Michael W. Forness is a design-build landscaping specialist whose career is characterized by technical discipline and a strong connection to the coastal environment he serves. Also known informally as “Mike” or “Michael Forness”, the New Smyrna Beach-based landscape contractor focuses primarily on high-end residential landscaping, where he has more than two decades of hands-on experience.

Mike Forness attended the University of Central Florida and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business before pursuing a career in landscaping and residential construction. In 2005, he earned a certified state building contractor license from the Florida State Construction Licensing Board. His education and years of field experience have helped shape a practical approach to project management, planning, and outdoor design.

In 2001, he founded Coastal Landscapes of Volusia, a company focused on residential landscaping projects throughout the New Smyrna Beach area. Since establishing the Business, he has worked primarily with homeowners seeking outdoor environments that balance functionality with the natural coastal setting. Many of his projects involve waterfront and oceanfront homes where drainage, soil conditions, and environmental exposure require careful planning and long-term consideration.

His work is built around a design-build process that integrates planning, engineering, scheduling, and construction into a single, organized system. By remaining involved from the beginning of a project through completion, Michael W. Forness oversees client communication, site coordination, scheduling, and project management. This direct involvement allows him to maintain consistency throughout every stage of development.

His landscaping projects frequently include irrigation systems, hardscape installation, outdoor living layouts, and plant selection designed for Florida’s coastal conditions. Rather than treating landscaping as a separate decorative feature, Michael Forness views outdoor spaces as an extension of the home itself. This perspective has remained an important part of his professional philosophy over the years.

Working in coastal Florida also requires experience with changing weather conditions, salt air, and exposure to moisture. Through years of practical work, he has developed methods designed to support durability and long-term functionality in outdoor spaces. In the market associated with Michael Forness New Smyrna, his projects reflect a steady focus on organization, usability, and dependable project execution.

In addition to overseeing construction and landscaping work, he also manages many operational responsibilities connected to running the company. Estimating project costs, organizing schedules, coordinating resources, and maintaining communication with homeowners are all important parts of his daily responsibilities. His background in Business has helped him balance field operations with administrative management.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys activities connected to Florida’s coastal lifestyle, especially offshore fishing and surfing along the east coast. Family life also remains important to him. His wife contributes to the company as office manager and marketing director, supporting daily operations and long-term planning for the Business.

Together, they have three daughters pursuing different educational and career paths. One is continuing her education in nursing, another is preparing for a career in accounting, and their youngest daughter remains active in academics and competitive soccer while attending high school.

He has also remained connected to the local community through support for youth athletics and school sports programs. Through continued sponsorships and local involvement, Michael Forness New Smyrna continues to contribute to the New Smyrna Beach community while maintaining his commitment to thoughtful landscaping and dependable residential project management.