Landscaping: Keep your Rental Property Looking Sharp

It looks like summer is finally here to stay, which means it’s time to give your rental property the love it deserves! If you have properties with a yard, patio, porch, or communal park, then it’s important to maintain your landscaping so your tenants can enjoy their summers fully. After all, nobody likes an outdoor area that hasn’t been tended properly. So here are a few simple tips we’ve compiled so you can keep your rental property looking fresh, all summer long.

#1 Water in the morning.

You might be thinking this is an obvious tip, but there’s a reason we bring it up, it’s important! Lawn care professionals insist on morning watering and advise against afternoon watering because those hot summer temps will make the water evaporate almost immediately. Watering in the morning gives the roots a better chance of absorbing the moisture more readily. In fact, certain kinds of grass lay “dormant” during the hotter parts of the day, which means they won’t take water in as effectively as they would in the morning. And though it may seem like a good idea to water at night, there’s a chance your damp grass will breed fungus, and you don’t want that!

Whatever you do, do not overwater your lawn. We recommend sticking to an early morning routine, and giving your lawn a good, long watering every few days or so. We’ve found that watering every three days for an extended period of time is better for your lawn than a shorter watering time on a daily basis. 

#2 Mow frequently.

As tempting as it is to mow your lawn extra short in order to avoid having to go out there again, it’s not recommended. If you mow your lawn too short you run the risk of ending up with a dry, brown, and patchy yard. It’s not worth it! If you mow your lawn regularly at the appropriate length, you’ll have greater success. Grass at its optimal length allows it to fight drought while resisting weeds and pests. Experiment a little with different lengths to see what works well for your rental property. According to the Family Handyman, cool-climate grasses do well at around 3-4 inches, while warm-climate grasses fare better at around 1-2 inches. 

It’s also a good idea to have a set mowing schedule. Mowing once or twice a week should be enough. Longer grass has a deeper green color and needs less water, so try seeing if once a week works for you; you’ll have less work to do while your lawn looks lush and feels luxurious!

LAWN CARE EXTRAS

There are a few extra credit lawn-care tips you can do to help even more. These aren’t required but will help your lawn look the best it possibly can.

• Fertilize: This gives your lawn extra nutrients to keep it strong!
• Aerate: This gives the lawn better access to water and nutrients.
• Weed: Weeds steal nutrients from your grass, so the sooner you get them out of there, the better for your lawn.

#3 Trim, trim, trim!

It’s easy to lose track of trees, shrubs, and other plants, so be sure to keep them in mind too. If your rental property has any dead tree limbs, cut them away! Strong gusts of winds or summer thunderstorms could take those dead tree limbs down and potentially damage your property, so it’s important to take steps to avoid that whenever possible.

If your rental property has bushes or vines, especially close to the home, prune them regularly. Vines or bushes that are close to your home can invite termites and other pests into the property, which is a whole other problem you’d have to deal with. They can interfere with your exterior air conditioning unit, and even trap moisture against the house and the foundation. Periodic trimming here and there will go a long way in keeping your property looking sharp and well-kempt!

#4 Embrace drought-tolerant plants.

Are you looking for a way to conserve water, save time, and improve your curb appeal? Then get yourself some drought-tolerant plants! These plants are low-maintenance and there are a variety of options to choose from based on your location. We recommend going to your local nursery and finding what works specifically for you. And if you’re looking to add a pop of color while staying low-maintenance, look for flowers that thrive in heat that are perennials. With perennials, you’ll be planting flowers that bloom many years in a row without having to be replanted. Russian sage is a great option in the area, and is sure to give your Colorado rental property a flash of color, a delicious and herby smell, all while giving bees something they like too – it’s a win-win!

It sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? It is, but the good news is you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to! Working with a property management company like Metro REIG, means you don’t have to worry about landscaping or any other rental property maintenance needs. Let’s talk, and see how we can work together. We specialize in property management, and we’re sure we can make your rental property shine, while you reap the benefits.