Large Landscaping Investments

Photo image design services help businesses make prudent landscape investments

The owners of this business planned to invest substantial money in making their parking lot more attractive and secure. They also wanted to improve the look of the building and provide privacy for an adjacent apartment building.

With photo image design they are able to see how my suggestions will look and can weigh aesthetics with cost.. Different fencing and screening options were considered, including aluminum, vinyl inserts in chain link, white vinyl stockade and an arborvitae hedge. Where to use fencing was a primary issue, in terms of convenience, security, maintenance and initial cost.

In the first photo image design, I suggested the use of black aluminum fencing to create an open yet secure feeling for patrons.  The fencing would also allow the owners to lock up the lot in the evening, a concern because their dumpster was being used illegally.  Several gating options were considered.  In the front, along a well-traveled street, a deteriorating raised stone bed needed to be eliminated or repaired.  In the first photo, I’ve suggested refacing the raised bed with pavers, and adding paver pillars to carry the theme, creating rhythm and better defining the space. The selected masonry material reflects the same material used on the building, unifying the design.  Existing rusted metal pillars along a covered walkway on the building would be replaced by the white pillars.  Where needed, I refer clients or contract the services of fencing or lighting.

The large linear footage of aluminum fencing is offset in the first photo image by using an arborvitae hedge. I chose ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae because it grows quickly, reaches a maximum height of twenty feet and maintains its reach green color in the winter.

In the second photo image, I looked at providing a good balance of green with fencing without relying on the arborvitae hedge. The owners didn’t want to worry about maintaining a hedge and wanted to consider a vinyl stockade fence along the parking lot adjacent to the apartment building.  In this case, we discussed fencing in the dumpster to provide security, eliminating the need for a gate to the parking lot.  The fencing and pillars were retained along the main street and corner.  A green border with parking islands was created along the side to provide a feeling of enclosure for patrons.  Here, the plants don’t have to be as large and the budget is reduced.

Although not shown, I work from a plot plan and was able to map out all of the parking spaces (by city code) so that I can create realistic images and choices for the owners.