A gorgeous, low-maintenance landscape is ideal for rental properties in Filer. Tenants are happier to keep up maintenance on a yard that doesn’t require too much work, and low-maintenance plants, shrubs, and trees are certain to thrive for many years. The best low-maintenance landscape designs usually minimize the use of water, applying a variety of strategies and techniques to achieve a look that is individually beautiful and easy to maintain.
Zeroscaping and Xeriscaping
If you’ve ever been to the American southwest, the chances are that you’ve seen varieties of both zeroscaping and xeriscape. Although they may sound similar, there is a discrepancy between the two. Zeroscaping refers to landscaping that uses virtually no water. The most common options are decorative rocks and gravel, with maybe some cactus added. While some people find this look appealing, most prefer a bit more green in their yard.
That is where xeriscape comes in. Xeriscaping is a landscape design technique that uses drought-resistant plants to create a vibrant, green yard with minimal water use. While xeriscape may incorporate elements of hardscaping (like decorative paths or stone terraces, walls, and rock features), the emphasis is on green plants. Most xeriscape designs include small areas of lawn, such as drought-tolerant flowers and flowering shrubs. In warm climates, these flowering plants often produce colorful blooms all year long. The plants are supported by drip systems that supply water directly to the roots, eliminating any wasted water. Though they are famous in hot regions, xeriscaping can be used just about anywhere if you use native varieties of drought-resistant plants and trees.
Evergreens and Perennials
Few things can minimize the effort required to keep a beautiful yard like evergreens and perennials. Evergreen trees and shrubs are easy to grow, making them a great option for rental properties. For dramatic greenery, you can use several different kinds of evergreens in a yard or planter bed. Perennials are another easy-care part of a low-maintenance yard. Perennials are flowers that return on their own every year, like peony, hydrangea, and lavender. The only effort required to enjoy these wonderful plants is to decide which ones to plant in your property’s flower beds.
Elements to Avoid
Creating a low-effort landscape is about knowing what to do as it is about knowing what not to do. Many people find fruit trees an attractive option, but some don’t realize that they require far more maintenance than other types of trees. They often have very specific water requirements, need annual pruning, and often need to be fertilized carefully to yield better fruit. When the fruit does grow, it often attracts birds, insects, and rodents, none of which your tenants will enjoy. Unless treated with pesticides, the fruit is often inedible, and unless collected from the tree, it will drop to the ground in the fall, creating a big mess. The smell of rotting fruit is unpleasant, and your tenant will surely be unhappy about picking it up and disposing of it every year.
By learning about different easy-care landscaping techniques – and what not to do – you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape for your Filer rental property that your tenants will no doubt enjoy. To learn more about what upgrades would best fit your property, contact our team at Real Property Management Magic Valley today at 208-734-4001.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
