5 Steps To Great Curb Appeal With Urban Landscaping

Have you ever walked by a business that has dead, brittle evergreens or even no plants at all? Did it make you want to step inside that building? I'm guessing not. On the other hand, have you ever turned the corner and been wowed by statement tropical palms in designer containers, overflowing with gorgeous blooms? It's that kind of experience outside that makes patrons interested in seeing what's inside a business.

This can especially be the case for hotels and restaurants in large cities. When potential patrons walk by or arrive for the first time, what your building says on the outside is the first impression they get and, in many cases, it affects their experience on the inside. Think about what you want that first impression to be and design your curb appeal around it. Maybe you want your guests to feel at-home, or maybe you want them to feel decisively NOT at-home. Perhaps you want guests to feel secure or maybe just relaxed.

If you don't know where to start or don't have a green thumb yourself, don't worry, there is plenty of help out there. Here are five steps to get you moving on the road to great curb appeal:

1. Create symmetry - when it comes to design, symmetry is not only pleasing to the eye, but it's easy to arrange. Try flanking your entrance with matching urns.

2. Window boxes - there is nothing more fresh and quaint than an overflowing window box. Mix and match flowers and plants to create a unique look that can be changed with the seasons.

3. Renew planter beds - prune specimen trees and bushes, pull weeds, and add color! Seasonal elements like pansies and metal butterflies in the spring or crotons and gourds in the fall not only look beautiful but also make people feel "at-home."

4. Add art - curb appeal doesn't stop at horticulture. Add a stunning piece of sculpture to your display to create visual interest and contrast. And don't forget that the containers you choose are art in themselves.

5. Hire a professional - most horticultural and landscaping companies will come out to your site and provide a free quote. Make sure to select one that keeps your budget in mind along with a design that will allow your business to stand out from the crowd.

Just remember that the same effort put into the inside of your business should also be spent on the outside. Use urban landscaping to make visiting your hotel, restaurant, retail store, or law office an experience from the first moment. As they say, "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression."

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