When you have an investment property, it is important to pay attention to your landscaping design in order to improve the curb appeal. A property that looks taken care of will attract more tenants and add value to your investment. When you make decisions about what kind of landscaping you desire, you should consider native species that require less water and are easy to care, as well as pay attention to the spacing between plants. Don’t forget that these little trees may grow into some really big ones in few years.
Texas A&M AgriLife extension offices can give you great advice on what plants are suitable for our climate. Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen TX has several suggestions about native plants for the Rio Grande Valley.
While having water features or fountains at the entrance can look beautiful, they will need periodic maintenance and can become costly on your pocket, 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 can increase the security of 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 McAllen to keep more money and show you how investing in landscaping adds a layer of protection for your liability.
Controlled Access
Why make it easy? The first of our landscaping tips for landlords in McAllen is to add security using standard fencing with gates and solid entry doors with good locks. You should also consider using some shrubs as natural fencing or a beautiful combination of the two. Rocks and other stonework used strategically along with plants with thorns such as buganvilias can be great detractors when strategically placed along the perimeter of your property.
Another plant that makes a beautiful hedge that does not require much water is the esperanza plants (Tecoma). It is a yellow shrub with trumpet like flowers that attracts butterflies many months of the year in the RGV. Esperanza is drought tolerant and fast growing, making it a good option for our climate.
Lighting
Regarding lighting, the next of our landscaping tips for landlords in McAllen, we must also mention liability. Imagine yourself parking outside the rental home, getting out of your car, and walking to the front door. Moving from a brightly lit parking area to a dimly lit entry space can present an opportunity for criminals to surprise you. Instead, the light should reach all corners and remain consistent, slowly transitioning to spots with lower lighting, so your tenants are at less risk for crime or injury.
Visibility
Keep in mind visibility from the street. As a security check look if is it easy to see that no one is peering in a window or hiding behind overgrown bushes? Criminals looking for their next victim are likely to drive around in search of easier pickings; this is why our list of landscaping tips for landlords in McAllen must also include the importance of keeping all plants trimmed and well 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 everyday life for your tenants, but it also keeps them safer.
Warnings
Another of our landscaping tips for landlords in McAllen 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 deterrant, so consider adding value and security to your property with the addition of a gravel perimeter around the home that will crunch loudly under burglar’s steps.
Dolfin RGV
While this may be the last of our landscaping tips for landlords in McAllen, it is by far not the least, hire a landscaping expert to keep everything in good shape. On the other hand, if you are tired of being a landlord, Dolfin RGV may buy your rental property cash. At Dolfin RGV, we are local investors that can buy properties as is in the Valley. At Dolfin RGV over the years, we have built a full-time team of pros to help property owners just like you. At Dolfin RGV, from one home to some apartment buildings, we may help you unload that burdersome property. Contact Dolfin RGV at (956) 904 5234 today!