Michael Forness New Smyrna

Owner of Coastal Landscapes of Volusia LLC

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.

Michael earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Central Florida. In 2005, he also received a certified state building contractor license from the Florida State Construction Licensing Board, adding a formal construction credential to his long-standing field experience.

Shaping Coastal Landscapes

In New Smyrna Beach, Mike Forness's work is closely tied to outdoor spaces for riverfront and oceanfront homes. His professional approach is built around design-build landscaping, where planning, site understanding, project coordination, and installation are handled as interconnected parts of a single process.

Michael is the owner of Coastal Landscapes of Volusia. Since establishing the company in 2001, he has primarily served homeowners seeking more detailed, customized landscaping solutions. Many of his projects involve coastal properties where drainage, soil conditions, salt exposure, and environmental factors must be carefully considered.

Michael does not view landscaping as a simple final detail. Instead, he approaches each outdoor space as an important part of the home’s overall design and daily use. His work considers balance, proportion, function, and durability. By staying involved from client discussions through scheduling and on-site coordination, he helps guide each project with consistency and care.

Design-Build Expertise in a Competitive Market

A coastal market like New Smyrna Beach requires practical knowledge beyond ordinary landscaping. Salt air, changing weather, moisture, and site-specific terrain can all influence how an outdoor space performs over time. His work reflects an understanding of these challenges while maintaining each design's attractiveness, usefulness, and suitability to the property.

Michael's projects often include custom outdoor environments for luxury homes. These designs may combine hardscape features, plant selections, irrigation systems, and full layout planning. Each element must work independently while also supporting the overall plan. This level of coordination is central to his design-build experience.

Michael's business background also plays an important role in his work. Accurate estimating, clear communication, resource planning, and organized scheduling help support a smooth project experience. This combination of business knowledge and hands-on landscape experience allows him to manage both the creative and operational sides of each project.

Mike Forness Outside the Job Site

Outside of his professional work, he remains closely connected to the coastal lifestyle that defines the area. He enjoys offshore fishing and surfing, spending much of his personal time around the waters of Florida’s east coast.

At home, he values his role as a husband and father. His wife is also involved in the company, serving as office manager and marketing director. Her work supports daily operations and contributes to the company’s continued growth.

Michael and his wife have three daughters, each following her own path. One graduated from UCF and is currently attending Daytona State College, 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 Forness of New Smyrna has maintained a meaningful connection to the local community through both his work and personal involvement. His landscaping projects contribute to the look, comfort, and function of neighborhoods where outdoor living is part of everyday life.

Michael's community support also extends beyond his project sites. He has been an active supporter of youth sports programs and local initiatives, both personally and through his business. His company has frequently sponsored high school boys and girls soccer clubs.

This involvement reflects a steady interest in supporting the area in a practical and lasting way. It also connects with his family’s ties to 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, his 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 trends may change, he remains focused on durability, function, and cohesive design.

In New Smyrna Beach, Michael Forness's work reflects the coastal setting, the needs of local homeowners, and the value of dependable craftsmanship. With extensive experience, careful planning, and steady community involvement, he demonstrates a strong commitment to quality residential landscape design.