Commercial landscaping has become a very hot prospect as more and more companies owning land want to prove they’re treating the environment well. There’s also more choice for contractors, and it’s mostly down to the tools and products available and the tech used to deliver them.
The challenge, as ever, is figuring out which products are worth the investment. There’s no shortage of options out there, and plenty of them promise great things and a hugely revolutionary alternative, but they might not deliver. When you need to structure a green space that lasts, you need that reliability, so you can barely afford to risk lesser quality without good research.
As such, this list focuses on five products that have proven themselves across commercial projects throughout the country. They’ve also been tested in different climates, on different scales, and by contractors who absolutely know what they need. Check our suggestions below:
Polymade – Best For Custom Planter Solutions
Polymade has managed to solve a problem that’s frustrated contractors for years, and that’s how to get custom planters made without waiting forever for someone to mold them. That’s because their process doesn’t use molds, which means they can build planters to any shape, size, or curve you specify and deliver them quickly and with great quality.
This flexibility is helpful because most planter manufacturers are limited by what they’ve already got in stock, and as every landscaping effort is different, you may find yourself coming up short. Landscapers have said that Polymade is much easier to deal with because the custom fit is always managed easily.
The material they use is also worth mentioning, as their planters are built with a polyurea shell and an insulated core, which keeps the weight under 6 pounds per cubic foot. That’s so much lighter than concrete or fiberglass, so shipping costs are much less and installation is easier, saving you time and money. You won’t need heavy equipment or large crews to position them, thanks to that.
Moreover, experts recognize that the core design protects roots from temperature changes, reducing plant loss and cutting down on watering needs over time. The manufacturer rates the shell for temperatures from -30°F to 150°F, ensuring it won’t crack even in extreme weather.
Rain Bird—Best For Commercial Sprinkler Systems
Rain Bird has been a big name in irrigation for quite some time because their commercial sprinkler systems can easily handle large properties and run reliably. Their product line includes rotors and spray heads, but also control systems and valves, so if needed, you can find an entire irrigation setup from one manufacturer if that’s easier for your ordering process.
Their IQ4 controllers have become popular because they let you manage watering schedules remotely through a cloud-based platform. That means you have fewer site visits to adjust settings, which saves time if you’re managing multiple properties, even if you have strong maintenance clauses with them. The system also pulls in local weather data to help it determine when to irrigate and when not to, so you’re not flooding any of the landscaping you worked hard on.
NDS—Best For Drainage Solutions
NDS makes drainage products that handle water management on commercial sites, and if you’ve dealt with pooling or runoff issues, you’ve probably used their products. They design, manufacture, and sell catch basins, channel drains, and grates that manage water in parking areas, walkways, and landscaped spaces.
They’re helpful because the systems install pretty quickly compared to building custom drainage from scratch. The components are modular as well, so you can piece them together based on what the site needs. NDS also makes their grates in different load ratings, so you can use lighter ones for pedestrian areas and heavier ones where vehicles will drive over them.
Their polyolefin materials also hold up well, as they won’t rust or corrode like metal drainage systems do, which means you’re not replacing them every few years. If your client cares about keeping maintenance costs down, that’s worth pointing out to them.
Valmont Industries—Best For Site Lighting
Valmont Industries designs and manufactures durable lighting poles and fixtures for commercial properties where visibility and safety are essential. They also offer LED options that cut down on energy costs, which clients tend to appreciate when they see the utility bills later on.
Engineers design the poles to handle wind loads and harsh weather, making them a good fit for areas with rough winters or high winds. Valmont also does custom fabrication if a project needs specific heights or finishes that aren’t in their standard catalog. You can work alongside the commercial builders and focus on their placement, and then you can plan your landscaping.
Their lighting systems work with smart controls too, so you can set up schedules or motion sensors that adjust based on what’s happening on site. Automation of that nature will save clients money and means clients won’t need to call you back to tweak settings manually. You can also present this as a positive in your wider contracting plan.
John Deere—Best For Landscape Machinery
John Deere makes commercial mowers and landscape machinery that most contractors have used at some point. They build their equipment for daily use on large properties, and they’ve got a reputation for holding up over time, which matters if you’re running a crew that needs reliable tools. They also manage many focused products for landscapers, particularly.
For example, their zero-turn mowers are popular because they’re easy to work with and can handle different terrain types. John Deere also makes compact tractors and utility vehicles that work well for hauling materials or managing larger landscape installations, where you may have a wide set of management needs.
The dealer network is solid, too, so if something breaks or you need parts, you can usually get them quickly.
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With this advice, we believe you’ll find the exact commercial landscaping brand for your needs.