If you are a landlord, then you most likely already have a lot of tasks on your plate. If you handle all of the marketing, showing, leasing, maintenance and move-outs yourself, instead of employing a property manager to handle these checklists on your behalf, then you are a very busy person.

The last thing you want to spend more time on is debating what upgrades and landscaping should be done to maximize your profits, but these are important decisions that need to be made. The reason you have rental properties is to make money, so you may as well put in a little extra time to make sure they are working their hardest for you. 

Landscaping a rental property is a tricky subject. The catch 22 is this: you want the home you own and rent out to have curb appeal and to draw in potential renters. You want the renters that do sign the lease on it, to enjoy living there and to enjoy the outdoor space. On the flip side, most landscaping requires regular maintenance. As the busy landlord you are, you don’t want to spend your free time at all of your rental properties pruning shrubs and mowing the lawn. Your tenants don’t want to spend their time either, doing lawn maintenance on a property that isn’t truly theirs, and even if they did, they may not have the proper tools. The third choice is to hire a professional lawn maintenance care team to do the beautifying themselves, however the fees they will charge are going to add up quickly and eat up a significant chunk of your profits.

Keep reading to find out the do’s and don’ts of landscaping your rental property.

Do: Keep It Simple

Landscape upkeep takes time. Lots of it. Choose simple straight lines for edging and maintenance simplicity. Think about mowing the lawn and then ask yourself if it can be easily mowed, without the need to have to go back with a weed eater or edger to trim it up every time someone cuts the lawn.

Don’t: Overcomplicate The Design

Cool patterns with pavers look amazing when they are trimmed and kept manicured, but if no one is taking the time and effort to keep things trimmed up, then these areas will start to look overgrown and sloppy very quickly.

Do: Remove Ruts 

Huge ruts in the yard are unappealing to the visual eye, and they may even be a safety hazard to those living on or visiting the property. Move dirt from any other areas that have excess, or if there are extremely large ruts, you may even need to bring in a load of dirt to even out the surface. 

Don’t: Leave Any Trip Hazards

Mounds of dirt may be as hazardous left alone as any holes in the ground. Anything elevated that shouldn’t be there could present a hazard for someone to trip and fall over, as well as just being a general eyesore. 

Do: Create a Pet Potty Area

Often people think that as long as their pet goes to the bathroom outside, then no harm done. But any homeowner that takes pride in their lawn knows this isn’t true. 

Pet urine can yellow a beautiful green lawn in no time, and will quickly become an eyesore. Designate a section of the lawn - preferably in the back - where your tenant can take their pet to potty.

Don’t: Wait To Communicate 

The designated pet policy should be addressed even before move-in. Do not wait for the damage to be done. Instead, you should proactively speak to the tenant about what your expectations are for pet waste. Be sure to remind them to pick up any solid waste as well, so that you don't step in any surprises when you come to check on things.

Do: Remove Rubbish

The biggest error of all, when it comes to landscaping is leaving trash or rubbish visible in the yard or around the house. Make sure to remove any old wood, landscaping materials and unused flower pots from the property. 

Don’t: Leave Unused Items Visible

If you have an old bike, a sled, or even extra garbage cans, don’t leave these items out in plain sight. While you think you may be doing the tenant a favor by leaving these items “just in case”, there is no reason not to tuck them away neatly in the garage, basement or in the shed, if you have one. 

Keeping the landscaping simple and clean is the best advice to take. You may feel like the yard is understated, thus making it not very appealing, but green grass and clean lines are always on the “Do” list.

If you would like help managing the up keep of your rental property, along with all the other aspects of being a property manager, contact Thousand Hills Realty. We are the premier property management company in the Branson/Hollister areas and we would be happy to have the opportunity to work with you. Call today! (417) 337-8081