Planters – bringing natural colour and a host of environmental benefits to outdoor spaces
Whether your project involves adding vibrant plants and flowers to a residential development or some greenery to boost a hospitality environment, commercial outdoor planters are an excellent way to enhance an outdoor space.
Street planters are a popular choice among building owners, local councils, and urban planners to bring environmental benefits to outdoor spaces.
By integrating planters into urban landscapes, we can create greener, more vibrant, and healthier spaces that foster well-being and contribute to a sustainable future.
Planters can transform our urban environments into thriving, sustainable ecosystems that benefit both people and the planet. Such benefits include:
Improves biodiversity
Planters filled with diverse plant species can attract and support various forms of wildlife. These include insects, birds, and small mammals.
By providing food, shelter, and nesting sites, planters can help maintain and even increase biodiversity in local areas, contributing to a healthier outdoor space.
Rainwater management
Planters can aid in rainwater management by capturing and filtering rainwater runoff. This is particularly useful for sub-contractors working on urban projects, as it will benefit their town or city centre location.
The soil and plants in planters absorb and retains water, helping to reduce the volume of runoff entering storm drains and local waterways.
This can help mitigate the risk of flooding while also improving water quality by removing pollutants.
Pictured above: The Azalea GRP Planter
Absorbs pollution
The foliage in planters can help absorb and filter pollutants in the air, such as carbon or nitrogen dioxide.
The plants can also help absorb and break down some pollutants in the soil, like heavy metals. This contributes to improved air and soil quality in urban areas.
Reduces sound reflection
A lesser-known fact for planters in outdoor areas is their acoustic benefits. Greenery in planters can help reduce noise pollution by acting as a natural sound barrier.
Vegetation absorbs and diffuses sound waves, which lowers the intensity of noise from traffic and other sources. This creates a more tranquil environment and enhances the overall quality of life for people in the local area.
Climate cooling
Planters contribute to climate cooling through shading and the process of evapotranspiration.
Shading from plants reduces the heat absorbed by hard surfaces like pavements, while evapotranspiration releases moisture into the air, helping to cool the surrounding environment.
This reduces the urban heat island effect in many towns and cities.
Improves mental health
Green spaces, including those created by planters, have been shown to improve mental health and well-being in people.
Exposure to nature and greenery can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promotes a sense of relaxation and overall well-being.
The Hydrangea GRP and Timber Planter is a popular choice for sub-contractors working on outdoor projects, as it holds a good level of greenery while proving aesthetic and functional benefits for the landowner.
It combines GRP and timber which creates a modern twist on a traditional design. It is made from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and then clad in hardwood which is sustainably sourced (FSC) certified.
Avoids ground disruption
Planters allow for the creation of green spaces in urban environments without disrupting the ground or existing infrastructure.
Sub-contractors as well as urban designers can lay planters in an urban area without the need for any groundwork. This brings time and cost savings for urban projects all across the UK.
Urban protection
Planters can provide a form of urban protection by acting as natural barriers, defining spaces, and directing pedestrian traffic.
Strategically placed planters can serve as a form of passive security, deterring vehicle access to pedestrian areas and protecting buildings and infrastructure from potential collisions.
Large planters such as the Fern GRP Bench Planter are popular among sub-contractors for this reason. It is a striking timber bench fitted on a GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) planter which provides a robust structure suitable for pedestrian protection.
Can we help with your street planter requirements?
Planters provide numerous environmental benefits that contribute to healthier, more sustainable, and more enjoyable urban spaces.
If you are looking to buy commercial planters for your outdoor project, feel free to contact our team who will be happy to help.