FEBRUARY 2025CONSTRUCTIONBUSINESSREVIEW.COM 19Multifunctional spaces are becoming a defining trend in commercial landscapes, extending indoor spaces beyond decoration. Businesses are maximizing the utility of their landscapes, including outdoor meeting areas, recreational zones, dining areas, and event venues. This trend reflects changes in people's interactions with their environments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contractors are designing landscapes that promote engagement, relaxation, and productivity to cater to evolving business and customer needs.Resilience has become a crucial consideration in commercial landscape construction. With climate change introducing new challenges, such as extreme weather events and shifting environmental conditions, landscapes must be designed to endure and adapt. Storm-resistant vegetation, erosion control measures, and durable hardscape materials are becoming standard project features. Landscape professionals also incorporate flexible designs that can be modified as conditions change, ensuring long-term value and usability for their clients.The industry has also witnessed rapid growth in urban areas, where commercial properties increasingly prefer green spaces to make them more attractive and functional. Urban landscaping projects often present challenges such as limited space, complex zoning regulations, and high land costs. In response, contractors are developing innovative solutions such as vertical gardens, rooftop landscapes, and pocket parks. These projects beautify urban areas and provide critical environmental and social benefits, including improved mental health, increased biodiversity, and enhanced property values.Despite the promising future, the commercial landscape construction industry has challenges. Labor shortages have become one issue plaguing this industry because demand for skilled professionals far outweighs supply. Companies spend on workforce development initiatives and training programs to attract and retain talent. Automation and robotics are also considered solutions to labor gaps, especially in repetitive tasks like planting and paving.Material shortages and price volatility leave contractors in limbo but present more challenges for supply chain disruptions. Companies mainly deal with these risks by sourcing locally, finding alternative products, and using just-in-time inventory. Sustainability concerns have also shaped the selection of materials, especially for softscapes and hardscapes, as recycled and renewable options are popular.Consumer preferences are the new growth opportunities, as businesses understand the importance of outdoor spaces in attracting customers and brand identity. Good landscaping has become critical in creating memorable experiences for visitors and influencing how they perceive and interact with a business. Whether it's a retail plaza, corporate campus, or hospitality venue, the design and execution of outdoor spaces are a key differentiator for businesses to stand out. The rising interest in wellness-focused environments has amplified the demand for thoughtful, people-centric landscape designs.The global construction industry is driving demand from emerging markets for commercial landscape construction, with mature markets focusing on retrofitting and upgrading existing spaces. However, regional climate, culture, and regulatory frameworks necessitate that contractors align their strategies with diverse client requirements and coordinate with local stakeholders like architects, engineers, and urban planners.The commercial landscape construction industry is evolving with a focus on sustainability and innovative technologies. As urban areas grow and outdoor spaces become more valued, these professionals will play a key role in shaping greener environments for the future.
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