Finding the appropriate balance of landscaping solutions for your rental home may be tricky. However, with the help of a Branson, MO property management company, you can strike a balance between your goal for a desirable rental house and the necessary investment (both time and money) to keep your property in good condition.

These low-cost, low-maintenance ideas will help you make the most of the outdoor space on your rental property. Before you begin, keep these three points in mind for any property landscaping project.

How much does landscaping add to the value of a home and the monthly rent?

Many Branson, MO property management companies do not consider landscaping a wise investment. Often, landscaping is viewed as a necessary annoyance. They want enough curb appeal to keep the rental value as high as possible while keeping the landscaping maintenance expenses to a minimum.

Long-term investment in a few essential additions to your low-maintenance landscaping will keep your replacement costs low and make your rental property more appealing to tenants who will pay more to rent a well-landscaped home.

The majority of tenants will want the property to be appealing and functional. If you own a rental property in a high-end neighborhood, this expectation rises, as does the monthly rent you can ask. However, as with interior changes and renovations, you don't want to over-renovate your rental property landscape – keep your rental competitiveness and your return on investment in mind.

How can you make the area more functional for your tenants?

Tenant-friendly landscaping is essential for recruiting quality tenants to your rental property. If you accept pets, ensure that your outdoor space is pet-friendly and will not be readily harmed by a tenant's pet. A pet friendly yard may have a grassy area and a secure fence. 

A lawn, grilling area, or other community space for your tenants' enjoyment will undoubtedly add value and interest to your rental home, whether you rent to many tenants or a family. Creating an outside commonplace may require some initial expenditure, but many outdoor spaces are low-maintenance and will boost the value of your home.

Who is in charge of yard maintenance, and is that responsibility outlined in the lease?

Most communities have lawn height laws, leaf and litter cleanup rules, and snow removal requirements. Many homeowners' associations also have bylaws that define the standards for any landscaping enhancements and monthly upkeep expectations.

If your rental property's landscaping includes specific plants that require special care, or if your  lawn must be mowed every five days on the dot, you'll want to make that explicit in the lease. Outlining the lease's landscape and yard upkeep expectations will help prevent any conflict with the tenants over maintenance issues. If you provide landscaping services, you can include those charges in the cost of rent.

Use low-maintenance grasses for your rental property

There are low-maintenance grasses that require little watering and mowing. Replacing grass will cost money upfront, but it will save you time and money in the long run. These grasses are often less expensive and more visually appealing year after year.

No-mow grass seed mixtures are often fine fescue (flowering grass plants) and a ground cover seed such as clover, moss, or monkey grass. No-mow lawns require only regular watering at first; after that, you only need to mow once a month (or less), depending on how long you want your grass to be. No-mow grasses are hardy and require minimal water, fertilizer, or chemicals to maintain their appearance.

Low-water grass seeds are a fescue blend that, once planted, requires very little water. A few low-water grass varieties are available, such as Fleur de Lawn (a wilder kind of grass with flowers) and Bluestem Enviro-Turf (a durable, drought-resistant lawn). You won't need to employ a lawn care company, build an in-ground watering system, or ask your renters to keep the lawn lush and green.

Single varietal grass seed is the ideal alternative if you desire well-manicured grass. Unfortunately, if you prefer a typical lawn, finding a low-maintenance grass choice will be more challenging. These single variety seeds require careful watering as well as regular mowing. You should probably think about installing a watering system for this type of grass (an in-ground automatic system will best protect your grass investment).

Choose climate-adaptable plants and flower gardens.

Perennials are ideal if you want evergreen or blooming plants. Plant them once, and they will bloom year after year, bringing spectacular color to your yard while keeping it looking innovative and inviting.

Perennials can be utilized to control the lawn or garden border, minimize soil erosion, and reduce overall lawn maintenance. Keep these considerations in mind when planning the landscaping for your rental property.

It is a good idea to consult with your Branson, MO property management company to make sure you are choosing the best landscaping for your rental property and that the improvements you make are worth your investment.

Thousand Hills Realty is the premier property management company in the Branson Tri Lakes area. If you would like to learn more about the property management services we have to offer, call us at (417) 337-8081. We would love the opportunity to speak with you and earn your business.