How Landscaping Impacts Tenant Retention
When it comes to tenant retention, commercial property owners often focus on rent structures, amenities, and location. But one often-overlooked factor—landscaping—can have a significant impact on how tenants perceive, experience, and commit to a property.
At Pinnacle Properties, we’ve seen firsthand how well-designed and well-maintained landscapes improve satisfaction, boost property value, and keep tenants renewing their leases year after year. In today’s competitive market, curb appeal isn’t just about looks—it’s about loyalty.
First Impressions Become Long-Term Impressions
Landscaping is often the first touchpoint for a commercial property—whether it’s a retail plaza, office park, or apartment complex. Studies have shown that people form an impression of a space within the first seven seconds, and that visual appeal plays a key role in shaping that judgment.
“Tenants want to be proud of where they work or live,” says a senior property manager we’ve worked with in Burlington. “If a property looks neglected from the outside, they assume it’s the same inside—and that the landlord doesn’t care.”
In contrast, clean walkways, healthy lawns, seasonal plantings, and tidy beds signal care, stability, and professionalism—key values that influence whether tenants stay long-term.
The Link Between Green Space and Satisfaction
According to a 2022 survey by the National Apartment Association, 48% of tenants said that access to attractive outdoor spaces played a significant role in their decision to renew a lease. Among office tenants, green space has been linked to lower stress levels, greater productivity, and stronger employee morale.
Key findings from recent studies:
Properties with attractive landscaping see up to 10% higher tenant satisfaction scores
Landscaped office campuses report longer average lease terms and reduced vacancy
Access to outdoor areas increases tenant-reported well-being and engagement
In other words, landscaping isn’t just decoration—it’s part of your tenant experience strategy. Our landscape maintenance services ensure your property remains tenant-friendly year-round.
Real-World Impact: Commercial Client in Williston, VT
One example is a recent patio and garden installation Pinnacle Properties completed at Town Place Suites in Williston. By transforming an unused outdoor area into a welcoming green space with native plants, shade features, and professional hardscaping, the client saw a noticeable increase in guest satisfaction ratings—and a stronger relationship with their long-term tenants.
See how our recent patio and garden installation in Williston helped boost tenant satisfaction.
Preventing Vacancy Starts with Perception
In commercial real estate, perception is reality. A neglected landscape can lead tenants to assume deeper maintenance issues, creating doubt around long-term satisfaction. Over time, this leads to turnover—which comes with high costs: loss of rent, marketing, cleaning, and operational downtime.
On the other hand, properties with pristine grounds:
Show reliability and investment in upkeep
Improve tenant morale and safety
Justify higher lease renewal rates
These effects are magnified when tenants bring their own clients, customers, or employees on-site.
What Property Owners Can Do
At Pinnacle Properties, we help Vermont property owners implement and maintain tenant-friendly landscape strategies that increase lease renewal rates and decrease churn. These include:
Routine Maintenance: Cleanups, mowing, seasonal pruning, and weeding
Curb Appeal Boosts: Entryway beds, signage plantings, and flowering shrubs
Tenant-Specific Upgrades: Outdoor seating areas, raised beds, or small gardens
Sustainable Practices: Native plantings and efficient irrigation for long-term health
Final Thought: A Small Investment with Big Returns
Tenant expectations have evolved—and landscaping plays a larger role than ever in their experience of your property. Investing in thoughtful design and reliable maintenance isn't just good stewardship—it's a smart strategy to maximize ROI.
Want to improve your tenant satisfaction and lease renewals? Let’s talk about how Pinnacle can help.
Call (802) 658‑0809 or Contact Us for a free consultation today.