Vegetation Management for IOS Developers and Owners

Maximizing the Economic Potential of Industrial Outdoor Storage Through Proper Maintenance

In commercial real estate, a trend gaining momentum is Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS). Beyond a need for maximizing space; it is a means of efficiently managing assets while cutting costs. Here, we review the world of IOS management, its importance in commercial real estate, and how VegClear supports facilities managers in maintaining these assets cost-effectively.

The Rising Desirability of IOS as an asset class:

Several factors contribute to the increasing importance of IOS

• Cost-Efficiency: Outdoor storage offers economical alternatives to traditional warehouses, appealing to businesses seeking to cut operational expenses.

• Scalability: Flexible solutions adapt to changing inventory volumes, crucial for industries with fluctuating demands.

• Accessibility: Strategically located storage facilities near transportation hubs streamline supply chains, enhancing operational efficiency.

• Versatility: Adaptable storage options cater to diverse storage needs, providing businesses with customizable solutions.

The Advantages of Industrial Outdoor Storage

Utilizing outdoor storage facilities as a business provides several benefits:

Key Considerations for IOS Facilities Managers

When adding industrial outdoor storage facilities to a portfolio, it's crucial to consider:

➤ Location: Strategic placement near existing assets reduces costs, and distance to transportation hubs enhances property value and tenant appeal.

➤ Maintenance: Understand the local codes, maintenance contractor capabilities, and differences between submarkets in order to correctly budget costs of capable providers.

➤ Zoning Regulations: Ensure compliance with each locality's regulations to avoid legal complications. Owning nearby properties can streamline understanding.

➤ Accessibility: Easy access to major roads and logistical routes minimizes transportation costs for tenants. Ingress & Egress of tractor trailers is typically required for IOS.

➤ Infrastructure: Assess the property's condition and invest in necessary improvements to maintain functionality. Fiber, Power, Communications, and Water are often necessary.

➤ Market Demand: Conduct local market research to gauge additional demand and competitive landscape, optimizing investment strategies.

Mitigating Risks and Challenges

While IOS presents opportunities, it's essential to mitigate holding risks:

◉ Security Concerns: Implement robust security measures to protect assets from theft and vandalism, including fencing, on-premise guards, remote monitoring, and vehicle barriers to ward off unauthorized automotive traffic.

◉ Environmental Factors: Weather-resistant solutions and regular maintenance mitigate weather-related risks. Manage vegetation through routine assessments & treatments to prevent new growth.

◉ Compliance and Zoning: Thorough research and compliance ensure legal adherence and prevent costly disputes.

◉ Market Volatility: Diversify tenant base (on large multi-user sites or across portfolios of single-user IOS investments) and monitor market trends to adapt to changing economic conditions.

◉ Infrastructure and Maintenance: Proactive maintenance plans preserve property value and tenant loyalty. Maintain vegetation-free zones around utilities, fence lines, and paved surfaces.

◉ Liability Issues: Comprehensive insurance coverage and safety protocols mitigate liability risks.

◉ Economic Downturns: Maintain financial reserves and offer flexible lease terms to navigate economic uncertainties.

In commercial real estate, industrial outdoor storage stands out as a practical and economically viable solution for businesses seeking efficient storage solutions. By understanding its significance, leveraging its benefits, and mitigating potential risks, investors and property managers can optimize their investments and support sustainable growth in the industrial sector. With VegClear's support, maintaining these valuable assets becomes streamlined, ensuring optimal functionality and profitability in the ever-evolving market dynamics of commercial real estate.

Vegetation Control Spraying Service

More Questions Answered: Industrial Vegetation Management

What is industrial vegetation management?

Industrial vegetation management is the process of controlling unwanted weeds and vegetation on commercial and industrial properties using targeted herbicide applications with professional spraying equipment. This controls existing overgrowth, prevents new vegetation growth, improves site safety, and ensures regulatory compliance.

Why is vegetation control important for industrial outdoor storage (IOS) sites?

Uncontrolled weeds, grass, and brush in the wrong places create safety hazards, fire risks, and compliance issues for IOS yards and industrial facilities. Overgrown vegetation damages pavement, expands cracks, attracts pests, and obstructs access to equipment and storage areas.

Services & Methods

What type of weed control does VegClear provide?

We specialize in herbicide-based expert vegetation control treatments, using pre-emergent and post-emergent applications to eliminate weeds and prevent regrowth. Our focus is on long-term bare-ground maintenance and selective weed suppression, depending on site requirements.

Does VegClear provide trimming, mowing, or brush removal?

VegClear strictly focuses on herbicide-based treatment solutions. However, we are able to flexibly coordinate with your in-house maintenance teams or preferred third-party lawn mowing contractors to time treatments around mechanical clearing. We'll advise on that once we inspect your site.

How often should industrial properties schedule vegetation management?

It's not something you need to even think about! Our programs are comprehensive in scope and are designed to maintain bare ground for the entire year for a flat annual charge. This means scheduling, frequency, seasonal timing, and any other concern is ours alone to deal with. In general, most industrial sites benefit from a quarterly, bi-annual, or annual weed control precision spray treatment, depending on the level of vegetation growth and property needs.

Do you offer long-term vegetation control plans?

Yes, we provide site-specific spray programs to keep your industrial property free of growth year-round, reducing the need for emergency cleanups or costly remediation. In the rare event that you see re-growth in between our scheduled treatments, we promptly respond with a no-charge touch up weed control spray to eliminate anything green where it isn't supposed to be.

Regulations & Compliance

Are there regulations for vegetation control on industrial or IOS properties in Georgia?

Yes. Many local zoning and environmental regulations require owners of industrial properties to control vegetation to prevent security issues, mitigate fire hazards, reduce drainage problems, and prevent pest infestations. We ensure compliance with state and local requirements, starting with off site EPA-approved herbicide tank mixing, all the way through to the sprayer nozzle and site-specific application techniques.

Is VegClear licensed and insured?

Yes, all of our team members, not just the supervisors, are state-licensed pesticide applicators in every state where we operate. We are fully insured for contract services, subcontract arrangements, and industrial vegetation management. Our coverage includes general liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, umbrella, and, when applicable, industry-specific coverage such as Pollution and Marine General Liability insurance.

How does vegetation control impact stormwater compliance?

Overgrown vegetation can clog drainage systems, increase erosion, and contribute to stormwater runoff violations. Our herbicide applications help keep drainage areas clear and compliant with stormwater management regulations.