Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas For Rental Properties

A rental property is a great way to earn passive income, but attracting potential tenants means that you have to invest in creating an enticing curb appeal. If you have a front yard, having curb appeal can mean the difference between an occupied or unoccupied property. Statistics from Privacy Advice show there are about 43.3 million households that are up for rent in the US, and according to the FRED Economic Data, 7% of these properties remain unoccupied.

If you currently have a property that doesn't have curb appeal, now is the time to think about landscaping. Reports show that a garden or outdoor space is one of the top 10 things potential tenants look for when searching for a rental property. Sure, upfront costs may be expensive when you develop a patio, garden, or landscaped yard, but if you choose cost-efficient projects with low maintenance requirements, that initial investment will be all worth it. With a landscaped front or backyard, you will attract more tenants, and having an outdoor oasis can encourage them to stay longer in your rental. Here are four cost-efficient and low-maintenance landscaping ideas that can help you attract tenants to your rental property:

Hardscaping for Minimal Plant Maintenance

Hardscaping is the process of removing grass and plants in your yard and placing a hard surface instead. These can include walkways, borders, patios, a deck, or sitting areas in your exterior space. The goal of hardscaping is to have less area for plants and grass, which translates to less or minimal maintenance. A patio is a great solution to replacing a large portion of your front yard, creating a beautiful outdoor space for tenants where they can have alfresco dinners or a place to quietly read a book.

Create Pet-Friendly Sections

Many tenants are looking for a rental where they can bring their pets with them. Of course, pets, especially dogs, need spaces to run and play, and nothing's better than a yard for your tenant's beloved pet. Landscape your yard to be pet-friendly or dedicate a certain section where pets can run around and dig their paws in. Artificial turf is a great idea as it's easy to clean by simply watering it down, and dogs love it, too. Or, you can place fences or rock gardens, or cover your yard with small pebbles that require very low maintenance needs. If you do create pet-friendly sections in your yard, you need to be clear about your requirements when it comes to your tenant's pets. This can include cleaning after their dog's waste, as well as replacing damaged landscaping if their pet becomes too rowdy.

Use Native Plant Species

If you want to create raised gardens or a garden oasis in your yard, you must only use native plant species to ensure they don't require frequent upkeep and care. Avoid tropical plants that are hard to maintain and choose native plants that can help save water and lower your maintenance requirements. Choose species that have adapted well to your rental's local environment, as well as seasonal changes. If you opt for plants that are non-native to your local region, they will require more water, more soil additives, and more maintenance needs. You can visit a local garden center or get the advice of a local landscape designer.

Try Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is the process by which groups of plants with similar water needs are grouped to conserve water. It's also a process that's popular in places that are susceptible to drought since they don't require a lot of water to survive. This may need some ample research or better yet, hire the services of a professional who can arrange low-water plants in your outdoor space. Other ideas include using drip irrigation instead of sprinklers, covering your yard with mulch, or replacing grass with artificial turf.

When it comes to landscaping your rental property, low-maintenance solutions can go a long way to reducing overall costs, as well as save you a lot of time and effort. With these cost-efficient tips, you can improve your rental's curb appeal to attract tenants, without having to invest in frequent high-maintenance costs. A landscaped yard will attract more tenants, and encourage them to stay longer by giving them a homey and relaxing outdoor oasis that doesn't require too much upkeep.