As a rental property owner in Gonzales, you likely want to contribute to making your property greener. You can make an impact by establishing a pollinator-friendly garden. Key landscaping strategies for rentals involve crafting attractive, manageable yards. A pollinator-friendly garden is an environmentally sound investment that might also increase your property’s value. A pollinator-friendly yard can attract tenants who prioritize environmental sustainability.
Making a difference is possible even if you aren’t deeply into gardening. Perhaps you’ve heard about the swift decline in populations of pollinators like butterflies and bees. These pollinators are vital for our ecosystem, and their absence would mean fewer fruits, nuts, and seeds for us. Even small modifications to your rental’s landscaping can benefit local pollinator populations.
Plant With Variety
One effective way to attract pollinators is by using a mix of plants in your garden. It’s best to select plants that bloom at various times, spanning early spring to late fall. In many regions, native plants like lavender, coneflowers, and bee balm are available and appealing to pollinators.
Add a Feeder
Hanging a nectar feeder in your rental’s yard is another simple way to draw hummingbirds and butterflies. People love watching these pollinators feed, and they help your landscaping plants thrive. Setting out a dish of ripe fruit or water with sea salt can help draw more pollinators to your yard. These items are particularly appealing to butterflies.
Rethink the Lawn
In many rental homes, a well-maintained green lawn is a vital part of the landscaping. A few straightforward changes to your lawn can help support pollinators. By letting the grass grow to about 3 inches and develop seed heads, you retain soil moisture and attract pollinators. Consider mixing low-growing plants like white clover or violets with your grass. These non-invasive plants support local pollinators and won’t harm your lawn’s health.
Use Alternatives to Pesticides
Many property owners use pesticides on lawns or plants, which can harm beneficial pollinators alongside the targeted insects. If spraying for harmful insects is necessary, opt for environmentally friendly methods. Oils and soaps can repel pests without harming beneficial pollinators. Ant colonies can often be eliminated with cornmeal, while garlic, pepper, and beer can deter biting insects.
Should your tenant want to include pollinator-friendly elements in the yard, consider permitting them to do so. Ensure that both you and your tenant understand the changes, who will perform the work, and who will cover the costs.
Should your tenant request financial assistance for plants or features, consider it if it enhances property value or attractiveness. Setting up a pollinator-friendly yard may have upfront costs, but the long-term gains can be substantial.
To boost your rental property’s value, consider creating a pollinator-friendly yard. For advice, contact Real Property Management Baton Rouge. We’re excited to discuss how our property management services can help you and your investments in Gonzales and the surrounding areas. Contact us online or call 225-389-6860 today!
Originally Published on July 16, 2021
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