When it comes to attracting and keeping great tenants, the outside of your property is just as important as the inside. Landscaping plays a huge role in creating a welcoming first impression and showing that the property is well cared for. A well-maintained yard can boost curb appeal, increase property value, and may even reduce vacancy rates. Today, we’ll discuss different landscaping ideas to increase property appeal, and some landscaping mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Why Does Landscaping Matter for Rental Properties?
While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about property maintenance, landscaping is a crucial aspect of owning and maintaining rental properties. After all, the first thing a prospective tenant sees when they visit your property is the exterior–and we all know that first impressions mean a lot.
Aside from just the aesthetics of a property, well-maintained landscaping contributes to property value and reduces vacancy rates. Our Austin property managers know that in today’s competitive market, curb appeal can help your property stand out from the rest.
Quick Curb Appeal Boosters That Attract Tenants
We all know that first impressions matter–especially in the rental market. A property that looks well-kept and inviting from the outside can grab a potential tenant’s attention before they even step inside.
That said, there are other small changes you can make to your property to make it more attractive to prospective renters. Here are a few quick landscaping ideas that can help increase the appeal of your property.
Fresh Mulch or Rock Beds- Clean and defined garden beds can make the yard look more put-together and professional.
Planter Boxes or Potted Plants- Adding pops of color to the outside of your rental can make it more inviting and welcoming for prospective or current tenants.
Updated Lighting- Updating the lighting outside your property can ensure safety and make your property more attractive, even at night.
Well-Maintained Lawn- Regular mowing and weed control can go a long way in enhancing the overall appearance of your rental.
Painted or Stained Front Door- A bold, clean door color adds character to a property and shows that it’s cared for.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Rentals
When managing rental properties, it’s essential to choose landscaping options that are both attractive and easy to maintain. Low-maintenance landscaping helps save you time and money, and makes it so that your tenants don’t have that extra responsibility.
Some of the best low-maintenance landscaping ideas include:
Native Plants- Choosing plants that already thrive in the natural climate makes them easier to care for, as they often require less watering and maintenance.
Mulch Beds- Adding mulch around trees and garden beds helps retain moisture, reduces weeds, and makes the area look cleaner and more put-together.
Hardscaping- One of the easiest ways to improve the look of outdoor spaces is by adding stone walkways, gravel paths, or paver patio areas.
Drought-Tolerant Options- If you live in a drier area, consider incorporating plants that require little water, such as succulents, lavender, or coneflowers.
Automatic Irrigation Systems- If you don’t want to burden your tenants with the task of watering plants, install timers or drip irrigation.
Low-Mow or No-Mow Grass- Don’t want to worry about constant mowing? Consider using no-mow grass that doesn’t require consistent upkeep.
Seasonal Landscaping Tips to Keep Your Property Fresh
Landscaping isn’t a one-time task–if you want to keep your property looking great year-round, it requires some seasonal upkeep. That said, here are some of the small things you can do each season to keep your rental’s landscaping fresh and functional.
Spring- Once the weather starts warming up in the spring, you’ll want to clean up any fallen branches or debris, refresh mulch beds, and start re-planting native or drought-resistant flowers. It’s also a good time to inspect your irrigation systems to ensure they’re ready for the summer heat.
Summer- During summer months, make sure you keep up with mowing at your rentals, water thoroughly, and trim any overgrown shrubs or trees. Adding fresh mulch can also help retain moisture and protect plants from Austin’s hot summer temperatures.
Fall- Once fall hits, it’s time to clean up the exterior of your property by raking leaves, planting seasonal flowers or plants, and aerating the lawn. It’s also a good time to clean things up and prepare beds for the colder winter months.
Winter- While Austin’s winters are pretty mild, keep walkways clear of leaves and debris and prune any dormant trees to ensure healthy spring growth. You may consider adding to your property’s curb appeal with evergreen planters or succulents for year-round greenery.
Common Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid
You may have the best intentions for your property’s landscaping, but a few wrong choices can actually create more issues than curb appeal. That said, here are a few common mistakes you should avoid for your rental property.
Choosing High-Maintenance Plants- Plants that need to be watered constantly are usually not a great fit for rental properties, especially in Austin’s hot, dry summers.
Overcrowding the Yard- Having too many plants in a small space can look messy and may even lead to pest issues in or around your property.
Ignoring Proper Drainage Needs- Poor drainage around plants can cause water to pool near the foundation of your property, which can cause some severe damage–especially during heavy storms.
Neglecting Routine Upkeep- You don’t want to skip out on lawn mowing, weeding, or trimming, because that’s the quickest way to dull your landscaping.
Keep Your Property Professionally Maintained
Knowing different landscaping ideas and tips to attract renters is great. However, the truth is, not all landlords have the time to spend on the daily, weekly, or seasonal upkeep–especially if you have multiple properties. This is where a professional property management company can help.
Our team at Stone Oak Management can help you keep your rentals looking their best, 24/7. Whether you need an inspection, maintenance, or any other property management need, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive services!
