Landscaping is essential to maintaining your real estate investment — the first impression makes a lasting impact. Maybe you don’t have the time to water plants or rake leaves, though. Real estate investing comes with many jobs, all requiring a portion of your attention. Luckily, you can rescue your packed schedule by opting for low-maintenance landscaping.
You’ll spend less time and energy on lawncare while still developing a property people would love to live in. With more time for other tasks, you can focus on recruiting tenants and taking care of financial matters. Keep the curb appeal strong by checking out these six tips for creating a low-effort yard.
1. Planting Native Vegetation
Native plants often require less maintenance because they’ve become accustomed to the regional climate and resist pests and disease. You can find out which ones to put on your investment property by researching your hardiness zone.
Year-round flowers can be a great addition to your rental. They bloom throughout the hot and cold months, livening up the scenery no matter the weather. In addition, plants that support pollinators — like butterflies and bees — bring biodiversity to a yard. Consider planting pollinator-friendly vegetation if you want to contribute to surrounding ecosystems.
2. Mulching
Spreading mulch around your plants and trees helps them retain moisture and ward off weeds. The plants will also require less feeding, making them mostly self-sufficient.
You can choose organic or inorganic mulch. Organic mulch is eco-friendly and affordable, though its all-natural quality can attract unwanted pests. Inorganic mulch won’t need to be replaced, and it allows for improved water absorption. Depending on the material — plastic or rubber — it can reach high temperatures in hot months, which may dry your vegetation out.
Related: How to Go Green with Your Exterior Renovation
3. Hardscaping
Hardscaping is arguably the ultimate solution for designing a low-effort landscape. Mowing, mulching, and watering won’t be necessary if you replace sections of grass with paved walkways instead. All it needs is occasional cleaning — otherwise, you won’t have to think twice about it.
Interlocking deck tiles give existing hardscaping a brand new look. Whether it’s stone, wood or porcelain, you can redesign your patio without the expensive removals and installs. Remember not to pave over too much of the grass, though. Despite its maintenance requirements, greenery appeals to renters. They may skip over a rental property that has more stone than lawn.
4. Deep Watering
An irrigation system can save you from tending to your plants every day. This technique sends water to specific sections of your yard instead of spreading it everywhere like a sprinkler. You’ll cut down on water waste, lower utility bills and spend less time on yard work— a three-in-one win for your real estate investment.
Deep watering is beneficial for veggies and flowers because it enables them to grow deeper roots, protecting them against potential droughts. Water dependency breeds a constant need for H2O, and a short delay in the schedule can send plants spiraling. Preserving their wellness is all the more reason to switch to periodic watering.
5. Rearranging Your Plants
Design your lawn’s layout by how much water and sunlight your plants will require. Place similar ones together so they’ll receive the same care. You’ll avoid under- or overwatering, and they won’t suffer from a lack of sun or too much of it.
Horticulturists refer to this practice as xeriscaping. It’s similar to deep watering and irrigating in how it facilitates better water management. Add this landscape hack to your list if you live in a drought-prone area — it’s especially useful for arid regions.
6. Adding Statues and Lighting
Add outdoor lighting solutions to brighten the exterior while keeping renters safe. Path lighting comes in handy when people walk at night, and it adds aesthetic value. Don’t forget the less-traveled areas — you can put motion sensor bulbs in these spots.
Statues can be fitting substitutes or complementary elements to greenery. They add visual interest without the need for water or fertilizer, and they don’t require much care. Simple but eye-catching statues are best. Going all out with dragons or roaring lions may make the rental property feel overly personalized to tenants.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping for Your Rental Property
Following these tips can help you enhance your real estate investment without running yourself ragged. An attractive property is essential to making money, but so is keeping your cool.
Make your rental the best on the block, and you’ll have residents occupying your space in no time.
This article has been contributed by Holly Welles.
