Sustainable Landscape Design That Make Outdoor Spaces Great

Tips for Creating a Sustainable Landscape That Everyone Will Love

As a property owner or manager, you know the importance of making your office building or property more than just a place to clock in and out—it should be an environment where people can do their best work, collaborate, and enjoy spending time in. Sustainability plays a key role in achieving this by creating outdoor spaces that are not only inviting but also environmentally responsible.

Gone are the days of lifeless office spaces lined with white walls and popcorn ceilings. Employees expect more—they want a workplace with optionality and vibrancy, being able to switch their environment from an indoor office to an outdoor space whenever they choose. A well-designed, sustainable outdoor landscape can do just that by giving tenants and their employees additional spaces to relax, collaborate, recharge, and enhance their overall productivity and well-being.

Sustainable Landscape Design - Sperber Companies

MARQUETTE COMMONS

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Why Sustainable Landscaping Matters

Sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s a responsible approach to landscaping that balances aesthetics, functionality, and environmental stewardship. Sustainable outdoor spaces can improve employee satisfaction, enhance property value, and contribute to a healthier planet. By incorporating eco-friendly practices into your landscape design, you create spaces that look great and support the well-being of those who use them and the environment as a whole.

Creating Outdoor Spaces Employees Will Love

Quality landscaping goes far beyond curb appeal. Tenants, guests, and their employees desire environments that promote the following:

Well-being and relaxation
A well-designed and sustainable landscape fosters rest and clarity, allowing space for employees to step outside, breathe fresh air, and unwind. Natural elements like lush greenery, healthy trees, colorful flowers, and water features create a calming environment that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation.
Break from the office
Thoughtful and eco-conscious design choices, such as a peaceful garden corner, inviting outdoor workstations, and casual gathering spaces, make these outdoor areas perfect for productivity or relaxation. Using native plants and efficient irrigation systems ensures these spaces remain beautiful and sustainable year-round.
Creativity and productivity
Studies show that spending time in green spaces improves focus, creativity, and productivity. Whether a quick walk through a landscaped garden or taking a moment under a large tree canopy, these brief escapes can lead to enhanced focus, stronger collaboration, and more efficient work performance.

Understanding how tenants and employees envision outdoor spaces is key. Would they prefer private, quiet areas or dynamic social spaces? Consider running a poll to gain insights and tailor the design to their needs.

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS PARK

Irvine, California

Sustainable Landscaping Elements to Transform Your Outdoor Space

Here are some tips to help you create a space that employees and guests will love:

Choose native plants
Native plants are perfectly adapted to the local climate and soil, which means they thrive with minimal care. They typically require less water and are more resistant to local pests and diseases. This makes them a sustainable choice for creating lush, thriving landscapes that are cost-effective to maintain.
Incorporate mulch creatively
Mulch isn’t just practical—it can be a design element too. Explore various textures, colors, and styles of mulch to create visually striking flower beds and walkways. Mulch also helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed growth, making it both beautiful and sustainable.
Plant trees for shade and energy savings
Trees are more than just decorative—they’re functional. Strategically placed trees can provide natural shade, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs by up to 30%. They also improve air quality, enhance biodiversity, and create inviting spaces for employees to gather or recharge.
Design for water conservation
Use efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation to minimize water waste. Group plants with similar watering needs together to maximize efficiency. Consider incorporating rain gardens or permeable paving to manage stormwater and reduce runoff.
Embrace hardscape elements
Sustainable landscaping isn’t just about greenery. Incorporate hardscape features like stone pathways, recycled material benches, and durable patio furniture to create versatile spaces. These elements require little maintenance and can anchor your outdoor areas, making them usable year-round.

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL CORPORATE CAMPUS

Franklin, Wisconsin

Partnering with Sperber means combining innovation, sustainability, and creativity to design and maintain outdoor spaces that employees and visitors will love. Our expertise in sustainable landscape management and water conservation strategies ensures that your property’s outdoor areas remain beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Are you ready to elevate your property’s outdoor experience? Contact Sperber today and let’s create something extraordinary.