The hidden costs of neglecting your outdoor areas

Mike Stokes • 10 July 2025

The Hidden Costs of Neglected Outdoor Spaces : Why routine maintenance is more than just curb appeal


For facilities managers, procurement leads, and estates teams, it’s easy for outdoor spaces to fall into the “non-urgent” pile. But overlooking grounds maintenance doesn’t just affect appearances — it can quietly rack up costs, compromise safety, and damage your organisation’s reputation.

At One Group Services, we frequently support clients in bouncing back from the consequences of deferred maintenance. And one thing is clear: proactive care always costs less than emergency repair.


Five quick checks for long-term savings:

  1. Are paths, steps, and entrances even and hazard-free?
  2. Is overgrowth impeding access, light, or visibility?
  3. Are biodiversity areas actively managed to meet their goals?
  4. Is water pooling or failing to drain properly?
  5. Does your site consistently reflect a safe and welcoming environment?

If you answered “no” to any of the above — we’re here to help.....and here are some of the things we can do to turn those No's into a YES!


Property risks you can't afford to ignore

Overgrown vegetation and unchecked root systems can wreak havoc on infrastructure. Paving slabs become unstable, roofs threatened by overhanging trees, and drainage systems blocked by seasonal debris. These issues can escalate into expensive, avoidable repairs — all for want of regular upkeep.


Consistent, professional maintenance gives teams the ability to spot small issues before they become large liabilities. It's the difference between a quick branch trim and a full-blown insurance claim for roof damage.


Safety: a silent liability

Outdoor neglect isn’t just a property issue — it’s a people one too. Mossy pathways, uneven surfaces, or obscured sightlines create trip hazards that put site visitors, employees, and residents at risk. Beyond the injury itself, it opens the door to costly claims and reputational damage.

Our team is trained to identify and mitigate these risks in line with rigorous site-specific safety standards, whether we’re maintaining a housing association courtyard or a busy hospital entrance.


Perception matters — and neglect is visible

In public spaces, poor maintenance leads to complaints. In commercial settings, it shortens visitor dwell time and weakens brand perception. And in schools or NHS sites, neglected grounds can undermine wellbeing and morale.

A well-kept exterior tells a clear story: professionalism, care, and attention to detail. That story begins the moment someone arrives on-site.


Even ‘natural’ spaces need a guiding hand

Rewilding projects, wildflower meadows, and biodiversity corridors are powerful statements — but only when properly managed. Without care, they risk becoming tangled and ineffective, missing biodiversity targets and alienating stakeholders.

From hedgerow corridors to native planting, these spaces need stewardship, not neglect, especially with growing scrutiny around net-zero progress and environmental impact.


If you want to talk about any of the above then please get in touch - we are ready to take your calls.


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