Nothing adds to curbside appeal quite like attractive landscaping. But upkeeping grounds is also one of the biggest pains of owning a rental property. The good news is that you can promote your property’s visual appeal without a major hassle. Here are some tips for producing an attractive landscape that’s simple to maintain.
Take advantage of hardscaping.
Hardscaping refers to the non-living components of your building’s exterior. This space offers so many options! Adding a concrete patio or walkway cuts down on the amount of foliage in a yard while creating an appealing, useful space for tenants. And lawn art, such as a birdbath, sculpture, or fountain, serves as a striking focal point. Gravel and rock gardens are great alternatives to plant life in drought-prone areas since they add visual appeal with little to no maintenance. In either case, a few flower beds or low-maintenance shrubs can spruce up the area with variety and color.
Consider substitutes for traditional grass.
Grass has always been a popular landscaping choice, but many property owners opt for lower-maintenance ground cover. Green alternatives such as moss or clover require less upkeep and have greater resilience than grass. You can’t walk on ornamental grasses or succulents, but they add low-maintenance, colorful texture to your yard. Artificial turf creates the appearance of a lawn (without unsightly brown spots) and requires no upkeep. Or if standard grass continues to be your ground cover of choice, an automated sprinkler system makes watering easy and consistent.
Choose plants wisely.
Think about your weather and the space you’re working with and select plants accordingly. Choosing plants that thrive in your geographic area and climate will minimize the care they require. Native plants are already well-adapted to the local weather and wildlife and may have natural defenses against pests. Following plants’ care instructions (proper amounts of sunshine and shade) will prevent the need for extra watering and care. Planting perennials instead of annuals will produce plants that flower repeatedly without the need to start fresh each year. When selecting trees, steer clear of varieties that drop messy seeds or fruits. Evergreens are a good choice since they tolerate many growing conditions but don’t drop leaves in the yard every fall!
Plant with a plan.
Once you’ve chosen your plants, where and how you plant them also contributes to how much upkeep they’ll need. Space plants to maximize your coverage area and prevent weed growth. But to avoid extra pruning later, note how large the full-sized plants will be.
Plants with similar needs should occupy the same area to avoid the hassle of individualized care. Covering garden beds with a consistent layer of mulch keeps in water, insulates the soil, inhibits weed growth, and enriches the soil as it decomposes. And by planting your flora in containers, you can achieve the vibrancy of a beautiful garden without digging up your yard. Containers not only grant you greater control over environmental factors but also make plants less disease prone.
By employing these strategies, you’ll find the right balance between an easy-to-maintain exterior and an eye-catching landscape that adds appeal to your property.
About Rentals America
Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is wholly dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.
