Rental Landscaping: A Worthy Investment

It’s no secret that running a successful rental property involves balancing many factors, including time and expense. Landscaping your property’s exterior may seem frivolous, but shouldn’t be underestimated as a factor in attracting quality tenants who will maintain your investment.

Things To Consider Before You Start

Before planning any modifications to your outdoor space, it’s important to make sure you’re working smarter, not harder. Your local plant store or even the garden department at a big-box hardware store can advise you on the hardiest plants for your climate zone. Look for varieties that can tolerate the amount of sun or shade that your outdoor space naturally receives, and have at least an idea of what kind of soil you’re dealing with. Thin, dry soil may require mulch or other add-ins in order to retain the moisture needed to sustain your plants, while soil with a high clay content may retain water, which won’t be a welcoming environment for plants that need good drainage.

High Impact, Low Maintenance

1. Keep it simple. Because you can’t count on your tenants to water, mow, or otherwise upkeep the space, you’ll want to make sure upkeep is as easy for you as possible. Choose shrubs, evergreens, or other perennials, and go for fewer and larger rather than more and smaller. Rental landscaping is all about getting the most bang for your buck.
2. Keep it neutral. You may think flowering vines or sculpted shrubs are the way to go, but your tenants will be the ones living in the space, so you want to make sure it’s appealing to everyone. But neutral doesn’t mean boring; there are plenty of green, silver, white, and brown plants, not to mention decorative trees like Japanese maples that can provide interest in your rental landscaping.
3. Keep it local. Do your research so you know what climate zone you’re in, and what plants are native to your area. This will not only make it more likely that the plants will survive with minimal care, but help preserve biodiversity and sustain endangered pollinators like honeybees. Both the National Garden Association and the National Association of Landscape Professionals are great resources on what plants might fit your needs, and the Department of Agriculture has a list of invasive, toxic, or potentially hazardous plants by region so you know what to avoid.

How All County Denver Metro Can Help

Making improvements to your rentals is a win-win solution to attracting quality tenants– but we know the landlord’s to-do list doesn’t end with filling your units. All County Denver Metro Property Management is here to help property owners get the best return on their investment through knowledgeable and trustworthy property management services. From managing tenant relationships to lease enforcement, we look forward to working with you to see how your investment can be a long-term, stress-free asset. For a complimentary quote, call us today at (720) 664-4550.