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 completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business at the University of Central Florida. He later expanded his professional qualifications by earning a certified state building contractor license from the Florida State Construction Licensing Board in 2005. His educational background, combined with years of hands-on work, helped him develop a practical understanding of both construction management and residential landscaping. In 2001, he founded Coastal Landscapes of Volusia, a company focused on custom residential landscaping throughout the New Smyrna Beach area. Since opening the Business, he has worked primarily with homeowners seeking outdoor spaces that are functional, organized, and suited to the coastal environment. Many of his projects involve waterfront and riverfront homes where drainage, soil conditions, and environmental exposure require careful planning and coordination. Throughout his career, Michael W. Forness has remained committed to a design-build approach that integrates planning, engineering, scheduling, and construction into a single process. By staying involved throughout each phase of development, he helps maintain consistency from the project's beginning through its completion. His responsibilities regularly include project scheduling, client communication, budgeting, and on-site supervision. His landscaping projects often incorporate hardscape features, irrigation systems, layout planning, and plant selection designed to complement the surrounding property. Rather than viewing landscaping as a final decorative element, Michael Forness approaches outdoor spaces as an important extension of the home itself. This mindset has helped guide his work for many years. Working in coastal Florida also presents unique environmental challenges. Salt air, shifting weather conditions, and moisture exposure can affect the long-term performance of outdoor installations. Through years of field experience, he has developed methods that help support durability while maintaining the overall appearance and usability of a landscape project. In the local market associated with Michael Forness New Smyrna, his steady and organized approach has become an important part of his professional identity. Alongside his field responsibilities, he also manages the operational side of the Business. Estimating project costs, coordinating resources, and maintaining communication with clients are all important to the success of each project. His background in Business has helped support the day-to-day management of company operations while balancing the demands of residential construction work. Outside of his profession, Mike enjoys activities connected to Florida’s coastal lifestyle, especially offshore fishing and surfing. He also values spending time with family and remains closely connected to his wife and daughters. His wife contributes to the business as office manager and marketing director, supporting daily operations and long-term planning. Together, they have three daughters pursuing different educational and personal goals. One is continuing her studies in nursing, another is working toward a career in accounting, and their youngest daughter remains involved in academics and competitive soccer while attending high school. Beyond his professional work, he has continued supporting local youth athletics and school sports programs through sponsorships and community involvement. Through years of steady work and local engagement, Michael Forness New Smyrna continues to contribute to the character of New Smyrna Beach and its coastal residential communities.