How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Commercial Landscapes

In today's world, water conservation is more critical than ever. For commercial landscapers and water managers, implementing innovative water-saving techniques is not only a matter of environmental responsibility but also a smart business decision. This blog post will explore various strategies to help you create sustainable, efficient, and beautiful commercial landscapes. We'll delve into the benefits of smart irrigation systems and introduce you to Smart Rain and their Rainmaker Rewards program.

The Importance of Water Conservation in Commercial Landscapes

Selecting the right plants for commercial landscapes involves considering factors such as care, climate, soil type, water availability, and maintenance requirements. Proper plant selection can lead to significant cost savings, reduced water usage, and enhanced environmental benefits. At Smart Rain, we love to hear about these benefits. Let's go through this guide together, and we hope to provide you with valuable insights for your next project.

Caring for Commercial Landscapes

Commercial landscapes are generally larger in scale and require more extensive planning and resources. The primary goal is to create a professional, welcoming environment that appeals to a broad audience, including clients, employees, and visitors. This necessitates regular, often more intensive maintenance to ensure the property remains attractive and functional.

Climate Considerations

The United States encompasses a wide range of climates, from the arid deserts of the Southwest to the humid subtropical regions of the Southeast. Understanding the local climate is essential for selecting plants that will thrive with minimal intervention.

• Southwest (e.g., Arizona, Nevada): These areas experience hot, dry conditions with minimal rainfall. Drought-tolerant plants such as succulents, cacti, and native grasses are ideal choices.
• Southeast (e.g., Florida, Georgia): These regions have high humidity and frequent rainfall. Plants that thrive in these conditions include ferns, palms, and moisture-loving perennials.
• Northeast (e.g., New York, Massachusetts): This region experiences cold winters and warm summers. Deciduous trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials are suitable for these climates.
• Midwest (e.g., Illinois, Ohio): With its mix of hot summers and cold winters, the Midwest benefits from versatile plants like ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and daylilies.

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Soil Type and Quality

Soil type and quality vary significantly across the United States, affecting plant health and growth. Conducting soil tests can help determine the best plants for a specific location.

• Sandy Soils: Found in coastal areas, sandy soils drain quickly but may lack nutrients. Plants like lavender, yarrow, and sedum are well-suited for these conditions.
• Clay Soils: Common in the Midwest, clay soils retain water but can become compacted. Plants such as asters, black-eyed Susans, and switchgrass thrive in clay soils.
• Loamy Soils: Ideal for most plants, loamy soils are rich in nutrients and have good drainage. Many commercial landscapes benefit from loamy soils, supporting a wide variety of plants.

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Water Availability and Management

Water availability is a critical factor in plant selection, especially in regions prone to drought. Efficient water management practices can help maintain healthy landscapes while conserving water.

• Drought-Prone Areas: In states like California and Texas, selecting drought-tolerant plants is essential. Native plants, succulents, and xeriscaping techniques can significantly reduce water usage.  
• High Rainfall Areas:In regions with abundant rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest, choosing plants that can handle excess moisture is important. Ferns, hostas, and hydrangeas are excellent choices.

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Maintenance Requirements

Low-maintenance plants are ideal for commercial landscapes, reducing the need for frequent care and lowering maintenance costs.

• Perennials: These plants return year after year, reducing the need for replanting. Examples include daylilies, hostas, and peonies.
• Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less water and maintenance. Examples include coneflowers, goldenrod, and milkweed.
• Ground Covers: Ground covers like creeping thyme, vinca, and sedum help suppress weeds and reduce maintenance efforts.

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Statistics and Trends in Landscaping

The landscaping industry in the United States is a significant contributor to the economy, with a market size of approximately $176 billion in 20231. The industry employs nearly 1.3 million people and includes around 642,000 businesses1. Florida, California, and Texas are among the states with the highest number of landscaping businesses1.

Water management is a critical aspect of landscaping, especially in drought-prone areas. Efficient irrigation systems and water-saving practices can lead to substantial cost savings and environmental benefits. For example, implementing smart irrigation systems can reduce water usage by up to 30%2.

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Introducing Smart Rain's Rainmaker Rewards

Smart Rain's Rainmaker Rewards program is designed to help landscapers and water managers optimize their water usage while earning rewards. The program offers:

• Smart Irrigation Systems: Advanced technology that adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs.
• Water Usage Monitoring: Real-time data on water usage, helping identify areas for improvement and potential savings.
• Incentives and Rewards: Earn cash for implementing water-saving practices and receive wholesale pricing on Smart Rain SmartControllers.

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By participating in the Rainmaker Rewards program, landscapers and water managers can enhance their sustainability efforts, reduce water costs, contribute to a healthier environment, and earn some extra cash.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right plants for commercial landscapes involves understanding local climate, soil type, water availability, and maintenance requirements. By making informed decisions, landscapers and water managers can create beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance landscapes. Additionally, leveraging programs like Smart Rain's Rainmaker Rewards can further optimize water management practices and provide valuable incentives.