As a rental property owner in Troy, you likely want to contribute to making your property greener. Creating a pollinator-friendly yard is a small yet significant action you can take. Ideal landscaping for rental properties aims to be visually appealing and easy to maintain. A yard that supports pollinators is both an environmental boon and a potential value booster for your property. A yard that supports pollinators can be appealing to tenants who seek eco-friendly living spaces.
Even without a deep interest in gardening, you can still contribute positively. It’s likely you’ve learned that pollinators, including butterflies and bees, are facing rapid declines. Essential to our ecosystem, pollinators enable the production of many fruits, nuts, and seeds we consume. By making minor changes to your rental’s landscaping, you can enhance local pollinator populations.
Plant With Variety
Begin encouraging pollinators by planting different types of flora in your yard. It’s best to select plants that bloom at various times, spanning early spring to late fall. You can often find native plants such as lavender, coneflowers, and bee balm that are easy to care for and attract pollinators.
Add a Feeder
Another simple method to attract hummingbirds and butterflies is by placing a nectar feeder in your rental’s yard. Watching these pollinators feed is enjoyable for many, and they also benefit your plants. Setting out a dish of ripe fruit or water with sea salt can help draw more pollinators to your yard. Butterflies find these items especially attractive.
Rethink the Lawn
A thriving, green lawn is a fundamental aspect of landscaping for numerous rental properties. With a few minor changes, your lawn can support pollinators. Letting the grass grow taller, around 3 inches, and form seed heads helps retain soil moisture and attracts pollinators. Consider mixing low-growing plants like white clover or violets with your grass. These plants are non-invasive and can help local pollinators without damaging your lawn.
Use Alternatives to Pesticides
Spraying pesticides on the lawn or plants is common, but it can negatively affect beneficial pollinators as well. Should you need to spray for harmful insects, consider eco-friendly options. Oils and soaps can repel pests without harming beneficial pollinators. Cornmeal can effectively remove ant colonies, and garlic, pepper, and beer can repel certain biting insects.
If your tenant wishes to add pollinator-friendly features to the yard, consider allowing it. Ensure that both you and your tenant understand the changes, who will perform the work, and who will cover the costs.
Even if your tenant requests cost-sharing for plants or elements, it may be a good investment if it adds value or attracts future tenants. There may be initial costs to create a pollinator-friendly yard, but the long-term benefits could be more significant.
Creating a pollinator-friendly yard can boost the value of your rental property. For advice, contact Real Property Management Metro Detroit. We are glad to discuss how our property management services can benefit you and your investments in Troy and nearby regions. Contact us online or call 248-808-6550 today!
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