How Landlords Can Simplify Lawn Care for Multiple Properties

Sure, it’s definitely true that managing multiple rental properties can be rewarding, but there’s no denying that it comes with its fair share of challenges. Actually, one of the biggest would have to be lawn care. For the most part, it just has a way of sneaking up on you. 

Overall, a neatly maintained yard isn’t just about looking nice, it’s a key part of maximizing your rental property potential. After all, a pristine lawn boosts curb appeal, attracts tenants, and helps keep property values up. Basically, you need to do this, and there really isn’t a choice in the matter.

But keeping lawns in shape across several properties? Well, that’s a whole different story. Maybe you’re dealing with tenants who aren’t big on mowing or you’re tired of doing it yourself, lawn care can feel like an uphill battle (and sometimes that can be literal). But for the most part, there are ways to make it easier, smarter, and even more affordable. Now, where do you even start?

Hire Help Without Overspending

Hiring professional lawn care services sounds like the perfect solution, and for many landlords, it is. No, seriously, it actually is! So, for starters, lawn care companies can handle everything from mowing and edging to fertilizing and seasonal upkeep. But when you’re managing multiple properties, the costs can pile up quickly.

Instead of paying top dollar for separate services at every property, shop around for companies that offer bulk discounts (yes, they will do it too). Actually, most lawn care businesses will work out a deal if you hire them for multiple locations. It’s worth negotiating for a package rate that works across all your properties. They’re more than willing to give wiggle room for a long-term partnership.

What about pricing? Well, yeah, it can be pricey. So, if outsourcing every lawn task feels too expensive, try splitting the workload. Professional services can take care of the heavy-duty tasks, like mowing and aerating, while tenants or hired help handle smaller responsibilities, like watering and weeding.

Let Technology Do the Work

Have you considered this? Did you know that this is something that actually exists? Well, just as there is a robot mop and vacuum, now, there are some brands out there that cut the grass. So, the robotic lawn mower is becoming pretty popular. So, these devices are an efficient and cost-effective alternative to hiring someone or spending hours mowing yourself.

So, getting one of these robots can be perfect for landlords managing multiple properties (or even one large property), since they operate independently. If you think about it, over time, they’re much cheaper than hiring a service, and they spare you the physical labor. 

Besides, for older landlords or those with health concerns, they’re a safer choice too. Basically, there’s just no need to push a heavy mower or risk overexertion in the summer heat.

Set Clear Expectations with Tenants

When tenants have a role in lawn care, it’s important to make the expectations crystal clear. Now, sometimes it’s in the contract, and other times it’s not. if it’s not in the contract, well, they don’t necessarily need to do it.

 So, with that all said, a vague mention of “yard maintenance” in the lease isn’t enough. If tenants are responsible for mowing, watering, or trimming, spell it out. Are they required to keep the grass below a certain height? Should they manage weeds or only focus on mowing?

Overall, some clear guidelines prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone’s on the same page. If tenants are willing but lack the tools, providing basic equipment like a lawn mower or hose can make all the difference. Ideally, you should be the one providing the tools since this is your property. But overall, a little effort on your part can lead to big improvements in how tenants maintain the yard.

Invest in Low-Maintenance Landscaping

By all means, juggling traditional lawns across multiple properties feels like a never-ending job, doesn’t it? But in that case, it might be time to rethink the landscaping altogether. No, really, you read that right. Actually, high-maintenance grass isn’t always the best choice, especially for landlords with busy schedules.

So, you should just consider replacing sections of grass with drought-resistant plants, mulch beds, or decorative stone. Plus, native plants are another smart option, since they require less water and care while still looking great. But overall, these alternatives don’t just reduce upkeep; they also make your properties stand out with unique and attractive curb appeal.

Don’t Neglect Seasonal Check-Ins

The best way to avoid lawn disasters is to catch issues early. Simple enough, right? Well, to a small degree, yeah, it can be. So, seasonal inspections are a great way to stay on top of things. Just think of it this way; a quick walkthrough every few months can reveal overgrown grass, dead patches, or neglected flower beds before they become bigger problems.

Besides, these inspections also keep tenants accountable. When tenants know the property is being checked regularly, they’re more likely to stay on top of their responsibilities (even if there aren’t any agreements with you both, this can at least get done).

Combine Lawn Care with Other Maintenance

For the most part, lawn care doesn’t have to be an isolated task. Sure, it feels that way of course. So, just combining it with other routine maintenance makes the process much easier. For example, you can pair lawn work with seasonal gutter cleaning, pest control, or exterior power washing.

So, something like this was mentioned earlier, but overall, many service companies offer bundled packages that include multiple maintenance tasks. Sure, you’ll need to do some digging of course to find these (and their deals).

Keep Tenant Satisfaction in Mind

Overall, lawn care isn’t just about curb appeal, it’s also about creating an environment tenants enjoy. Now, you want them to keep renting from you, and yes, you want that solid relationship. Plus, you want to maximize the value of your home too! That’s exactly why a well-maintained lawn or garden can make tenants feel at home, increasing their satisfaction and likelihood of renewing their lease.

Stay Proactive, Not Reactive

Alright, so the key to simplifying lawn care is staying ahead of the game. A lot of landlords are bad at waiting till there are issues. But waiting until there’s an issue, like overgrown grass or a tenant complaint, makes everything harder to manage.