Adding curb appeal through landscaping serves a dual purpose in that it attracts more desirable tenants and adds value to your investment. As for the plants you select, it is worth your effort to learn about xeriscaping and using native species that require less water and care overall, saving you money in the long run.
While trickling water features or flowing fountains are lovely, they can also be troublesome and costly, using both electricity and water. You should also ensure that a professional applies pet-friendly pest and insect treatments. You don’t want to invest in landscaping only to be the main course at a picnic for the bugs.
In addition, when done right, landscaping adds a heightened level of security to the property, protecting both the tenants and your investment from those with less than good intentions. We will cover five landscaping tips for landlords in Fort Myers to keep more money and show you how investing in landscaping adds a layer of protection for your liability.
Access
Security should be a top priority for any landlord, and landscaping can be a great way to deter trespassers and create a safe environment for your tenants. Here’s how you can leverage landscaping for security purposes:
- Create a barrier: Standard fencing with gates and solid entry doors with good locks are a must-have. Fences don’t have to be boring or an eyesore. Consider incorporating beautiful, well-maintained shrubs and hedges along the fence line. This will add another layer of security and privacy, while also enhancing the overall aesthetics of the property.
- Strategically placed plants: Think beyond just flowers and greenery. Planting thorny shrubs or bushes close to the perimeter of your property can act as a natural deterrent. Rocks and other strategically placed stonework can also be effective in discouraging unwanted visitors. Just be sure to choose plants and rocks that complement the overall design of your landscape.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting in your Fort Myers rental property, it’s not just about aesthetics or creating a welcoming ambiance. Adequate lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of your tenants and minimizing your liability as a landlord. Imagine a tenant returning home late at night. Stepping out of a brightly lit parking lot into a dark entryway can cause temporary night blindness, disorienting them and making them vulnerable. This creates a prime opportunity for attackers. By ensuring proper lighting, you’re not only providing a safer environment for your tenants, but also potentially protecting yourself from lawsuits in case of an accident or crime that could have been prevented with better illumination.
The key is to achieve consistent and well-distributed lighting. All corners of the property, especially entryways, walkways, and stairwells, should be well-lit to avoid shadowy areas where criminals might lurk. Additionally, consider a gradual transition from brighter outdoor areas to the slightly less bright interior. This allows your tenants’ eyes to adjust more easily, preventing temporary blindness and reducing the risk of falls or accidents. By taking these proactive steps, you’re demonstrating your commitment to providing a safe and secure living environment for your tenants, fostering a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Keeping it Kept
Keep in mind visibility from the street. As a security patrol passes your property, is it easy to see that no one is peering in a window or hiding behind overgrown shrubbery? Criminals looking for their next victim are likely to drive on by if not, in search of easier pickings; this is why our list of landscaping tips for landlords in Fort Myers must also include the importance of keeping everything trimmed and maintained. For example, you don’t want tree branches that lead right up to a second-story balcony or window. Not only does it make for a more pleasant day-to-day life for your tenants, but it also keeps them safe.
Warnings
Another of our landscaping tips for landlords in Fort Myers is to boldly announce your protection system with security signs and give the bad guys a warning that your property will be troublesome. Sound can be a significant warning, so consider adding value and security to your property with the addition of a gravel perimeter around the home that will crunch loudly under a burglar’s feet.
Core Real Estate Properties
While this may be the last of our landscaping tips for landlords in Fort Myers, it is by far not the least, hire Core Real Estate Properties to keep everything shipshape. At Core Real Estate Properties, we understand the importance of landscaping maintenance and every other aspect of property management. At Core Real Estate Properties over the years, we have built a full-time team of pros to help property owners just like you. At Core Real Estate Properties, from one home to large complexes, our experienced team will treat your property as if it were our own. Contact Core Real Estate Properties at 239-360-3176 today!