Want curb appeal without all the work?
Let’s face it. Keeping up appearances on a rental property is important. But mowing, watering, weeding, mulching, and clearing brush when the seasons change…lawn care can easily become overwhelming.
Luckily, there’s a better way.
You can invest in low maintenance landscaping and take most of those chores off your to-do list. Best of all?
It’ll save you money, free up your time, and could even help you increase property value.
Whether you’re looking to attract quality tenants or simply tired of throwing money away on lawn care – these tips are for hands-off property owners who want to do it right.
In this article you’ll learn:
- Why Low Maintenance Landscaping Is Important
- Landscaping Ideas That Won’t Slow You Down
- What Property Managers Do For You
- Tips for Choosing the Best Landscape Design
Why Low Maintenance Landscaping Is Important
Taking care of your lawn and landscaping costs money.
In fact, typical homeowners spend somewhere between $100 and $200 per month just on basic lawn maintenance and upkeep. Multiply that by however many rental units you own and it won’t take long to see how fast it adds up.
But did you know it can also cost you…
Tenants and equity if the landscaping on your property starts to look shabby? Bad landscaping is an invitation for trouble. When renters see a property hasn’t been cared for, they assume the owner doesn’t care. They also assume that maintenance and repairs might be an issue down the road.
That’s why keeping up with landscaping should be part of any property owner’s maintenance plan. And if you’re not interested in diving into landscaping work yourself, consider investing in reliable property management solutions that include landscaping alongside other types of routine maintenance.
But wait, there’s more.
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, landscaping can actually increase your property’s resale value by 15% to 20% if done right.
Translation: lawn care and landscaping doesn’t have to be complicated in order for it to be worth it.
Maintaining your property’s curb appeal is an important part of property ownership. That doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire weekends doing it though.
Landscaping Ideas That Won’t Slow You Down
Traditional landscaping requires traditional upkeep. If you’re not into pulling weeds and trimming flower beds every week, you need to design a landscape that “fits” your lifestyle.
Here are some easy landscaping ideas for property owners who don’t want to spend their free time working on their property:
Use Native Plants
Believe it or not, but some plants require less care than others. Plants that are native to your area are already adapted to live in your climate. That means you won’t have to water them as often, fertilize as heavily, or tend to their needs as much.
Native plants will survive and even flourish in your yard with very little effort on your part.
Try Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is another landscaping method that drastically reduces water usage and upkeep. Xeriscaping utilizes drought tolerant plants, rock and gravel, mulch, and smart irrigation in order to create an attractive looking landscape that won’t spike your water bill.
The National Geographic Society claims xeriscaping will reduce your outdoor water usage by 50% to 75% annually.
And here’s the best part…
Xeriscaped lawns typically require far less mowing, trimming, and general landscape upkeep. It’s the closest thing you can get to a “set it and forget it” yard.
Install Mulch & Ground Cover
Mulch is a ground covered best friend. A thick layer of mulch around your landscaped beds will help keep weeds at bay, hold moisture in the ground, and regulate temperature.
Ground cover is another low maintenance way to make your property look great while spending minimal time and money doing it. Plants like creeping thyme and clover spread on their own to choke out weeds and require zero mowing.
Add Hardscaping Elements
Hardscaping elements are non-living features like stone walkways, gravel beds, patios, retaining walls, and more. Not only do they add character to a property, they don’t require a single second of maintenance.
Sure you’ll have to power wash your walkway once in a while. But you’ll never have to worry about reseeding or watering grass in that space.
Use Smart Irrigation Techniques
If you have grass that needs watering, invest in a smart irrigation system. These technologically advanced watering systems hook up to your property’s outdoor spigots and water only when necessary.
They use timed sprinklers, weather detection sensors, and drip irrigation tactics to keep your yard happy and healthy. All without you lifting a finger.
What Property Managers Take Care of For You
You might be thinking that you can DIY a lot of these cheap landscaping tips. And you’d be right.
But property managers can take care of everything mentioned above while also managing the routine property maintenance and repairs you don’t have time to handle yourself.
Some things your property manager will typically do for you include:
- Routine maintenance and repairs. Little things like leaky faucets all the way up to AC units and appliances.
- Landscaping upkeep. Whether it’s lawn care, seasonal cleanup, or new landscaping features.
- Tenant communication. Any questions or requests your tenants have about the property.
- Vendor management. Finding reputable lawn care, cleaning services, and contractors at the best prices.
- Property inspections. Regular property inspections ensure landscaping and yard issues are spotted before they become serious problems.
Property managers are the middlemen between you and everything else you don’t want to worry about. Including making sure your landscaping looks good year-round.
Tips for Choosing the Best Landscape Design
Not every landlord’s property is the same. Just because xeriscaping is ideal for you in Arizona doesn’t mean it makes sense for your apartment building in Michigan.
Consider these factors when choosing what landscaping route is best for your property:
- Climate. Hot and dry? Xeriscaping is an obvious choice. Mild with lots of rain? Look into native ground covers and perennials.
- Property type. A SFH may only need some nice mulch beds with native plants. Larger rentals may benefit from creative hardscaping and smart irrigation ideas.
- Budget. It’s true that you can make small changes like mulching your beds or replacing old thirsty plants with drought tolerant versions.
Remember that low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance at all.
Wrapping Up
Installing low maintenance landscaping at your rental property is one of the best decisions you can make as a hands-off landlord. It’ll save you money, protect your investment, and attract better tenants without asking you to sacrifice your free time.
Let’s do a quick recap of how you can save time and money with smart landscaping tips:
- Opt for native plants when landscaping your property
- Cut water costs with xeriscaping
- Use mulch and ground cover to reduce weeding
- Add curb appeal with hardscaping
- Invest in smart irrigation tech that does the watering for you
- Have your property manager handle the rest
Your property’s exterior should work for you, not against you. With low maintenance landscaping – it will.