Landscaping can be frustrating for property owners, especially if you have multiple properties which all require different forms of maintenance. Finding the right balance of landscaping solutions for your rental property can be a challenge.
As a rental property owner, you need to find the right balance between your desire for an attractive rental property and the investment you put in. This includes both time and money spent on maintenance.
The multitude of factors to consider when running a rental property means that landscaping is often an afterthought when preparing a new home for tenants. Cutting down on costs is always a priority when running a business, but great landscaping can be a valuable asset for your properties. Therefore, we have come up with the best low maintenance landscaping solutions to suit both your desires and your bank balance.
Read Now: The Best and Worst Home Maintenance Projects for Your Rental Value
Will Landscaping Increase the Property Value?
Many landlords don’t see landscaping as an investment. Instead, they view landscaping as a nuisance. This is because they want to keep their expense as low as possible – understandably so.
But what kind of value could landscaping add to your rental? Investing in just a few low-maintenance enhancements will add great value to your property and keep your replacement costs low. Most importantly, making this investment will make your rental property more attractive to tenants who are willing to pay more to rent a well-landscaped home.
However, similar to interior improvements and renovations you don’t want to overdo it. Always keep in mind your rental competition and return on investment.
These cost-efficient, low maintenance solutions will help you get the most out of your property and its outdoor space:
Planting Perennials
As most property owners are only too aware, gardening can be extremely high maintenance. However, it doesn’t have to be! Planting perennials are a great way to tackle this while still keeping your garden blooming.
One of the biggest advantages of perennial plants is that they don’t need to be replanted every year. You can save time and energy by not clearing a flowerbed of last year’s plants, sowing seeds and mulching an area every year.
You can use perennials to improve the soil structure as their roots help to create channels for water to travel through. Perennials are great to control your lawn, prevent soil erosion and take away from the maintenance needs of a full lawn!
Artificial Grass
Opting for artificial grass over natural grass is one of the top money-saving choices you can make when it comes to designing your landscape. Replacing grass will have an upfront cost, but it will save you time and money on maintenance. With just a little cleaning and occasional brushing your artificial grass lawn will always be ready for your guests.
Artificial lawns have improved their quality over recent years and are now a very popular garden installation. Who doesn’t love a lawn you don’t have to mow? However, it must be noted that not all artificial lawns are created equal!
Remember to ask your contractor to give you samples and provide you with the manufacturer specification, including any guarantees. Ensure that there is at least 4 inches of compacted base underneath the lawn. Problems can arise if it wasn’t dug out to the correct depth and the correct sub-base wasn’t installed.
Read Now: How to Successfully Manage Your Airbnb Property Remotely
Hardscaping
Hardscaping refers to any man-made structure within landscaping such as walkways, patios, decks, paving stones etc. While the word hardscaping might sound like a more difficult version of landscaping, it’s actually a fairly easy practice. Hardscaping allows you to make lasting elements to your garden, adding both style and functionality to your outdoor space.
Here are some ways to put hardscaping into practice:
Paving
Paving is one of the best surfaces for any garden. It’s not only functional but attractive. Crucially, it’s pretty much indestructible as far as landscaping goes. Therefore, it’s a great solution for rental property owners who may not have the time to maintain their rental properties’ landscapes.
Paving can create amazing patio spaces for your tenants to enjoy, help increase your property value and see a greater return on investment.
It must be noted that paving is expensive, but once completed, it’s maintenance free and long lasting. People will be willing to pay more to rent out your property if they can see lots of places to relax and spend their time.
Decking
Decking is a popular landscaping installation. It’s usually thought of as a quick and affordable alternative to paving, which gives a rustic and naturally attractive appearance to your garden.
Like paving, decking is a great solution for property owners who don’t have the time to maintain their property’s landscape.
However, it must be noted that one of the main draw backs with decking is that the wood will degrade – standard soft wood does well if it lasts 15 years. Weigh the pros and cons of this option to decide if it’s the best one for you!
Gravel
Using gravel can be a very effective low maintenance landscaping solution for landlords. There are many benefits to using gravel: it’s easy to lay and maintain, climate resistant, affordable and extremely versatile. Using gravel lessens the maintenance involved in one of the most hated maintenance jobs in the garden, mowing the lawn.
If your main concern is to cut down on weeding, you can keep your lawn and simply replace your earth borders with borders that are dressed in gravel.
Related Articles
At Keey we have a range of management options as well as advice that will help your rental properties flourish. Get in touch with one of our experts today!