Lawn care is vital for landlords, impacting property value and tenant satisfaction. A well-maintained lawn enhances curb appeal, attracts quality tenants, and reduces turnover rates.
A well-maintained lawn can make a property stand out, and can help landlords maintain a property their tenants will love. By following these tips for lawn care, you can increase your property’s value, boost tenant satisfaction, attract higher-quality tenants, and benefit from an improved ROI.
SET A WATERING SCHEDULE
If your property includes a sprinkler system, it’s time to establish a watering schedule. This is more complicated than it sounds. The right amount of watering depends on the month, the type of grass you have, the amount of shade your yard gets and more.
If you do not have a sprinkler system, set expectations with your tenants. Depending on the wording in your lease agreement, you may be able to ask them to use a hose-end sprinkler at regular intervals. If you don’t have the right lawn care wording in your lease agreement, consider adding it.
SEED OR SOD PATCHES
Most yards have a few patches. Spring is the best time to address those patches.
You have two good options: seed and sod. Seed is the more economical option, and it tends to be more tolerant of shade-heavy yards. The drawback to seed is that it takes a much longer time to establish deep roots. Sod is a lot more expensive, but it’s faster to take root and spread. The drawback to sod is that it often struggles in shade.
What’s the right solution for you? It depends on your property and its lawn. But make sure to seed or sod your patches before July. In April, May and June, we get more rain than usual, and the temperatures are prime for growth.
ZAP YOUR WEEDS
A variety of weeds start to pop up in early spring, and they can completely takeover a lawn if left unaddressed.
A lack of weeds is a sign of a healthy lawn. An abundance of weeds is a sign that a lawn is losing the battle. You can spend time and energy pulling weeds up by the root, or you can apply weed killer in spots where they are most prominent.
FERTILIZE
When you fertilize, you give your lawn an injection of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. And, in essence, you tell it to “wake up” and start growing.
Consider giving your lawn a double shot of fertilizer in spring. You can do one in early spring and one in late spring or early summer. After the double shot, you won’t need to fertilize again until fall (using a special fertilizer that helps protect your lawn during the colder months).
MAP OUT THE SUMMER
It’s important that you continue to maintain your lawn through the harsh summer months. Your grass may look healthy in April, May and June, but it will start to dry up and die if left unattended in July and August.
Remember to set your watering schedule and adjust it intermittently through the summer. Also, make sure you and your tenants are on the same page. Tell them what you’re going to do for the lawn, and make sure they understand their obligations (in accordance with the lease agreement).
It’s work to maintain a lawn through summer, especially when you’re an owner worrying about many other things. But good lawn care will pay off in the rent amounts you’re able to command and in the resale value of the property.
MOWING
Mowing the lawn depends on how fast the grass grows. You’ll need to mow the lawn more often during the summer. It’s best to cut the grass when it’s dry. If done while wet, it can cause damage to your lawn.
Remember to cut away a third of the grass’s height. And if you’re using a roller, go in alternate directions.
WHEN TO HIRE PROFESSIONAL HELP
If you can care for your property’s lawn by yourself, DIY maintenance will save you loads of money. However, if lawn care becomes overwhelming or if you lack the time or expertise, it’s time to consider hiring professional lawn care services. By entrusting the care of your property to lawn maintenance experts, you’ll benefit from a perpetually lush and green lawn.
Even just one month of neglect can cause significant damage to a once-beautiful lawn, squandering considerable financial resources. Hiring a company to maintain it for you can save you time and money down the road, especially if lawn care is something you don’t personally have time to manage.