Landscaping your property can be a great investment for any home that increases value and curb appeal while optimizing the space outdoors. Before making any purchases, you’ll want to survey the space and see what you have to work with. Assess the climate and be realistic with what is expected from the tenants as far as lawn care goes. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a yard that requires weekly maintenance, because odds are, that isn’t going to happen. There are great options that require minimal effort to keep up and will thrive in your area.
Xeriscaping
A great option for Arizona and Las Vegas rental properties, xeriscaping is a landscaping style that requires minimal irrigation. It promotes water conservation and planting drought-resistant plants that can survive harsh climates. You’ll often see succulents, perennials, and other hardy plants used in xeriscaping which are both beautiful and cope well in low moisture climates.
Mulch and Gravel
Gravel and mulch can be an inexpensive way to fill empty space and give the landscaping a more finished look. Mulch can also help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds while requiring less water.
Turf
Synthetic lawns have come a long way in both quality and appearance. Our property managers in Palm Springs have been recommending this option to our owners with more and more frequency. Arguably the most low-maintenance option, turf does not require any mowing or watering and can easily elevate the look of the space.
Grass
There are low-maintenance grasses that will save you time and money in the long run and look beautiful and healthy year-round. No-mow grass like clover, monkey grass, and moss require regular watering only in the beginning to take off. But once it starts to grow, very little water or maintenance will be necessary to keep this lawn looking healthy. Single varietal grass seeds make for a lawn that looks beautifully lush and manicured but does require more maintenance, so a sprinkler system or lawn care team may be necessary to keep up this investment.
Hardscaping
Many tenants enjoy the extension of living space outdoors, so hardscaping the area is both functional and aesthetic. Incorporating landscaping materials like wood, stone, and brick to create a livable outdoor space reduces the expense of exterior maintenance and makes the outdoor space multifunctional. Having a nice outdoor living space can greatly increase the value of the home.
Deciding Which Plants to Include
When deciding what kind of plants to use in your landscaping plans, consider the climate and how much care they will require. Perennials are a great option that returns to flower every year and can withstand harsh heat and even drought. Trees and shrubs are another great addition to a lawn and can provide shade and curb appeal with minimal care. Native species suitable for your home’s climate will also require less maintenance, water, fertilizer, and pesticides. They can also prevent water runoff and improve air quality.
Considering the functionality of the space can also help you determine which landscaping option will best suit your property. How do you intend for the tenants to use the outdoor area? Do you allow pets? Will you be providing a lawn care service? A more durable landscape like gravel and mulch can be great for tenants with dogs as grass is more likely to get torn up from them playing in the backyard. If you don’t plan on hiring a lawn care team, perhaps a sprinkler system is in your home’s best interest. If you live in a drought-prone city with a desert climate, xeriscaping might be the way to go.
No matter the location or circumstances, the right landscaping for your rental property can increase the value of your home and help to attract quality tenants who will enjoy the space that you’ve created.