If your rental property has a yard, chances are it could benefit from a little sprucing up this Spring. While a properly maintained and stylish interior is key to attracting renters, it is curb appeal that makes the first impression. Therefore, if your landscaping is looking a bit worse for wear, now is the time to act. That said, many owners may not realize that outdoor improvements do not have to break the bank. In fact, there is a variety of budget-friendly and low-maintenance options that provide maximum impact for minimal effort. So, as prime leasing season approaches, follow along with our Spring landscaping tips below to get your rental property showing ready!
Spring Landscaping Tips for your Harrisburg Rental Property
It is not always easy caring for a rental property from afar. Moreover, relying on tenants to water and care for elaborate landscaping designs is not the best choice. As a landlord, getting the most bang for your buck is vital to retaining a healthy profit margin. Check out these Spring landscaping tips below to keep your investment property looking its best for the least amount of effort.
- Add Automated Irrigation
- Low Maintenance and Native Plants
- Cut Down on Grass with Ground Cover
- Boost Entertaining Space
- Add Fresh Mulch
- Hire Help for Bigger Lawns
Add Automated Irrigation
While admittedly not the cheapest option, installing an irrigation system is a great way to ensure a healthy lawn throughout the Spring and Summer. This guarantees that the grass, plants, and trees receive care on a consistent schedule. Furthermore, this is a stress-free alternative to relying on tenants, hiring outside vendors, or simply hoping for mother nature’s help.
Low Maintenance and Native Plants
Focus on low maintenance plants, grass, and trees or, essentially, those that can take care of themselves. Also, choosing native plant species helps ensure the landscaping will thrive in the specific environment. Moreover, they are more likely to thrive through all seasons (or come back year after year, depending on the plant). When it comes to trees, evergreen trees are generally a great idea. They require minimal maintenance and can survive through a variety of weather conditions.
It is important to take weather and location into consideration when selecting plants. Most often, plants and shrubbery from local vendors will indicate if they prefer full sun, shade, or any condition in-between, along with how large the plant will grow. Pay close attention to these details for the best possible results.
When in doubt, there are various resources to help homeowners make the best choice for their landscaping needs. These resources include; the National Gardening Association, Mulch and Soil Council, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. So, do your research before making any major landscaping decisions and help guarantee you choose the right products, companies, etc.
Cut Down on Grass with Ground Cover
There are many hardy and colorful ground cover plants that fill in a lot of space for little effort. A ground cover helps to prevent erosion, retain moisture, and provide a habitat for pollinating insects. Also, these plants provide a cost-effective and attractive way to decrease the grass which tenants must mow throughout warmer months. Alternatively, if the property has areas where grass struggles to grow, ground cover may be the ideal solution. Check out these low-maintenance ground cover options below –
- Creeping Juniper
- Lily of the Valley
- Creeping Thyme
- Dead Nettle
- Ajuga
- Sedum
Boost Entertaining Space
Like an automated irrigation system, adding entertainment space to a rental property is not in everyone’s budget. That said, installing large pavers or a concrete patio is an excellent way to attract tenants and add value to your investment property. The key here is not to go overboard! If you decide to install a patio, make sure it suits the space and utilizes cost-effective materials. As a general rule of thumb, a good size patio is a minimum of 16 feet by 18 feet.
Add Fresh Mulch or Stone
Fresh mulch automatically makes your property’s landscaping pop! The good news is mulch comes in a variety of colors and chip sizes to suit any style. However, another great option is stone or recycled non-organic material. Although the initial cost is higher, these materials last much longer and do not attract the pests that traditional wood mulch can.
Hire Help for Bigger Lawns
For offsite property owners or large multi-family complexes, sometimes only outside help will suffice. While it is costly, having a landscaping company for bigger jobs is a benefit in the end. When the curb appeal helps to maintain the rental value, this, in turn, helps an owner’s overall profit. Keep in mind, most landscaping companies book well advance of the season, and signing a contract early is key to getting the best value.
Other Spring Landscaping Tips to Boost Curb Appeal
In addition to focusing on outdoor landscaping, a few other measures can boost curb appeal. After a long winter, a rental property’s exterior could use some TLC. Continue reading for a few bonus Spring landscaping tips below –
- Power Washing – Siding or brick starting to show some dirt or algae growth? Well, blast it away with a rented power washer or consider hiring a vendor. Thus, giving an immediate facelift and makes your exterior really shine.
- Add Planters – Planters flanking an entryway offer a colorful and welcoming site for potential or current renters. So, select a planter that matches your investment property’s style and invest in low-maintenance perennials that will add a pop of color.
- Paint the Front Door – Going bold on a fresh new front door color can instantly transform a home’s mood. That said, use high-quality and fade-resistant paint specifically for exterior doors to get the best result.
- Update Light Fixtures and House Numbers – Updating a tired porchlight can do wonders to freshen up an entry look. Additionally, house numbers are often overlooked and can really show a home’s age. So, try swapping out for a sleek and modern design for only a modest investment.
How to Get the Most from Your Rental Property?
Property management companies are not just responsible for leasing and collecting rent. In fact, hiring a property management company to maintain your property can increase profits and reduce stress. Additionally, a great property management firm has relationships with maintenance vendors, including landscaping companies. Bay Property Management Group has a dedicated team, experienced vendors, and expertise to tackle any job, big or small.
Are you in need of a Northern Virginia property management company to maintain your rentals’ curb appeal and property value? Contact Bay Property Management Group and see how we can help you get the most from your Harrisburg investment properties.