Living in our high desert climate in Santa Fe, factored with an ongoing drought, high water costs, and increasing concern over environmental impact of human existence, the need to emphasize sustainable landscaping is more important than ever.

Sustainable landscaping is defined as a landscape management program that has developed in response to environmental issues that focuses on reducing waste and environmental impact.

As any commercial property owner or manager knows, maintaining landscaping is a considerable expense. However, costs can easily be minimized by converting to a more xeric, sustainable landscape, without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

 Sustainable landscaping solutions include:

1. Emphasis on native plants or drought tolerant plants

2. Water reuse, such as storm water via rain water catchment systems, bioswales or green roofs.

3. Irrigation audits to identify areas where water could be saved or areas of inefficient water use.

4. Grey water reuse systems

5. Recycling of green waste and composting for reuse to fertilize

6.  Solar powered landscape lighting

7. Reduction of turf areas and/or conversion to hardscaping and gravel.  

We are the commercial landscaping experts in Santa Fe. Our specialty is large commercial properties, office buildings, hotels, banks, malls and other retail establishments. Our clients often ask us what particular items they should consider when enhancing a current landscape, or creating a new one.

1. Focus on the front entrance. This is the first place your customers see when they arrive. Try using brightly colored flowers and unique landscape features, such as water fountain or decorative boulder, to make the front entrance attractive and inviting.

2. Consider a comprehensive theme. It is a good idea to have a theme that will carry on to other current or future commercial locations. This will help brand your business and increase your visibility and ease of recognition. You could also consider a color theme that complements the business logo.

3. Safety as a priority. Low voltage or solar lighting should be used in the front entrance and walk way areas to ensure visibility for customers during those darker afternoons in the winter months.

4. Keep it low maintenance. We always recommend focusing on planting low-water, drought resistance plants for commercial properties. It is also a good idea to avoid overplanting in general. As the plants mature, you may find you didn't need as many installed and things can become crowded.

5. Hardscaping. Using gravel or crusherfine, combined with drought resistant shrubs or perennials is ideal for commercial landscaping in our high desert environment. Lawns are high-maintenance and require lots of water and care to keep them looking nice.