As a rental property owner in Gainesville, you likely want to contribute to making your property greener. You can make an impact by establishing a pollinator-friendly garden. Effective rental property landscaping should create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens. A pollinator-friendly yard not only benefits the environment but can also increase your property’s value. A pollinator-friendly yard can attract tenants who prioritize environmental sustainability.
Even as a non-avid gardener, you can still effect positive change. You may know that populations of pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are dropping fast. Pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem, helping produce the fruits, nuts, and seeds we love. However, a few adjustments to your rental’s landscaping can help boost local pollinator populations.
Plant With Variety
An initial step to invite pollinators is to use diverse plants in your landscaping. Ideally, opt for plants that bloom throughout the year, from early spring to late fall. Typically, you can find native plants like lavender, coneflowers, and bee balm that require little care and draw pollinators.
Add a Feeder
To attract hummingbirds and butterflies, try hanging a nectar feeder in your rental’s yard. These pollinators are enjoyable to watch and will benefit your landscaping plants. Setting out a dish of ripe fruit or water with sea salt can help draw more pollinators to your yard. Butterflies are particularly enticed by these items.
Rethink the Lawn
For many rental homes, a vibrant green lawn is essential to the landscaping. Simple adjustments to your lawn can also aid pollinators. Allowing grass to reach about 3 inches and develop seed heads keeps soil moist and attracts pollinators. Think about mixing low-growing plants such as white clover or violets with your grass. These non-invasive plants will increase local pollinators without compromising your lawn’s health.
Use Alternatives to Pesticides
While many property owners use pesticides on their lawns or plants, this can also damage beneficial pollinators. If controlling harmful insects with sprays is essential, look into environmentally friendly alternatives. Certain oils and soaps can deter pests without harming pollinators. Cornmeal is often effective against ant colonies, and garlic, pepper, and beer can repel biting insects.
Consider allowing your tenant to add pollinator-friendly features to the yard if they wish to. 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. Initial expenses for a pollinator-friendly yard might be high, but the long-term benefits could surpass them.
Think about developing a pollinator-friendly yard to enhance your rental property’s value. For advice, contact Real Property Management Diversified. We’re eager to discuss how our property management services can benefit you and your investments in Gainesville and nearby areas. Contact us online or call 352-854-2221 today!
Originally Published on July 16, 2021
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