Maximizing ROI: How Mature Plant Material Elevates Commercial Landscape Projects

First impressions matter, especially in commercial landscapes. One of the fastest ways to create instant impact is through the use of mature, landscape-ready trees, shrubs, and evergreens. This blog breaks down the return on investment mature plant material offers to developers, property managers, and landscape architects.

What Defines ‘Mature’ Plant Material?

• Plants with well-developed root systems, caliper sizes beyond 2.5″, and a strong central leader or branching structure.
• The ROI Case for Mature Material
• Immediate aesthetic impact for commercial tenants
• Increased property value and improved leasing timelines
• Reduced vulnerability to vandalism or trampling
• Faster permitting in some urban environments

Did You Know?

According to a Michigan State study, well-landscaped commercial properties can increase perceived value by up to 11%.

Case Studies & Examples

• Retail Shopping Center: Installed 3.5″ caliper shade trees and 7′ hedges = immediate visual completeness.
• Corporate Campus: Used mature screening evergreens = privacy from day one, not year five.

Wholesale Nursery Perspective

• Maintain a catalog of large-caliper inventory.
• Train staff on safe loading and delivery protocols.
• Offer optional installation consulting for large-scale jobs.

Design Implications

• Balance: Larger material anchors a design.
• Symmetry: Mature trees establish rhythm across spaces.
• Time: Reduce lag between installation and full aesthetic maturity.

Installation Best Practices

• Site prep: Larger holes, deeper amendment, drainage.
• Transport: Use tarps, burlap, and anti-desiccants.
• Aftercare: Stake trees, monitor weekly, and avoid overwatering.

Client Communication Tips

• Explain that mature plant costs reflect years of nursery care.
• Offer visuals: renderings or photos of planted vs. immature options.
• Include post-install maintenance plans in contracts.