As the old saying goes, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover—but when it comes to buildings, that’s exactly what people are doing. Your landscape is part of the cover of your building, and having grounds that are out of control sends a message that your building is mismanaged in other ways.
At the 2026 BOMA International Conference & Expo, vendors shared these three tips on putting your best foot forward with your building’s landscaping.
1. Manage Your Expectations
Your landscaping team should help you make the most of your landscaping budget, but if you’re in a state hit by droughts, there’s only so much they can do. Work with your landscaping team to determine what’s realistic given your area’s weather conditions, advised Donald Lucy, account director for integrated facilities management for PRIDE Industries, a nonprofit.
“If you invest in drought-resistant plants, that will save on utilities,” Lucy added. “There are things you can do to make your grounds look good while also saving money and resources.”
2. Work Closely with Your Landscaping Company
Property managers have a lot on their plates, but landscaping is not a service to sleep on. Finding a trustworthy landscaping provider is important because the right vendor will guide you with good, practical advice while helping you achieve your own goals for the property, said AJ Ferrer, branch manager for LandCare.
“Communication goes a long way,” Ferrer said. “Landscaping, like every vendor, is a partnership and a two-way street. You have to know that you’re being heard, and we have to know we’re guiding our clients correctly. Successful landscapes are accomplished with good partnerships.”
Not every company is a good fit for every building, added Jeff Huber, national business developer and manager for Davey Tree Expert Company. Property professionals need to find the best match, not the first or cheapest one.
“Developing a relationship with a trusted arborist you feel comfortable with is going to help you,” added Michael Spaulding, regional business developer for Davey. “They’re going to be advisors, not salespeople. They’re going to see the problems around your property that you can’t because your busy with other maintenance.”
3. Look Into Efficient Technologies and Strategies
Some older properties use sprinklers to irrigate, but sprinklers can be inefficient and waste water—an especially important consideration in drought-impacted areas, said Mario Quiroz, CEO of GQ Landscape Care. Quiroz recommends switching to drip irrigation, which is more efficient and provides better coverage for the plants. Drought-tolerant landscaping is also key.
“Find someone you can work with who will walk you through a long-term plan to work at it little by little,” Quiroz suggested. “That way, it’s not so much at once.”
