentals of landscape planning, and I wanted to share how these principles apply specifically to our Nashville market.
After 15+ years in the landscaping industry and 6 years as a Land Development Manager working with top builders like Pulte, Ryan Homes, and Meritage, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful commercial landscaping design not only boosts property values but creates functional spaces that serve your business needs for years to come.
Start With Purpose: Commercial Landscape Design Like Business Planning
Just as Emily emphasizes the importance of planning in residential design, commercial landscaping demands an even more strategic approach. In my work with over 200+ Middle Tennessee businesses, I’ve learned that the most successful projects start with a clear understanding of how the space will function for your specific business needs.
For commercial properties, ask yourself:
- How will customers and employees use this outdoor space?
- Do I need areas for outdoor dining or employee breaks?
- What’s the expected foot traffic pattern?
- How can landscaping enhance my brand image?
- What are the parking and accessibility requirements?
In the Nashville market, I’ve worked on everything from The Crossings in Spring Hill (Target, Kohl’s) to medical facilities and corporate office buildings. Each project requires understanding not just the aesthetic goals, but the practical business functions the landscape needs to support.
Include All Stakeholders in the Vision
Commercial projects involve multiple decision-makers, and successful landscape design requires input from property managers, business owners, and sometimes tenants. In my experience working with property management companies like Gertner and Property Solutions of Middle Tennessee, the best outcomes happen when we bring everyone to the table early.
Don’t forget about maintenance requirements either. As someone who handles both construction and ongoing maintenance for commercial properties, I always design with long-term care in mind. The most beautiful landscape is worthless if it becomes a maintenance nightmare that strains your property management budget.
Budgeting for Middle Tennessee Commercial Projects
One thing I’ve learned from my development background is that there’s no “standard” commercial landscaping budget. Projects can range from $50,000 for basic office building landscaping to $450,000+ for comprehensive community developments like the ones I’ve completed with Meritage Homes.
The key is understanding what you’re trying to achieve and being realistic about costs. In the Nashville market, consider:
- Will you handle maintenance in-house or hire professionals?
- Which elements provide the biggest ROI for your business type?
- How can you phase the project to spread costs over time?
- What are the municipal requirements for your specific location?
At Noble Landscape Management, we make pricing simple. We start with a comprehensive package that covers 90% of what most commercial properties need, then adjust based on your specific requirements and budget. This approach has worked well for everyone from Walmart to local medical facilities.
Commercial Landscape Design Is a Multi-Phase Investment
Emily’s advice about taking a long-term approach applies even more to commercial projects. In my work with corporate builders, most successful developments are planned in phases over multiple years. This allows you to establish the essential infrastructure first, then add enhancement features as budgets allow.
For example, we might start with basic irrigation and foundation plantings to meet municipal requirements, then add specialty lighting, seasonal color programs, or water features in subsequent phases. This phased approach also lets you see how the space functions before making major additions.
Design Principles That Work in Middle Tennessee
The design principles Emily discusses translate perfectly to commercial applications, but need to be adapted for our regional climate and business environment.
Mass Planting for Maximum Impact and Efficiency
Mass planting isn’t just about aesthetics in commercial settings—it’s about maintenance efficiency. When I design commercial landscapes, I group plants by water and care requirements. This makes it easier for property management teams to maintain consistent appearance while controlling costs.
For Middle Tennessee, I often use mass plantings of native species that can handle our hot summers and occasional drought conditions. This approach has worked particularly well for the larger commercial developments I’ve worked on.
Consistent Plant Palette for Brand Cohesion
For commercial properties, limiting your plant palette serves a dual purpose: it creates visual consistency that reinforces your brand image, and it simplifies maintenance protocols. When you have multiple locations or a large campus, using a consistent plant palette across the property creates a professional, intentional look.
Strategic Color Planning
Commercial color schemes should align with your business brand and consider seasonal interest. In Nashville, I often recommend color palettes that provide year-round appeal rather than focusing on peak bloom periods. This ensures your property always looks professional, regardless of the season.
Working With Municipal Requirements
One advantage I bring to commercial projects is my deep understanding of local municipal requirements. Having worked as a Land Development Manager for 6 years, I know what Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, and other Middle Tennessee municipalities require for landscape compliance.
This experience helps streamline the approval process and ensures your project meets all requirements from day one. Whether it’s buffer plantings, stormwater management, or accessibility compliance, understanding these requirements upfront saves time and money.
Why Choose Local Expertise
When Emily talks about using extension resources, she’s highlighting the value of local knowledge. That same principle applies to choosing your commercial landscaping partner. Large national companies might offer lower bids, but they often lack the local relationships and regulatory knowledge that make projects run smoothly.
At Noble Landscape Management, we’re small enough to be nimble and provide direct access to decision-makers, but large enough to excel at all your property maintenance needs. Having completed over 15,000 properties and worked with top national builders, we bring both local expertise and proven experience to every project.
Our promise is simple: to make the lives of property managers, business owners, and residents easier when it comes to managing their property maintenance. That means showing up on schedule, attention to detail, and providing friendly communication through any challenges that may arise.
Your Next Steps
Ready to transform your commercial property with professional landscape design? The process is straightforward:
- Contact us for a consultation – We’ll discuss your vision, requirements, and budget
- Site evaluation and proposal – We’ll walk your property and create a customized plan
- Professional installation – Our licensed and insured team brings your vision to life
Whether you’re planning a new development or enhancing an existing property, smart commercial landscape design is an investment that pays dividends in property value, customer impression, and operational efficiency. Let’s work together to create a landscape that serves your business goals for years to come.
Contact Noble Landscape Management today:
📞 (615) 323-3128
📧 brandon.crews@noblelandscapemgmt.com
🏢 1226 Lakeview Drive Suite D, Franklin, TN 37067
🌐 www.noblelandscapemgmt.com
Serving Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Columbia, Nashville, and throughout Middle Tennessee with commercial landscaping, property maintenance, and irrigation services.