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 earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Central Florida. In 2005, he also earned a certified state building contractor license from the Florida State Construction Licensing Board, adding a formal building credential to his practical experience in residential landscape development.
Shaping Coastal Landscapes
In New Smyrna Beach, his work is closely connected to outdoor spaces designed for riverfront and oceanfront homes. His career has been built around a design-build approach that integrates planning, site review, construction coordination, and installation into a single, organized process.
Michael W. Forness is the owner of Coastal Landscapes of Volusia. Since founding the company in 2001, he has primarily served homeowners seeking thoughtful, customized landscaping rather than standard outdoor upgrades. Many of his projects involve coastal sites, where drainage, soil conditions, salt exposure, and changing weather patterns must be carefully considered.
Michael Forness New Smyrna approaches landscaping as a natural part of the home’s full design. Each project is planned with attention to proportion, comfort, daily use, and long-term durability. By staying involved in client conversations, scheduling, and on-site coordination, he helps each stage move forward with consistency. This steady involvement has supported his reputation among homeowners with high-value properties and clear expectations.
Design-Build Expertise in a Competitive Market
Working in a coastal market like New Smyrna Beach requires field knowledge, patience, and careful planning. Salt air, moisture, shifting weather, and unique terrain can all affect how outdoor spaces are designed, built, and maintained. Mike Forness's approach considers these conditions while maintaining an attractive, practical, and property-specific final result.
His projects often include custom outdoor environments for luxury residences. These spaces may combine hardscape features, plant selections, irrigation planning, and full layout development. Each element must serve its own role while also supporting the broader design. This level of coordination reflects the value of his design-build experience.
His business background also supports his project management approach. Accurate estimating, organized scheduling, clear communication, and careful resource planning all help create a smoother process for clients. With both business training and hands-on landscape experience, Michael W. Forness can manage the creative, technical, and operational aspects of each job.
Mike Forness Outside the Job Site
Outside of his professional responsibilities, he remains closely tied to the coastal lifestyle of Florida’s east coast. Michael Forness, New Smyrna, enjoys offshore fishing and surfing, spending personal time around the water and the environment that also shapes much of his work.
At home, he values his role as a husband and father. His wife is also involved in the company as office manager and marketing director. Her work supports daily operations and contributes to the company’s continued progress.
Mike Forness and his wife have three daughters, each moving forward on her own path. One graduated from UCF and is currently in nursing school at Daytona State, pursuing the nurse practitioner track.
Another graduated from Florida State University and is pursuing a career as a CPA. His youngest daughter is still in high school, where she balances academics and athletics as an honor roll student and goalkeeper for the New Smyrna Beach Cudas. She also competes in club soccer for Ormond Beach.
Community Ties
Over the years, Michael W. Forness has maintained close ties to the local community through both his company and personal involvement. His landscaping work contributes to neighborhoods where outdoor living, coastal views, gardens, patios, and usable yard space are integral to daily life.
His support also extends beyond professional projects. He has been an active supporter of local youth sports programs and related community initiatives. Through his company, he has frequently sponsored high school boys' and girls' soccer clubs.
This involvement reflects his steady interest in giving back to the place where he lives and works. It also connects naturally with his family’s involvement in athletics, especially through his youngest daughter’s participation in competitive soccer.
Continuing Professional Standards and Community Commitment
As landscaping and building practices continue to evolve, Mike Forness' core standards remain consistent. Attention to detail, organized project management, and a clear understanding of client expectations continue to guide his work. While outdoor design preferences may change, he remains focused on spaces that are durable, functional, and connected to each home.
In New Smyrna Beach, his career reflects practical field experience, coastal awareness, and a humble commitment to quality service. Through careful planning, steady work, and continued community involvement, Michael Forness New Smyrna represents a dependable approach to residential landscape design and local values.
