In Houston, first impressions are everything — and for commercial properties, curb appeal can make or break occupancy rates. A well-kept exterior doesn’t just look good; it sets the tone for how tenants and customers perceive your entire property.
Unfortunately, many business owners and property managers wait until the grass is dead or weeds are knee-high before making changes. By then, the property has already sent the wrong message to customers and prospective tenants.
Improving Houston commercial property curb appeal isn’t about vanity — it’s about protecting revenue, shortening vacancy periods, and reducing complaints. Here’s how to stop bad curb appeal from silently draining your bottom line.
The Hidden Cost of Neglected Curb Appeal
When you skimp on landscaping, you don’t just save a few dollars — you lose thousands in potential revenue.
The Problem
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Empty units sit vacant longer.
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Customers drive past your property and never return.
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HOA meetings turn into complaint sessions about weeds and dead plants.
Insight
Texas A&M AgriLife research shows well-maintained landscapes can boost perceived property value by up to 15% — that’s money left on the table if your property looks neglected.
Actionable Fixes
1. Get on a Maintenance Schedule
Weekly service during the growing season and biweekly in the winter keeps your property looking sharp year-round. No gaps, no excuses.
2. Keep Entrances Fresh
Refresh entrances with seasonal flowers near signage and walkways — pansies in fall, snapdragons in winter — to create a welcoming, professional look.
3. Stay Ahead of Weeds
Apply pre-emergent twice a year to keep turf and beds clear. Preventing problems is always cheaper (and easier) than fixing them later.
4. Inspect Monthly
Take 15 minutes to walk your property and keep communication open with your landscaper. At Evergreen, we train our crews to proactively spot and report issues — making it easy for you to stay ahead. When choosing a provider, make sure they stand behind their work and act as a true partner in maintaining your property’s image.
How to Choose the Right Grounds Crew for Your Property
A low-cost mowing crew can cost you more in lost tenants, constant rework, and stress.
The Problem
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Crews show up late or skip visits.
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Work quality is inconsistent.
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Communication is nonexistent.
Actionable Fixes
1. Verify Commercial Experience
Residential mowing crews are not set up for multi-acre sites or detailed bed work.
2. Demand Communication
Request photo updates and notes after each visit.
3. Protect Yourself
Verify insurance and licensing before signing.
4. Start With a Trial Month
Evaluate reliability before committing long term.
Local Example:
A Crosby HOA board switched to our service after repeated complaints. Within a season, complaint calls dropped by 90%, and board members had time to focus on other improvements.
High-Impact Upgrades That Pay Off Over Time
Maintenance keeps you steady, but smart upgrades give you leverage — both in appearance and in reducing future maintenance costs.
Actionable Fixes
1. Refresh Mulch & Rock Beds
Annual top-ups keep beds neat and protect plants.
2. Install Cobble Edging
Prevents mulch loss and mower damage.
3. Fix Drainage Issues
Standing water kills turf and creates mosquito problems.
4. Switch to Low-Maintenance Plants
Use hardy natives like dwarf yaupon holly or lantana that thrive in Houston’s climate.
Local Example:
A Humble office park invested in cobble edging and decomposed granite walkways — reducing mulch loss and cutting annual maintenance costs by a considerable amount. The initial investment is a bit higher than mulch but in the longer term it is much more cost effective and unique option fro your property.
Case Study: Houston’s Village Towers — Turning Curb Appeal Into a Selling Point
In Houston, what you see is what you get — and Village Towers, a mixed-use property off the Katy Freeway, saw what bad landscaping was doing to its reputation. After switching landscape providers, the management invested in:
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Relocating plants that had been poorly placed and had grown too large
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Upgrading mulch and bed maintenance schedules
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Tight edging, weekly bed cleanups, and more consistent fertilization and plant health care
Within a single season, the grounds looked polished. Tenants and visitors started commenting. The management reported increased tenant satisfaction and fewer complaints. That property’s curb appeal became a selling point rather than a liability — a perfect example of how the right maintenance plan transforms a property’s value.
FAQ | Commercial Property Curb Appeal
Q: How often should commercial properties be serviced?
Weekly March–October, biweekly in cooler months.
Q: Is upgrading to rock worth the cost?
Yes — lower long-term mulch replacement costs and a polished look that lasts.
Q: Best grass for commercial sites?
St. Augustine for shaded areas, Bermuda for sunny open spaces.
Q: How should I budget?
Plan for 1–2% of property value annually, more if adding seasonal color or upgrades.
Get Your Property Holiday-Ready
We’re currently accepting only a handful of new commercial accounts before year-end.
If you’re ready to turn your property’s curb appeal into an asset that attracts tenants, here’s what we’re offering the next few properties we onboard:
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Preferred rates for our commercial maintenance programs
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Complimentary fertilization on the areas we service during your first cleanup (lawn, beds, or both)
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Priority scheduling for any landscape upgrades or drainage projects you need in 2025
Spots are limited — once they’re filled, we won’t be taking on additional accounts until after the new year.
Next Steps
Ready to see how a professional commercial landscape plan can transform your property?
Visit our Commercial Lawn Care Maintenance page »
We’d love to partner with you and make sure your property is looking its best for the holidays — and beyond.
Related Blog Post: Why our services are a smart investment for your property
External Resource: Texas A&M AgriLife – Property Landscaping Best Practices