Landscape Design & Installation

Our expert landscape design and installation team craft innovative concepts tailored to your vision, lifestyle and property needs. Our creative landscape designs utilize harmonious hardscapes, lighting, plants, and elements to enhance aesthetics, usability and environmental quality commercial and residential settings.

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Landscape Design & Installation

At KEI, we recognize that a successful commercial property requires landscaping that boosts curb appeal and embodies your brand’s image and values. Our skilled landscape design and installation team excels at designing memorable landscapes into lively, sustainable environments that enhance the experience for you, your tenants, employees, and visitors.

We take a systematic, data-driven approach to landscape design that considers your property’s unique challenges, opportunities, and budget.

With decades of experience managing commercial landscapes across Wisconsin, we have the knowledge and skills to deliver results that exceed expectations. Our landscape designers stay at the forefront of industry trends, water-wise practices, and sustainable solutions to create landscapes that are as resilient as they are beautiful.

Whether you need a complete property design installation, a targeted landscape improvement, or a phased renovation plan, KEI is your partner for transforming your landscape into a valuable asset.

Full-service, four-season landscape design and installation
Landscape architecture
Landscape Contractors
Garden design
Hardscaping
Water features
Fire pits, fireplaces
Planting design
Irrigation systems
Drainage and grading
Lawn design
Land clearing
Residential Design
Commercial landscape design
Sustainability
Native plants and trees
Lighting

Custom Landscape Design

Our team of expert landscape designers focuses on creating outdoor spaces tailored to match your individual aesthetic tastes, lifestyle, and property objectives.

Landscape architecture

We utilize creative hardscapes, lighting, native plants, and other elements to enhance the beauty, function, and comfort of your personal oasis or commercial space.

Whether you desire a tranquil getaway or a welcoming outdoor space for your business, we possess the skills to turn your ideas into reality.

CREATIVE LANDSCAPE Design

We believe that excellent landscaping starts with exceptional design. With nearly 100 years of experience, we bring the talent and skill to create and install your dream landscape design.

That’s why we take the time to understand your landscape design goals and use our experience and professional skills to diligently plan and model each phase of the landscape process.

Expertise in multi-faceted landscape design.

We specialize in commercial landscape design. Our landscape designers are experts in planting design, irrigation, drainage, outdoor structures, seasonal plantings, and more. We take care of everything from the initial consultation to technical space to create a plan for optimal function and aesthetics.

Our team’s expertise in concept renderings, materials knowledge, and emerging trends can bring your landscaping project to life.

Most Popular Questions

What is your approach to landscape design and installation?

We take a systematic, data-driven approach to landscape design that considers your property’s unique challenges, opportunities, and budget.

Our process at KEI includes:

Consultation – We begin by listening to your objectives, evaluating your current environment, and understanding your property’s specific requirements, ranging from water conservation to pedestrian flow.

Master Planning – Our experienced designers develop a comprehensive, phased plan that aligns with your long-term vision and maximizes ROI through strategic improvements and cost-saving measures.

Design Development – We develop detailed design concepts showcasing our proposed plant palette, hardscape elements, and amenity upgrades, carefully selected to thrive in our diverse climate and meet your aesthetic preferences.

Installation – Our skilled installation crews bring landscape designs to life using creative skills, best practices, quality materials, and attention to detail. We prioritize communication and coordination to minimize disruptions.

Ongoing Support – Our landscape maintenance team provides ongoing maintenance and enhancements to ensure your landscape installation continues to perform optimally and adapt to changing needs over time.

How can landscape design enhance my business image and branding?

Following are some of the key ways that landscape design can enhance a business’s image and branding:

Having a unified design style – A harmonious and memorable appearance can be achieved by seamlessly integrating landscape design with building architecture and graphic branding.

Inspiring signage and decor – Using logo signs, branded decor, and artwork in a thoughtful manner can help to reinforce your brand identity.

Distinguishing landmark features – Distinctive landmarks, such as sculptures, water features, and exceptional plants, can be used as unique brand elements.

Brand-aligning plants and materials – Incorporating textures, colors, and Wisconsin native plant varieties that complement brand elements enhances the landscaping to reinforce the business brand.

Inspiring hardscaping – Hardscape materials can mimic brand shapes, patterns, and artistic styles found in signage, packaging, or web design.

Immersive sensory elements – Sensory elements such as water features, art statutes, fragrant plants, and artistic fences create a memorable brand experience.

When landscape design is thoughtfully aligned with a brand’s overall look, personality, and emotions, it becomes an engaging extension of the brand.

What landscape design elements can make my commercial property more inviting and usable for customers?

Here are some key landscape design elements that can enhance your commercial property and create a memorable experience for customers:

Welcoming entryway – Create an inviting entrance with attractive plantings, colorful flowers, or lush greenery. Add welcoming features such as signage, decorative lighting, or architectural elements to enhance the entry experience.

Clear wayfinding elements – Clear walking paths, attractive signage, and proper lighting help customers navigate the premises easily.

Water features – Incorporate water features such as fountains, ponds, or waterfalls to add tranquility and visual appeal. The sound of running water creates a relaxing atmosphere and serves as a focal point within the landscape.

Inviting seating/waiting areas – Strategically positioned benches, tables, and shelters offer customers comfortable places to rest, unwind, and socialize.

Alluring parking lot landscaping – Enhancing parking areas with islands, shade trees, and buffers improves aesthetics and navigation.

Lush focal points – Water features, specimen trees, and gardens can greatly enhance the visual appeal of a landscape by capturing attention and adding aesthetic value to the area.

Accessible and clean walkways – Wide paths with gentle slopes, rails, and smooth surfaces help accommodate visitors of all mobility levels.

Practical shade structures – Pergolas, canopies, shade sails, and trees provide protection from the sun at entrances, walkways, and seating areas.

