Getting the Most Out of Landscaping Maintenance Checklists

Effective landscaping maintenance is essential. It helps improve outdoor aesthetics and functionality. Whether it’s a campus, park, or corporate grounds, a well-maintained landscape enhances stakeholders’ experience while promoting safety and sustainability.

Landscaping maintenance checklists provide institutions with a reference for completing a comprehensive facility management plan. In this article, we’ll detail landscaping maintenance best practices, what to include in your checklists, and a few templates your facility teams can use. 

The importance of landscaping maintenance

Good landscaping’s effects are often subtle, but its impact cannot be understated. It’s often cited as a dependable way to lower costs, improve business outcomes, and create a sense of well-being for staff and patrons. 

Landscaping increases positive mental health outcomes. Quality landscape design can increase stakeholder satisfaction. Here are a few more benefits: 

Cost savings 

Every business or public building is landscaped. Effective landscaping maintenance prevents costly asset replacements. 

Additionally, energy-efficient landscaping, like strategic tree planting to provide shade, can reduce energy costs by keeping buildings cooler.

Enhanced employee well-being and productivity 

Landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about creating a pleasant environment that can boost employee morale and productivity. 

Green spaces and well-maintained landscapes reduce stress and promote mental clarity. Studies show employees who work in environments with natural elements are more satisfied, more productive, and less likely to experience burnout.

Improved safety and accessibility

Well-maintained landscapes are safer and more accessible. Regular upkeep prevents overgrowth, which can obscure walkways and create tripping hazards. Properly lit pathways, clear signage, and regularly maintained outdoor areas reduce accidents and injuries.

Positive community and patron perception

A well-maintained landscape can significantly improve a business’s brand perception. It creates a welcoming atmosphere. This positive perception can lead to stronger community ties and increased loyalty.

What to include in your landscaping maintenance checklists

Creating comprehensive landscaping maintenance checklists ensures that no detail is overlooked. Here are the key elements to include:

General landscaping maintenance checklists

Landscaping equipment checklists

Ensure that your team keeps landscaping maintenance equipment in top working order with this daily checklist.

How facilities software aids landscaping maintenance 

Facilities maintenance software is critical for landscaping maintenance tasks. These solutions make it easier for facility managers to keep outdoor spaces in top condition. Here’s how:

Centralized task management

Facilities maintenance software allows you to centralize all landscaping tasks in one platform. This means that daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks are organized, assigned, and tracked efficiently. The software enables customized checklists for your team. By having all tasks in one place, managers can easily monitor progress, assign responsibilities, and adjust schedules as needed.

Improved scheduling and planning

The software allows users to schedule recurring tasks, such as mowing, pruning, and irrigation checks. This proactive approach helps prevent deferred maintenance and ensures that your work is carried out on time.

Enhanced communication and collaboration

Facilities maintenance software fosters better communication and collaboration among your maintenance team. With features like real-time updates, notifications, and mobile access, team members can stay informed about their tasks, report issues, and communicate with each other, no matter where they are. 

Data-driven decision making

The software provides valuable data and insights into your landscaping maintenance activities. By tracking task completion, equipment usage, and maintenance costs, you can identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and make informed decisions about your landscaping strategies. 

Efficient resource management

Managing resources efficiently is key to successful landscaping maintenance. Facilities maintenance software helps you track and manage your resources, including equipment, materials, and labor. You can monitor the usage and condition of your landscaping equipment, schedule maintenance, and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Additionally, the software helps you manage your inventory of materials like mulch, fertilizer, and plants, ensuring you always have what you need on hand.

Compliance and reporting

Maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations is critical in landscaping maintenance. Facilities maintenance software helps ensure that your maintenance activities comply with relevant regulations by providing standardized checklists and protocols. The software can also generate reports on maintenance activities, helping you demonstrate compliance and make data-backed decisions to improve your landscaping practices.

Cost reduction 

Facilities maintenance software provides tools to track costs, labor hours, and resource usage. These features allow users to increase department efficiency and reduce costs. 

Using FMX for landscaping maintenance  

FMX’s maintenance software can help ensure the perfect maintenance of your buildings and grounds by providing you with the tools necessary to do the job right. 

• Leverage work order management tools to route maintenance technicians to the right building at the right time, increasing efficiency and creating complete oversight 

• Schedule preventive maintenance by time-based or meter-based routine maintenance to stay on top of weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual tasks

• Schedule recurring groundskeeping or landscaping tasks and track associated labor costs