Zeroscaping and Xeriscaping
If you’ve traveled to the American southwest, the chances are that you’ve seen varieties of both zeroscaping and xeriscape. Although they may sound similar, there is a discrepancy from the both of them. Zeroscaping refers to landscaping that uses virtually no water. The most common options are decorative rocks and gravel, and you could add some cactus. While some people find this look appealing, most prefer slightly more green in their yard.
That is the moment when xeriscape comes in. Xeriscaping is a landscape design technique that uses drought-resistant plants to create a vibrant, green yard with minimal water use. While xeriscape may incorporate elements of hardscaping (like decorative paths or stone terraces, walls, and rock features), the emphasis is on green plants. Most xeriscape designs include small areas of lawn, such as drought-tolerant flowers and flowering shrubs. In warm climates, these flowering plants often produce colorful blooms all year long. The plants are supported by drip systems that supply water directly to the roots, eliminating any wasted water. Though they are well-known in warm states, xeriscaping can be used just about anywhere if you only use native varieties of drought-resistant plants and trees.
Evergreens and Perennials
Many things can minimize the effort required to keep a beautiful yard like evergreens and perennials. Evergreen trees and shrubs are easy to grow, making them a great option for rental properties. For dramatic greenery, you can utilize several different kinds of evergreens in a yard or planter bed. Perennials are another easy-care part of a low maintenance yard. Perennials are flowers that return on their own every year, like peony, hydrangea, and lavender. The only effort required to enjoy these amazing plants is to decide which ones to plant in your property’s garden.
Elements to Avoid
Creating a low-effort landscape is mostly about knowing what to do as it is about knowing what not to do. Lots of people find fruit trees an attractive option, but some have not noticed that they require far more maintenance than other types of trees. They often have very specific water requirements, need annual pruning, and often need to be fertilized carefully to generate better quality fruit. When the fruit does grow, it often attracts birds, insects, and rodents, none of which your tenants will enjoy. Unless treated with pesticides, the fruit is often inedible, and unless picked from the tree, it will drop to the ground in the fall, creating a big mess. The smell of rotting fruit is nasty, and for sure, your tenant will be unhappy about picking it up and disposing of it every year.
By learning about different easy-care landscaping techniques – and what should not do – you can create a beautiful, low maintenance landscape for your Denton rental property that your tenants will undoubtedly enjoy. To learn more about what upgrades would best fit your property, contact our team at Real Property Management Meridian today at 817-678-8787.