As an investor, one major concern should be making sure that your Charleston rental properties have attractive yet low-maintenance landscaping. While many options abound, one approach that is becoming popular in many places is xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is common in desert areas but it is now becoming the landscaping method of choice for a lot of rental property owners. This is mainly because most features of xeriscaping are beneficial to owners and tenants. Choosing to xeriscape a yard is an individual choice. Before deciding to do so, you must learn what xeriscaping is and what its benefits are.
When you know what xeriscaping is — and is not– you can figure out if this is the best landscaping option for your properties. Misperceptions about xeriscaping abound. There are some property owners who think that a xeriscaped yard is one that does not have grass or trees. This is very far from the truth. Xeriscaping is a style of landscaping that allows you to use smaller amounts of water more efficiently. This involves reducing, but not eliminating, lawns or flower beds, planting hardy, drought-resistant trees and shrubs, and adding decorative rocks or other “hardscaping” elements.
This landscaping approach comes with a lot of benefits. One benefit is reduced utility costs from the use of trees and shrubs that need much less water. Most xeriscaping includes the use of a drip system to deliver water directly to plants, avoiding waste. Xeriscaping is also good for preventing soil erosion. In wet conditions, decorative rock can help stabilize saturated soils, control drainage, and keep running water away from your property’s foundation. In dry climates, decorative rock is used to prevent wind erosion and cover the yard’s unsightly bare patches.
Decorative rock comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, making it possible to add custom rock areas to your landscaping easily. Achieving a xeriscaped yard for less money is possible especially if you can find and use low-cost or even free materials. Consider the eye-catching appeal of a path made from river rock or pebbles curving across the yard. Landscaping with rocks allow investors to have beautiful landscaping year-round
Another important benefit of xeriscaping is that it is very low-maintenance. Smaller lawn areas mean less mowing and trimming without sacrificing the attractiveness of the yard. Hardy trees and plants are often slow-growing, which means less trimming will be required. Tenants may be drawn to how little maintenance the yard requires and will likely stay longer. Your water bill will decrease and your property will look great from season to season.
Need more guidance on landscaping? Has maintenance become overwhelming? Real Property Management Charleston has a full staff of Charleston property managers ready to take over for you. For more information, contact us online or call us at 843-900-4061.
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