In the world of urban design and property management, green spaces are often seen as a ‘nice to have’—something that enhances aesthetics but isn’t necessarily essential. But what if the real value of green infrastructure isn’t in grand parks or pristine gardens, but in the overlooked spaces in between?

Car park borders, roundabouts, roadside verges, and the patches of greenery that sit between office buildings and housing estates—these functional green spaces may seem insignificant, but as horticultural consultant and garden designer Tom Angel argues in a recent episode of The Underground Podcast, they are some of the most valuable assets in urban environments.

And yet, they are chronically undervalued and under-maintained.

For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Because these small spaces—when designed and managed properly—can impact everything from property value and customer experience to employee wellbeing and sustainability goals.

So why are they so often neglected? And what can businesses do to unlock their full potential?

The Business Case for Better Green Infrastructure

“I genuinely believe these are the most important bits of green infrastructure out there,” Tom says. “Because everyone interacts with them every day. Not everyone goes to the park or a botanic garden, but everyone goes to the supermarket.”

And yet, the way these spaces are managed today often undermines their value.

For many businesses—whether it’s commercial landlords, retail parks, or urban developers—green infrastructure is viewed as a cost centre rather than an asset. The priority becomes low-maintenance, low-cost solutions: uniform mown grass, basic planting schemes, or the cheapest possible upkeep contracts.

The problem? This approach is short-sighted.

When poorly maintained, these spaces can actually become a liability—creating an uninspiring environment, increasing complaints, and failing to deliver the benefits that well-managed green infrastructure can offer.

But when done right, they offer real, measurable advantages:

Higher property and rental values
Well-maintained green spaces can increase the perceived value of developments, helping landlords attract tenants and charge premium rates.

Improved customer and employee experience
Studies show that access to greenery enhances wellbeing and productivity, making retail, office, and residential environments more attractive.

Sustainability & ESG impact
As businesses strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets, functional green spaces play a key role in reducing carbon footprints, improving biodiversity, and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Cost efficiencies over time
While investing in thoughtful landscape design might have a higher upfront cost, it can reduce long-term maintenance costs, lower water usage, and prevent costly plant failures.

So how do we shift the perception of these spaces from a maintenance burden to a business opportunity?

People don’t need to realise they’re benefiting from quality green infrastructure to benefit from it, but if we undervalue these spaces, we’re missing a huge opportunity—to create better places to live, work, and shop.

Tom Angel

Rethinking Green Space Management: Simple Changes, Big Impact

Tom argues that improving urban green spaces doesn’t have to mean massive investment—it just requires smarter thinking.

Move beyond ‘mown grass mentality’
Large expanses of regularly cut grass are expensive, environmentally damaging, and provide little to no biodiversity value. Instead, consider wildflower meadows with defined edges, which are cheaper to maintain and offer real ecological benefits.

Implement intelligent, cost-effective planting
Basic ‘contractor-style’ planting schemes often fail because they don’t consider long-term sustainability. Investing in low-maintenance, high-impact species that require minimal intervention can reduce costs while improving visual appeal.

Improve specifications & maintenance contracts
One of the biggest issues in the industry, Tom notes, is the disconnect between landscape architects, property managers, and maintenance contractors. Poor specifications lead to landscapes that aren’t designed for longevity—resulting in wasted investment. A simple solution? Smarter contracts that specify mulching, appropriate watering schedules, and proactive plant care.

Consider the economic & social impact
For retail parks, office developments, and urban planners, investing in better green space isn’t just about looking good—it’s about business results. Customers stay longer, employees feel better, and property managers see fewer complaints.

Make biodiversity a business priority
As sustainability moves higher up the corporate agenda, businesses that embrace biodiversity gain a competitive edge. Nature corridors, pollinator-friendly planting, and rain gardens don’t just help the environment—they align with corporate ESG goals and attract eco-conscious customers and tenants.

A Smarter Approach to Urban Landscapes

Tom’s key takeaway? These spaces are already there. They exist in and around every business, every retail park, and every housing estate. The question is: are they being managed for maximum impact, or are they an afterthought?

If businesses start to see these spaces as an opportunity rather than a cost, they can unlock a powerful competitive advantage—one that boosts property value, customer experience, employee wellbeing, and sustainability credentials.

“People don’t need to realise they’re benefiting from quality green infrastructure to benefit from it,” Tom says. “But if we undervalue these spaces, we’re missing a huge opportunity—to create better places to live, work, and shop.”

Let’s Talk Green Strategy

At WrightObara, we work with brands and businesses across the home and garden sector. Contact us today to find out how we can help your brand adapt, evolve, and thrive in 2025.

Check out the full episode of The Underground Podcast, featuring Tom Angel below: