Americans spend nearly $48 billion annually on lawn care. Some of this spending is on excessive maintenance that could have been avoided in the first place. By making low-maintenance landscaping precautions from the beginning, property owners can avoid spending substantially on landscaping each year.
In this guide, we share with you ten rental property landscaping recommendations to keep your curb appeal high and your costs low! Keep reading to learn more about these strategies.
1. Low Maintenance Grass
Did you know that all grasses are the same? Some grasses are better suited to certain climates. Some grasses require very little maintenance like the two discussed below. If your property already has grass, it might be worth considering a one-time grass replacement.
No-mow Grasses
No-mow grass mixes are hardy and need minimal watering, making them perfect for Cape Cod climates. They usually are a mix of fine fescue, which are flowering grasses that get combined with ground cover that doesn’t grow upwards.
Due to this, you only need to mow once a month at the most.
Low-water Grasses
Some popular low-water grass mixes are Fleur de Lawn and Bluestem Enviro-Turf. These grasses are drought-resistant and thrive with very little water.
This will make them withstand any dry season, and will not require much maintenance or need for sprinkling or hosing down the lawn.
2. Plant Perennials Not Annuals
Perennials are flowering plants that return every year. They have their bloom season, such as June through September, and then die once the frost returns. They’ll go dormant and then these hardy plants return the following June without any work.
Annuals, on the other hand, are plants that cannot protect themselves during the frost; and thus they die permanently and need to be replanted every single year. When purchasing any flowering plants, make sure to buy perennials.
Perennials will vary by region, so something might be a perennial in Florida but not in Cape Cod, and vice versa. Some perennial flowers in Massachusetts include peonies, hydrangeas, and roses.
3. Implement Weed Control
Weeds are one of the most time-consuming and expensive aspects of a garden to maintain. They can add hours to your landscaping bill. Take steps to avoid their growth from the beginning.
Try mulch, pea gravel, or rocks to prevent weeds from peaking through.
4. Plant Evergreens and Drought Resistant Perennials
Not all plants are created equal. As suggested before perennials, along with evergreens, don’t require much upkeep. They thrive year after year.
However, some plants require more water than others. Drought-resistant plants require very little watering, which can save resources and the amount of time your landscaper needs to stop by.
Evergreens are especially lively for Cape Cod. In the off-season when everything is gray and white, evergreens will still provide a healthy pop of color to your rental property.
5. Factor in Some Hardscaping
Hardscaping is a form of landscaping focused on incorporating hard landscaping materials into an outdoor landscape. These materials, like stones and bricks, require much less upkeep as they are of course not living.
These materials can be incorporated to build a deck, a patio, a terrace, an outdoor fireplace, or a fountain. Hardscaping makes use of space on your lawn but consumes a percentage of the land with functional materials that don’t require any maintenance or gardening.
This is a solid low-maintenance landscaping technique for Cape Cod properties. It’s also a smart move for Cape Cod property management as extreme winter temperatures can take a toll on a lawn’s health.
6. Add Some Trees
If planted properly, trees are pretty low maintenance compared to smaller shrubs and flowering perennials. Consider the environment you want to create in your landscape.
Create a shaded area for tenants by growing one or two weeping trees. You can also add tall evergreens to create a private evergreen fence. This will create a private high-end feel.
For easy landscaping in the off-season, look for trees that don’t shed leaves. Otherwise, your landscaper will need to spend time racking the lawn. Trees are also useful for off-season decor.
You can hand string lights around them for a beautifully lit ambiance even in the chilly winters.
7. Consider Pets
If you allow your tenants to have pets on the property, make sure to factor that decision into your landscape design. Especially in Cape Cod summers, tenants will want an area for their pets to run around and play outside. Having multiple tenants’ pets running around will cause wear and tear to the grass, so make sure to have a pet-friendly area free of shrubs and flowers that is easily accessible for more frequent upkeep.
You can also install a special sandbox or rock garden for pets with a secluded fence. This won’t require as much maintenance as a regular grass lawn for pets.
Pets also require fencing. It’s only something you have to get installed once, but it is much easier to install from the beginning and before the high summer season.
Applying These Low-Maintenance Landscaping Techniques
Low-maintenance landscaping is all about planning. Make sure to communicate with your landscaper your desired goals and ideal maintenance schedule for your lawn. They can follow some of the strategies above for inexpensive landscaping all season long.
For easy Cape Cod landscaping make sure to pick an easy-to-care-for grass, look for perennial and evergreen plants, and opt for drought-resistant species at all times. Making these decisions from the get-go will make it easier to upkeep your lawn for years to come.
It will ensure you have easy landscaping each year and happy tenants who can enjoy the beauty of the Cape. Ready to make your landscape low maintenance
Request a quote today.