Skip to Content

Low Maintenance Landscaping and Water Conservation

Low Maintenance, Water Efficient Landscaping for Your Rental Home

Low Maintenance Landscaping and Water Conservation xeriscapeTenants are usually responsible for basic landscaping and yard care, so why should a property investor care about low maintenance landscaping and water conservation?  The answer is simple – money.

With drought conditions and water rationing more prevalent, tenants may not have the option of maintaining green lawns, shrubbery, trees and gardens.  If your rental property is in an area subject to water restrictions, your landscape might begin to look like a wasteland and you will not be able to hold the tenant responsible.  When it comes time to fill a vacancy, your property will not fare well.  The time to fill the vacancy will be longer, and the tenants you will be able to attract as renters will be less desirable.  Plus, a house with a great planned landscape scheme that requires less maintenance could command a higher monthly rent.

Low Maintenance Landscaping and Water Conservation xeriscape

That’s why it might be in your best interest to consider xeriscaping.  Xeriscaping (often incorrectly spelled zero-scaping or xeroscaping) is environmentally-friendly landscaping that cuts the need for supplemental water.  Plants appropriate to the local climate are emphasized, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. The specific plants used in xeriscaping depend upon the climate. Xeriscaping is different from natural landscaping because the emphasis is on selection of plants for water conservation and their beauty within the overall plan, not necessarily selecting native plants.

Low Maintenance Landscaping and Water Conservation xeriscapeMany do not implement a xeriscape plan as this type of landscape has been viewed as ‘desert scape’ with sand and rocks with little style.  The truth however, is far from this old ideal and homes with a professional xeriscape plan are becoming more and more desirable for the ease of maintenance and lower cost to maintain a beautiful manicured outdoor feature.  Also, new legislation is more accepting of xeriscaping and many local municipalities and utility companies now offer incentives for xeriscaping.

Low Maintenance Landscaping and Water Conservation xeriscapeXeriscaping requires a plan and design, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, appropriate plant and zone selection, mulch, and limited lawn areas.  A local landscape architect would be the best source for developing a xeriscape plan for your property.  Your Real Property Management office can provide recommendations about who to consider.

An investment in xeriscaping could prove to be financially rewarding and will help preserve your asset with both current and future tenants.  Plus, you will feel great about being environmentally conscious and doing your part to help solve water shortages in your property’s community.

 

Do you have experience with xeriscaping? We would love to see pictures…Post them in the comment section!

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.

  1. Nash Rich says:

    I live in a dry climate, so I’ve seen some of this xeriscaping design. It’s especially popular south of where I live, because it’s even hotter. I think it would be great, because of the low maintenance. Less grass, means less mowing! I also think it matches the climate I’m in too, so it fits right in.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details