How to Find Commercial Properties Open for Landscaping Bids: A Winning Strategy

For landscaping businesses looking to expand their commercial client base, securing a landscaping bid is the first step toward landing high-value contracts. But where do you start?

Many landscaping vendors may struggle with finding commercial properties that are actively seeking landscaping services. Some may rely solely on word-of-mouth referrals, while others wait for bid requests to come their way—both of which limit growth potential.

The good news? There’s a structured way to proactively find and bid on commercial landscaping projects. In this guide, we’ll break down where to find commercial properties needing landscaping services, how to get on a Property Manager’s bid list, and the best strategies to win more landscaping bids.

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Where to Find Commercial Properties Needing Landscaping Services

If you’re wondering where to find commercial properties needing landscaping services, Property Managers and owners don’t always advertise openly when looking for new vendors. Instead, they prefer working with companies they already trust or those recommended by their peers.

So, how do you get into their radar before they put out an official landscaping bid?

1. Join Commercial Real Estate & Property Management Associations

Networking with Property Managers before an RFP is even issued gives you a huge advantage. Many vendors get invited to bid simply because they have built relationships with decision-makers.

At a recent webinar titled - “How Property Managers Choose Landscaping Vendors?”, Ali Breland, Senior Property Manager at Colliers International, shared:

“I’m always going to seek out colleagues, ask them for recommendations. I’m never just going to go blind into a new contract with a vendor."

This means Property Managers rely on trusted recommendations when selecting vendors. The best way to get on their radar is by networking through industry associations like:

✅ BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association)

✅ IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management)

✅ IFMA (International Facility Management Association)

✅ Local Chamber of Commerce & CRE Networks

These organizations allow landscaping companies to connect directly with Property Managers, making it easier to learn about upcoming bids and RFP opportunities.

2. Research Commercial Property Transactions & New Developments

Another great way to find commercial properties that may need landscaping services is by tracking:

✔ Newly acquired commercial properties (owners often change vendors)

✔ Properties under development (landscaping contracts are awarded before completion)

✔ Large portfolio acquisitions (owners may rebid landscaping contracts for multiple sites)

To stay updated, monitor:

• Commercial real estate websites like LoopNet, CoStar, and Reonomy
• Local business journals and real estate transactions
• City planning and development announcements

Property Managers often rebid landscaping contracts when a property is newly acquired or changing hands. Staying ahead of these transactions puts you in a prime position to introduce your services.

3. Proactively Reach Out to Property Managers

Waiting for publicly listed landscaping bidding opportunities can be limiting. Instead, being proactive in reaching out to Property Managers can set you apart.

Ali Breland explained how persistence matters:

“Check in with me once a month. You might not get a response, but I see that you’re trying. And I like that."

To get on a Property Manager’s bid list, send a friendly but professional email or message:

📩 Subject: Inquiry About Landscaping Services for [Property Name]

Hi [Property Manager’s Name],

I hope you're doing well. I came across [Property Name] and wanted to reach out to see if you’re accepting bids for landscaping services.

We specialize in [mention a key service] and work with similar commercial properties in [mention the area]. I’d love to connect and see if we can be of value to your team.

Would you be open to a quick call next week?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your Company]

This approach shows that you’re genuinely interested in their property needs rather than just pushing a sales pitch.

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How to Bid on Commercial Landscaping Projects & Win

Once you’ve found an opportunity to bid on a commercial landscaping project, follow these strategies to increase your chances of success:

1. Get on the Bid List Before the RFP is Issued

Many Property Managers already have a list of preferred vendors. The best time to connect with them is before they formally send out an RFP.

If you’re new to the area or don’t have direct connections yet, start by asking for recommendations from colleagues and attending industry networking events.

2. Provide Data-Backed Proposals

Property Managers appreciate vendors who back their proposals with accurate data rather than just submitting a generic bid.

Ali Breland shared:

“A lot of times, I’m getting bids with just numbers, and I’m not seeing how they came up with them. If a landscaper walks in with property boundaries, bed square footage, and service maps—it saves me time and shows me they’ve done their homework.”

This is where technology like SiteRecon can give you an advantage. Using SiteRecon, landscapers get access to:

✅ Automated takeoffs & accurate measurements

✅ Done-for-you estimates that are quick & data-driven

✅ Property maps & site reports to enhance proposals

By including this information in your bid, you differentiate yourself from competitors who submit generic quotes.

3. Submit a Site Audit Report

One way to stand out in the landscaping bidding process is by submitting a Site Audit Report with your proposal. This includes:

• Photos of current site conditions
• Suggested improvements & enhancements
• Cost estimates for additional work

Ali emphasized:

“This helps me in capital budget planning and presenting to owners. My clients don’t visit the properties often, so a visual report makes it easier to push for necessary improvements."

You can ensure the Property Manager of sharing site conditions report during the service as well. This will help you stand out because Property Managers are looking for vendors who are proactive in communication. With SiteRecon’s Plato App, landscaping vendors can generate weekly or monthly site progress reports, helping Property Managers stay informed and reducing the need for them to visit sites.

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DOWNLOAD FREE SITE AUDIT REPORT TEMPLATE

Wrapping up!

Finding landscaping bids for commercial properties requires a proactive approach. Instead of waiting for public RFPs, landscapers can:

✅ Network with Property Managers through industry associations

✅ Monitor new commercial property transactions

✅ Reach out directly & build relationships before an RFP is issued

Once you’ve secured a bidding opportunity, focus on data-driven proposals, proactive communication, and site audit reports to stand out.

Want to streamline your landscaping bids? SiteRecon helps landscapers measure properties, create quick & detailed takeoffs, done-for-you estimates that are quick and accurate; and deliver winning proposals. Try SiteRecon today!

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FAQs

1. Where can I find commercial properties open for landscaping bids?

You can find commercial properties needing landscaping services by:

• Networking with Property Managers through industry associations like BOMA & IREM
• Monitoring real estate transactions to track newly acquired properties
• Reaching out directly to Property Managers before an RFP is issued

2. How do I get on a Property Manager’s bid list?

To get on a Property Manager’s bid list, you need to establish trust and familiarity before they send out an RFP. You can do this by:

• Attending networking events and joining commercial real estate groups
• Following up with Property Managers regularly to express interest
• Providing value upfront, such as offering property insights or site reports

3. What factors influence the selection of a landscaping bid?

While pricing matters, Property Managers prioritize:

• Proactive communication
• Detailed, data-driven proposals with site measurements and reports
• Reputation and references from other Property Managers

4. How can I make my landscaping bid stand out?

To win more landscaping bids, you should:

• Use property-specific data (e.g., accurate measurements, maps, and visuals)
• Submit a site audit report outlining property conditions and improvement recommendations
• Follow up with the Property Manager to discuss your proposal

5. Should I include property maps and measurements in my landscaping bid?

Yes! Property managers prefer proposals backed by accurate site data. Using tools like SiteRecon can help you provide:

• Automated property measurements
• Quick and accurate cost estimates
• Help with detailed and organized site audit reports

6. Do Property Managers prefer working with large or small landscaping companies?

Both large and small companies can secure landscaping bids. The key factors that influence selection are communication, reliability, and proactive service.

7. What is a site audit report, and why should I include it in my bid?

A site audit report highlights:

• Current site conditions (with photos)
• Potential issues that need attention
• Recommended enhancements with estimated costs

Providing a site audit report helps Property Managers make informed decisions and can improve your chances of winning the bid.