Safety lighting – Proper illumination is essential to ensure safe and secure navigation during the dusk and evening hours, especially when using the property for an extended period.

Directional flow – Clear pedestrian traffic patterns, cues, and wayfinding techniques subtly guide visitors.

Thoughful placement and integration of interactive landscape features enhance engagement, enjoyment, and accessibility for visitors and customers of commercial properties.

What planting choices will minimize landscape maintenance needs?

To minimize landscape maintenance needs consider the following planting choices:

Native plants: The following are adapted to local conditions and require less care.
– Prairie grasses like Big Bluestem and Little Beuestem.
– Native wildflowers like the Black-Eyed Susan and Purple Coneflower.

Drought-tolerant plants – Consider Sedum varieties, Yarrow, and Russian Sage. These plants require minimal supplemental irrigation.

Low-growing shrubs – Consider dwarf varieties of evergreens such as the Dwarf Mugo Pine and compact deciduous shrubs like the Dwarf Ninebark.

Groundcovers – Use groundcovers such as Creeping Juniper and Vinca minor (Periwinkle). Both will reduce weed growth and erosion.

Perennials with long blooming periods – Select Daylilies, Coreopsis, and Black-Eyed Susan.

Evergreens – Several evergreens are popular for Wisconsin landscapes due to their hardiness and year-round appeal. Here are a few popular evergreens well-suited for the Wisconsin climate:

– White Pine (Pinus strobus) which is native to Wisconsin and is tall and graceful.
– Norway Spruce (Picea babies) is fast-growing, with drooping branches
– Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is known for its distinctive blue-green color.
– Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is excellent for privacy screens and hedges.
– Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is native, drought-tolerant, and wildlife-friendly.
– Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) is fragrant, dense foliage, and is native to Wisconsin.
– Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is shade-tolerant and has a very graceful appearance.
– Yew (Taxus species) is great for hedges and tolerates pruning well.
– Juniper (various Juniperus species) species has many low-growing varieties for ground cover.
– White Spruce (Picea glauca) is native, compact, and very cold-hardy.
– Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca var. densata) has a dense growth habit and is good for windbreaks.
– Dwarf Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo var. pumilio) is a compact shrub form and good for small spaces.

Ornamental grasses – These two will require minimal maintenance and provide winter interest: Switchgrass and Feather Reed Grass.

Trees with minimal fruit or leaf drop – Choose Ginkgo (male varieties) and Thornless Honeylocust.

Plants resistant to deer and other wildlife – Select the Boxwood, Russian Sage, and Lavender.

Salt-tolerant plants for areas near walkways or roads – Choose the Juniper species and Winterberry.

Clump-forming plants that don’t spread aggressively – Choose the Hostas and ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster.

Plants that don’t require deadheading – Choose Astilbe which grows best in the shade and gets 1 to 4-feet tall. and Coral Bells.

Hardy bulbs that naturalize – Choose Daffodils and Alliums.

These choices can significantly reduce watering, pruning, and overall maintenance needs. Remember to group plants with similar water and sun requirements together for easier care.

How can I include environmentally friendly features in my landscape design?

Here are some ways to include environmentally friendly features in a landscape design:

Use native plants – Selecting native plants tailored to the local environment conserves water, reduces maintenance, and provides habitat value.

Reduce turf areas – Replace water-intensive lawns with drought-tolerant groundcovers, native grasses, or low-water plants to conserve water and create a more diverse, sustainable landscape.

Sustainable materials – Using locally sourced stones, sustainably harvested wood, recycled-content furnishings, etc. reduces environmental impact.

Water conservation – Drought-tolerant landscaping, high-efficiency irrigation, permeable hardscapes, and rainwater harvesting reduce water usage.

Capture rainwater – Use rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavers to collect and filter stormwater runoff, reducing the burden on local water treatment systems and recharging groundwater.

Implement water-wise irrigation – Install efficient irrigation systems like drip lines, smart controllers, and weather-based sensors to reduce water waste and ensure plants receive only the water they need.

Organic practices – Utilizing natural fertilizers, pest control, and soil health practices by avoiding chemicals.

Composting – Dedicated compost areas support on-site organic waste recycling.

Renewable energy features – Incorporating solar lighting, water heating, and other renewables reduces grid dependence.

Low-impact garden features – Using stepping stones, patios with gaps, gravel, and decks minimizes hard surfaces.

Charging stations – Adding EV charging capabilities encourages clean transportation access.

Promote biodiversity – Create habitats for local wildlife by including a variety of native plants, bird and pollinator gardens, and water features like ponds or bird baths.

Pollinator-friendly plants – Choosing flowering varieties that attract pollinators aids declining insect populations.

Blending these environmentally-conscious elements creates sustainable landscapes aligned with eco-values.

Areas of Expertise

Residential

HOAs, Master Planned Communities, Multi-Family Residential, Military House

Office

Commercial offices, Corporate Campuses, Industrial Facilities, Creative Office Spaces

Medical

Hospitals, Medical Centers, Rehabilitation, MOBs, Acute Care Centers

Education

Colleges, Universities, K-12 Schools

Recreation

Parks and Civic Spaces, Golf Courses, Museums, Theme Parks Complexes and Fields

Retail

Retail and Lifestyle Centers, Shopping Malls, Mixed Use Developments

Hospitality

Hotels, Destination Resorts, Country Clubs, Theme Parks

religion

Places of Worship, Cemeteries

Areas of Service

The areas highlighted in orange represent the primary service areas for KEI.

Landscape Design & Installation

Landscape Design & Installation

Custom Landscape Design

Landscape architecture

CREATIVE LANDSCAPE Design

Expertise in multi-faceted landscape design.

Most Popular Questions

Areas of Expertise

Areas of Service

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