Landscape Maintenance

Planning Your Landscaping Budget: A Guide for Property Managers in DFW

As a property manager in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, one of your biggest responsibilities is maintaining your property’s landscape. Whether it’s a commercial office park or a multifamily residential complex, a well-maintained landscape can significantly enhance the property’s appeal and value. But how do you go about planning an effective landscaping budget that balances maintenance with the occasional upgrade? Southern Botanical’s commercial account managers offer some insights that will help guide you through the budgeting process.

Key Factors to Consider When Planning Your Landscaping Budget

One of the first things to consider when planning your landscape budget is the size and complexity of the property. Larger properties naturally require more time, labor, and materials, driving up costs. Complex landscapes, especially those with elaborate designs or difficult terrain, will also demand a higher budget for maintenance and potential upgrades.

Labor and Irrigation Costs

Labor costs are a significant portion of your landscaping budget and can fluctuate depending on market conditions. According to Allison Jackson, a commercial account manager at Southern Botanical, this is an important consideration because it can directly impact your overall budget.

That said, irrigation systems are just as critical. “A well-designed irrigation system can help plants thrive, save you money, and keep your landscape in top shape,” Allison notes. The long-term benefits of investing in efficient irrigation, such as SmartLink Weathermatic systems, can save both water and labor costs by automatically adjusting to weather conditions, a must during hot Texas summers.

Additionally, material costs tend to increase annually, so budgeting for materials like plants, mulch, and fertilizers is essential to avoid surprise expenses.

Prioritizing Maintenance Over Wish List Items

When working with a landscaping company like Southern Botanical, it’s important to prioritize your property’s ongoing maintenance needs before considering upgrades or enhancements.

“We typically line out all contract services first,” says Allison. “Then, we consider annually billed items and factor in upgrades or wish-list projects after that.”

By taking care of the basics—such as lawn mowing, irrigation checks, agronomy, and tree care—you ensure that your property’s needs are covered year-round. Only after these essential services are accounted for should you consider upgrades that could enhance your property’s visual appeal or make maintenance more efficient.

Common Mistakes Property Managers Make

One of the most common mistakes property managers make when planning their landscaping budget is failing to include their account manager in early budget conversations.

“This is a partnership,” says Southern Botanical account manager Seth Jackson. “We treat your property with the best intentions because if your property looks great, we look great. Don’t hesitate to involve us in budget planning—we’re here to help.”

This collaborative approach ensures that both the property’s immediate and long-term needs are met within budget constraints. Another frequent oversight is not rolling annual billable items, such as tree care or seasonal plantings, into the contract renewal.

By building these services into the contract, you lessen the administrative burden of tracking multiple invoices and creating purchase orders throughout the year. It also gives you a peace of mind in knowing exactly what to expect out of your landscaper when it is all laid out in the contract from the start. All guesswork is removed.

Balancing Maintenance and Enhancements

Many property managers struggle with the challenge of balancing routine maintenance (like mowing and tree pruning) with optional upgrades (like adding new flower beds or redesigning an area). The key is to view enhancements as a way to make future maintenance easier.

“By addressing annual needs and incorporating upgrades, it helps balance the workload and ensures that maintenance runs smoothly,” says Allison Jackson.

For example, upgrading your irrigation system or installing mulch beds can reduce the amount of labor required in the future while also boosting the property’s overall appearance.

Preparing for the Unexpected

North Texas is no stranger to extreme weather, which can lead to unexpected repairs that can quickly add up. “We recommend building a rainy day fund into your landscaping budget,” says Seth Jackson. “Storm damage and emergency repairs will happen sooner or later, so it’s best to be prepared.”

Southern Botanical offers proactive services, such as regular tree pruning and irrigation system checks, to help mitigate the damage from storms or seasonal wear and tear. These preventative measures can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your landscape remains beautiful year-round.

Adjusting the Budget Over Time

Landscaping budgets are not static; they evolve as your property matures. Southern Botanical works closely with property managers to adjust their budgets over time, taking into account changes in the landscape or new goals for the property.

“We review budgets annually and adjust service lines as needed,” says Seth Jackson. “Walking the property regularly with your account manager is critical. Our most successful properties are those with managers who are fully engaged on these site walks.”

Industry Innovations to Consider

As you plan next year’s budget, keep an eye on industry trends that could save you money in the long run. One of the most impactful innovations is smart irrigation systems. “If you don’t have SmartLink Weathermatic irrigation on your property, you need to!” says Allison Jackson. These systems can significantly reduce water waste by allowing account managers to adjust irrigation settings remotely based on weather conditions, ensuring your landscape gets the right amount of water without overuse.

Partnering with Southern Botanical: The Benefits

Budgeting for landscape services doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By partnering with Southern Botanical, you gain access to a team of experts who can guide you through every step of the process, from prioritizing essential services to planning for upgrades.

Takeaways for Property Managers:

  • Prioritize routine maintenance services such as irrigation checks, agronomy, and tree care to keep your property in top shape.
  • Involve your Southern Botanical account manager early in the budgeting process to create a more accurate and sustainable plan.
  • Build a rainy day fund into your budget for unexpected repairs.
  • Consider industry innovations like smart irrigation to reduce long-term costs.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your property’s landscaping needs efficiently and effectively, no matter what the year brings. Southern Botanical’s commitment to proactive service and ongoing partnership ensures that your property will always look its best, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. Reach out today for a free consultation