As a facility manager of a college or university landscape, you have a lot to worry about.
From interior building issues to working with different teams on your property, it’s easy for the outdoors to fall to the bottom of your to-do list.
But a well-maintained college campus with powerful pops of landscape color can improve a university’s student appeal, raising enrollment numbers, while improving students’ attention and grades, enhancing safety, and projecting a quality brand and reputation.
For the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio, creative solutions to their problems and proactive thinking enabled them to find a commercial landscaping partner to handle their outdoor tasks, keeping the property looking great and ready for students, faculty, and visitors at all times.
Commercial Landscaping Challenges
When it comes to campus grounds maintenance, you want a proactive approach that includes everything your property could benefit from.
At the same time, you want a company that is thinking about solutions that will help your property instead of just offering you cookie-cutter services or things you don’t need.
The Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine was looking for full grounds maintenance, so they didn’t have to think about regular exterior upkeep; snow and ice management for safe passage for all moving about on their property during winter months; and landscape enhancement suggestions and solutions.
They wanted to work with a commercial landscape company in Northeast Ohio that they wouldn’t have to micromanage or one that would cause them to worry about when they would show up or if they would show up if they needed them or during nasty snow storms.
Kent State University Landscaping Solutions
Turfscape wanted to offer a campus maintenance program for the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine that would satisfy what they needed, as well as go beyond that for this important client.
This college facility is situated on 27 acres, including a 137,000-square-foot Georgian building, which includes three, 150-seat lecture halls, high-tech anatomy, histology/microbiology, surgical, skills, podiatric medical skills, radiology, research, and computer labs, as well as indoor/outdoor recreation facilities. The Cleveland Foot and Ankle Institute and local satellite clinics, all operated by the college, provide a solid base for clinical education while providing excellent podiatric care to the community.
The college is based in Independence, Ohio, which is a quaint, historic town nestled in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley located just 8 miles south of downtown Cleveland.
In 2016, the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine celebrated its 100th year.
So the university has a long and vibrant history and reputation to maintain in the area, and they needed commercial landscaping to match.
1. No Micromanagement Necessary
Turfscape crew members provide this Kent State campus with a full-service grounds maintenance program that includes lawn care, mowing/maintenance, trash patrol, spring and fall cleanup, and regular pruning, as well as seasonal color boosts and enhancements.
For the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, their campus exterior is no longer a concern now that Turfscape is involved with their commercial landscaping.
Turfscape professionals built a level of trust with the facility manager, so he doesn’t have to worry about whether or not the snow contractor is going to show up in the middle of the night during a storm or the seasonal color will be impactful and maintained to look fresh throughout the season.
Turfscape crew members spend time on the site, getting to know how vehicle and pedestrian traffic moves, what areas need enhanced safety and security, and what sections need improvement. They do their homework so they can alert the facility manager to issues and become experts on their client’s landscape.
This also helps them remain sensitive to the timing of various events on your property, as well as regular classes, meetings and busy times. As such, Turfscape crews turn off equipment when large groups are passing by, clean off mowed areas and ensure the campus remains tidy during and after maintenance tasks.
2. A Partner; Not Just a Vendor
Turfscape believes your professional landscape team should become an extension of your university staff.
Your campus involves constant movement from vehicles and pedestrians throughout the day, so having landscape crew members that take the time to learn how you operate and what you need is important.
The reason the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine chose Turfscape as their landscaping partner in 2011 is because they built a relationship that is something more than just that of a landscape contractor and university. It’s a relationship between people where you know each other on a deeper level than just surface -- better understanding needs and pain points.
Relationships are built on communication. Turfscape professionals take the time to get to know the client personally during the bidding process and then on a regular basis, as well as professionally, to ensure the needs of the property are being met.
They also meet with the client quarterly about Kent State University landscaping to review top tasks and discuss any necessary changes.
3. Being Proactive, Not Reactive
The professional commercial landscaping crew members who perform work on your campus are the most essential parts of keeping your college looking good, positively boosting your image and enrollment, and proactively meeting your demands.
This means they suggest improvements within your budget restraints before you even have a chance to think about them.
Turfscape’s partnership with this Kent State college emphasizes this proactive approach. This makes the facility manager’s job and life a lot easier because he doesn’t have to worry about his grounds.
When it comes to special events coming up like a graduation or alumni event, Turfscape helps get the grounds ready in advance to give the college that polished look for the extra traffic and eyeballs that will be on the property.
A Powerful Professional Connection for Your College Landscaping
Just like the students at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, your current and potential students are taking notice of your college or university grounds.
As such, you don’t want to miss out on providing commercial landscaping in Northeast Ohio that can keep your school landscaping fresh.
But you have a lot on your plate, and you don’t have time to micromanage a landscape company or worry about whether your facility is being neglected by the service provider you choose.
We understand. You’re busy and your time is valuable. Let Turfscape help. We can discuss your priorities and build a relationship of trust with you so you feel like we’re really listening to you and your needs. We can proactively share impactful ideas with you to boost areas of your property that you didn’t even know needed attention.
Want to learn more about our commercial landscaping services in Northeast Ohio? Get started today with a free quote. We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice.