Landscaping Ideas for Business Signs

If you manage a commercial property, chances are there’s a sign out there somewhere under your care.

But does anybody notice it?

Not if it’s dragged down by straggly grass, faded mulch, and outdated junipers from a decade or two ago.

Your signage is often the first impression visitors get of your business. If it’s surrounded by a welcoming landscape — fresh flowers, lush greenery, maybe even a water feature — people are far more likely to take notice and step inside.

What Will Draw the Most Attention to My Sign?

Bright, vibrant colors are always a good choice. Flowers in vivid purples, pinks, and reds naturally grab the eye. Dwarf crape myrtles, for example, stay compact but deliver a full, colorful look.

The ground cover you choose makes a difference, too. Decorative stone creates a modern, updated appearance and provides more impact than faded mulch or plain black rock. A European-style design with pockets of plants surrounded by stone adds depth and interest.

Why Change the Landscaping Twice a Year?

Flowering annuals aren’t meant to last a full year. Seasonal rotation — fresh flowers in the spring and summer, followed by fall plantings — keeps your signage landscaping looking vibrant and inviting all year long.

How Can My Signage Look Great in Winter?

Winter in North Carolina may be short, but it’s often gray and drab. Choosing background plants that stay green year-round, like hollies, keeps your sign appealing even during the colder months. In spring, bulbs such as daffodils and tulips bring cheerful pops of color that signal the season’s arrival.

Why Can’t You Plant My Favorite Plants by My Sign?

Not every plant is suited to every environment. Sunlight, water, soil type, and irrigation all play a role in whether plants will thrive. While your favorite flower might not be ideal for your sign’s location, there are usually alternative varieties in similar colors or styles that will flourish under the conditions.

What Are the Best Plants to Use Around Signage?

The right plants should attract attention without overwhelming your sign. Good options include:

• Loropetalum — With vibrant purple leaves and hot pink flowers, this hardy plant adds bold color without becoming unmanageable.
• Yaupon Holly — Its bright red berries add cheer in winter, and it works well as either a hedge or a standalone shrub.
• Jasmine — A low-growing, evergreen ground cover with fragrant flowers that won’t block your sign’s lettering.
• Azaleas — Popular flowering shrubs that thrive under trees and produce vibrant blooms each spring.
• Dwarf Crape Myrtle — A compact, drought-tolerant option with brilliant flowers and disease-resistant foliage.

When choosing plants, always consider their mature height. Commercial sign lettering is often only two to three feet above ground, so plants should stay below that level to avoid blocking visibility.

What’s One Thing That Can Improve Sign Landscaping?

Irrigation. Installing an irrigation system around your signage opens up more plant choices, ensures grass and flowers stay healthy, and reduces the need for costly watering services. While retrofitting irrigation requires an upfront investment, it lowers long-term maintenance costs and keeps your landscape consistently fresh.

What Kind of Maintenance Should I Expect?

Even hardy plants need care. Expect periodic pruning to prevent overgrowth, as well as occasional fertilization to maintain health and color. Maintenance crews should also watch for signs of pests, fungus, or disease.

Why Does the Grass Around My Sign Look Terrible?

Trees often compete with grass for water, and nearby pavement radiates heat, leaving turf dry and struggling. Without irrigation, grass will always be a battle in these conditions.

Low-maintenance alternatives include mondo grass, liriope, river rock, mulch, or pine straw, all of which provide a clean, polished look without the upkeep of traditional turf.

Should I Plant Roses by My Sign?

Roses may look beautiful, but they’re high-maintenance. They require frequent pruning, and diseases such as rose rosette are increasingly common. Once infected, entire rose plantings often need to be removed.

Landscaping Around Signage: Trust the Experts

A well-designed sign landscape not only draws attention but also communicates that your business is organized, welcoming, and professional.

At Greenscape, Inc., we’ve been meeting the full-service landscaping needs of commercial customers in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary areas for more than 35 years. We offer landscape management and lawn care, design and build services, irrigation, landscape lighting, and more.

Call us at 919-552-7742 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation and learn how we can transform your landscape