The Impact of Climate Change on Landscape

Are your properties keeping pace with the shifting climate? As a commercial landscaping professional, you're not just cultivating green spaces; you're managing assets that significantly impact business environments. 

With climate change altering landscapes at an unprecedented rate, understanding these dynamics and adapting strategies is more crucial than ever. How well-prepared is your business to face these environmental challenges?

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The Impact of Climate Change on Lawn Care & Landscapes

1. Increased Heat and Drought Stress

Higher temperatures and erratic rainfall are stressing landscapes, demanding more resilient plant choices and irrigation solutions.

2. Unpredictable Weather Patterns

From sudden cold snaps to prolonged droughts, unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on meticulously maintained commercial landscapes.

3. Proliferation of Pests and Diseases

Warmer temperatures invite a host of pests and diseases that were previously non-issues in cooler regions, potentially endangering the health of plants.

4. Extended Growing Seasons

With climate change, the traditional landscaping calendar is shifting. Plants are blooming earlier, and the growing season is stretching, requiring adjustments in maintenance and care schedules.

Also read: Common Landscaping Mistakes: Things That Can Go Wrong For Your Ops Team During Peak Seasons

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Shifting Expectations for Commercial Landscapers

As the environmental conditions evolve, so do the expectations of property managers and business owners. They are now looking for:

1. Sustainability and Efficiency

There's a growing demand for landscapes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally sustainable and water-efficient.

For instance, as regions like California grapple with frequent droughts, the push for sustainable landscapes is not just preferred but essential. Commercial properties are increasingly adopting xeriscaping—a landscaping method that minimizes water use by utilizing drought-tolerant plants such as Lavender and Agave. 

Similarly, in Texas, there is a shift towards native plants like Texas Lantana or Blue Grama Grass, which thrive in hot conditions and require less water and maintenance. These choices help ensure properties maintain their curb appeal without straining local water supplies. 

These plants provide aesthetic appeal while significantly reducing the need for irrigation, aligning both with environmental regulations and water scarcity realities.

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3. Robustness Against Weather Extremes

Properties need to withstand harsh conditions without frequent and costly interventions.

For instance, Florida’s hurricane season now demands landscapes that can withstand torrential rains and high winds. Property managers are increasingly integrating robust features such as deep-rooted trees that are less likely to topple and rain gardens that help manage sudden heavy rainfall, preventing erosion and waterlogging. 

These features reduce the need for costly post-storm restorations and ensure that the landscape remains intact and functional after severe weather events.

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Adaptive Strategies for Landscaping Professionals Against Climate Change

To thrive in this new climate era, landscaping companies can adopt several forward-thinking strategies:

1. Select Heat-Tolerant Plant Varieties

Opt for species that can thrive in higher temperatures and require less water, such as native plants or those adapted to similar climates.

For instance, plant species like Bermuda Grass or Succulents can thrive in hotter climates and require minimal water. In urban settings, consider Sky Pencil Holly or Crepe Myrtle, which are both attractive and resilient in the face of rising city temperatures.

These plants not only conserve water but also reduce the frequency of maintenance required.

Also read: Gear Up Your Spring Lawn Clean Up

2. Implement Advanced Irrigation Technologies

Incorporate soil moisture sensors that provide real-time feedback on soil conditions, allowing for precise watering that avoids over-irrigation—a common waste of water and financial resources. 

Smart irrigation controllers can be programmed to adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts and evolving seasonal needs. 

For instance, integrating ET (Evapotranspiration) controllers that adjust watering based on weather conditions can significantly cut down water usage in large commercial estates.

3. Introduce Sustainable Practice

Embrace organic mulching, composting, and natural pest control measures to enhance soil health and reduce chemical use.

Composting not only recycles garden waste but also improves soil structure, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. 

Natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or using neem oil sprays, can effectively manage pests without the adverse environmental impacts of synthetic pesticides.

4. Prepare for Extreme Weather

Develop a robust plan for extreme weather events which includes proactive pre-storm inspections, securing potential flying debris, and strategic tree trimming to reduce wind resistance. 

For example, creating windbreaks using trees and shrubs can protect more vulnerable plants and structures from wind damage. 

Post-storm strategies should include prompt debris cleanup and damage assessment to restore the landscape’s safety and functionality rapidly.

5. Educate Clients on Climate Resilient Practices

Offer consultations and workshops to inform property managers about the benefits of sustainable landscaping practices and how they contribute to longer-term property value.

Highlight case studies where resilient landscaping practices have reduced long-term costs and enhanced property values. 

This educational approach not only builds client trust but also encourages the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.

6. Regularly Update Maintenance Protocols

Adjust mowing schedules, fertilization, and aeration based on changing climate conditions to maintain the health and appearance of commercial properties throughout the year.

For instance, in regions experiencing earlier springs, shift the timing of spring cleanup and fertilization to prevent premature plant growth that could be damaged by a late frost. Similarly, extend the care season into late fall if warmer temperatures persist.

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Conclusion

The role of a commercial landscaper is evolving. You are no longer just responsible for property upkeep; you are now frontline responders to climate change, equipped with the knowledge and tools to create resilient, sustainable landscapes that enhance property value and meet the changing demands of the market. 

In this new landscape, being proactive and innovative is key to success.

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FAQs

How does climate affect landforms?

Climate plays a pivotal role in shaping landforms primarily through processes like erosion, sediment deposition, and vegetation growth. For example, increased rainfall can lead to more rapid erosion of soil and rock, altering the physical landscape over time. 

Conversely, arid conditions can slow down these processes but lead to more pronounced effects of wind erosion. In the context of landscaping, understanding these changes is crucial for selecting appropriate soil management and plant stabilization techniques that align with the evolving climate conditions.

What is the relationship between climate and landscape?

The relationship between climate and landscape is deeply interconnected. Climate determines the types of vegetation that can thrive in an area, influences the soil's moisture levels, and impacts the frequency and severity of weather events that can alter the landscape's physical structure. 

For landscapers, recognizing these relationships means adapting their practices to suit the local climate, whether it’s choosing drought-resistant plants for arid regions or implementing drainage solutions in areas prone to heavy rains.

What causes changes to our landscape?

Changes to our landscape are caused by a variety of factors, including natural processes like weathering, erosion, and natural disasters, as well as human activities such as construction, agriculture, and urban development. 

However, climate change is increasingly becoming a significant driver of landscape change, as it affects weather patterns, temperatures, and sea levels, all of which can have profound impacts on the landscape. 

For commercial landscapers, this means continuously adapting to changes such as shifting planting zones, altering pest populations, and changing precipitation patterns, ensuring that their practices are sustainable and effective under new environmental conditions.