Landscaping a rental property is often balancing curb appeal and quality of life with low-maintenance simplicity. You want the exterior of your rental property to look good; this is how you attract and retain good tenants. But, you also don’t want the landscaping to be so complicated and intricate that it requires a lot of work - from either you, your residents, or a landscaping service.
An attractive outdoor space isn’t just about aesthetics. It can significantly
enhance a property’s value and tenant satisfaction. For properties in Santa Cruz County, landscaping also comes with the added layer of adapting to the unique climate.
The key is to create low-maintenance gardens and outdoor spaces that are tenant-friendly, affordable, and sustainable while still looking outstanding.
We’ve put together some effective landscaping ideas tailored to
rental properties in Santa Cruz.
Why Choose Low-Maintenance Landscaping
A well-maintained, attractive yard does more than boost curb appeal. It also helps with tenant retention and ensures quicker leasing turnaround. Tenants often prefer a yard or garden that doesn’t require hours of upkeep, which is why low-maintenance landscaping solutions are also tenant-friendly landscaping solutions. They’re perfect for rental properties.
By designing tenant-friendly outdoor spaces that are easy to manage, property owners can minimize wear and tear while keeping their tenants happy and their income property thriving.
Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants
Santa Cruz and the local area experience a mild Mediterranean climate, which is great for drought-resistant plants like succulents, lavender, and California poppies. These plants thrive with minimal watering and still provide a vibrant, eye-catching garden design.
Group low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants together for an easy watering routine and a cohesive aesthetic. Some of the drought-tolerant plants we’d recommend to landlords who are trying to appeal to tenants include:
- Succulents such as jade plants or aloes
- Native grasses like blue fescue and deer grass
- Ornamental plants, including kangaroo paw or agaves
Not only are these plants hardy, but they also ensure lower water bills for your tenants. That saves them time and money, which is always attractive.
Install Mulch Beds
Mulch is an excellent landscaping ally for rental properties. It retains soil moisture, reduces weeds, and enhances the overall look of garden beds. In our rental properties, we like to opt for wood chips, bark, or gravel for a polished look while cutting down the need for constant maintenance.
Add mulch around drought-tolerant plants for additional moisture control and weed suppression.
Go Green in a Different Way: Opt for Artificial Turf or Ground Cover
While a lush green lawn looks stunning, it’s often high maintenance for tenants. It’s also tough to keep pristine when drought restrictions are in place. So instead, consider installing artificial turf or something similar. This is an eco-friendly, clean, and durable solution that looks perfect all year.
Not a fan of artificial grass? It’s still possible to replace traditional lawn areas with low-maintenance ground covers like clover or creeping thyme. These plants are drought-resistant and require minimal mowing or watering.
Use Hardscaping for Functionality and Style
Hardscaping refers to landscaping features like pathways, patios, and decorative rocks. Not only are these visually appealing, but they’re also virtually maintenance-free for your tenants. We think you might want to try something like:
- Create flagstone or gravel paths for easy navigation.
- Add a patio with seating to encourage tenants to enjoy outdoor spaces.
- Use decorative rock beds to add texture and balance to the landscape.
Hardscaping reduces upkeep while still offering a beautiful and functional yard for tenants.
Add Raised Garden Beds for Tenant Use
Tenants are looking for outdoor space, and they’ll be especially enchanted by space that they can use in creative ways. Provide raised garden beds for renters who love to dabble in gardening without the commitment of digging up a yard.
This feature allows tenants to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers, boosting their satisfaction and creating a sense of ownership in your property. Be sure to use durable materials like cedar or metal for the garden boxes to ensure longevity.
Incorporate Smart Irrigation Systems
Water can be a big concern for rental properties, especially in drought-prone areas like Santa Cruz County. Smart irrigation systems take the guesswork out of watering by using timers and sensors to deliver just the right amount of water.
A few benefits to an irrigation system are:
- Reduced water bills for tenants.
- Minimal effort to maintain healthy plants.
- Compliance with local water conservation guidelines.
Smart irrigation is environmentally responsible and tenant-friendly. Look for irrigation systems compatible with native and drought-resistant plants.
Highlight Sustainability
Tenants in our market often value eco-friendly living, and your landscaping can reflect those principles. Incorporating sustainable landscaping features like rain barrels, compost bins, or using recycled materials can make your property stand out to environmentally conscious renters.
Communicate these
sustainable efforts as part of your property’s unique selling points to attract like-minded tenants.
Keep it Simple and Tenant-Centric
One of the best approaches to creating tenant-friendly landscaping is keeping it simple. Skip fussy flower gardens or intricate features that may overwhelm renters. Instead, focus on:
- Durable and easy-care plants.
- Well-defined, functional spaces like patios or small seating areas.
- Thoughtful layouts, such as defined paths and well-placed planters.
Provide tenants with simple guidelines for maintaining the yard. For example, providing seasonal care tips of outside upkeep is going to be their responsibility. Or, hire landscapers to ensure your property continues to look great without your tenants having to invest any time or effort.
Grow Your Landscaping with Confidence
