Low-Maintenance Garden Ideas for Busy Landlords

If you're a landlord in the UK, you know how important it is to maintain kerb appeal without creating extra work for yourself or your tenants. A tidy, low-maintenance garden can attract great tenants, boost rental value, and reduce ongoing costs. Plus, it protects your investment by ensuring that the garden remains presentable throughout the tenancy.

At Your Home Managed, we are always happy to offer advice to landlords to help create attractive outdoor spaces for their rental property in Lambeth.

Here are our top low-maintenance garden ideas to keep your rental looking its best all year round.

Why Opt for a Low-Maintenance Garden?

• Saves Time and Money: Minimal upkeep means lower maintenance costs and fewer callouts.
• Appeals to Tenants: Neat, usable spaces are a major attraction for tenants looking for a property with outdoor enjoyment potential.
• Avoids Garden Neglect: A straightforward, easy-care garden reduces the risk of tenants letting the space become overgrown and unkempt.

As a leading property management company in Lambeth, we always recommend practical, easy-to-maintain outdoor areas to our landlords to help properties stay marketable.

Top Tips for Creating a Low-Maintenance Garden

1. Choose Hardy, Low-Care Plants

Selecting the right plants is crucial.

• Hardy perennials like lavender, sedum, and hebes thrive without constant attention.
• Ornamental grasses such as Festuca not only look beautiful but also require minimal pruning and watering.
• Native plants are an excellent choice as they are well adapted to the UK climate, meaning less intervention is needed.

Position plants thoughtfully to reduce overcrowding, and group plants with similar watering needs together to simplify care.

2. Ditch the Lawn

Traditional lawns can be water-thirsty and labour-intensive. Instead, consider laying high-quality artificial grass, which has improved in quality dramatically and looks incredibly realistic.

Alternatively, create a gravel garden with low-maintenance shrubs or install attractive paved patios using stone, porcelain, or concrete slabs. These options are durable, easy to clean, and visually appealing, offering tenants a stylish outdoor area with zero mowing required.

3. Use Mulch to Control Weeds

Mulch is a landlord's best friend when it comes to garden upkeep. Organic mulches like bark chips, straw, or cocoa shells not only suppress weed growth but also enrich the soil as they decompose.

Synthetic options, like rubber mulch, offer long-term coverage with no breakdown.

Did you know: Applying mulch around plant beds, trees, and shrubs can dramatically cut down on weeding efforts while keeping the garden looking neat and cared for!

4. Raised Beds and Planters

These encourage tenants to take better care of the garden because the design naturally organises the space and reduces weeding chores.

• Raised beds and large planters give structure to outdoor spaces and keep gardens manageable.
• Timber, brick, or railway sleeper designs are practical and attractive.
• Raised beds can be filled with easy-care plants and fitted with irrigation systems to automate watering.

5. Focus on Outdoor Living Spaces

Today’s tenants love properties that offer outdoor living opportunities. Installing a small deck, paved terrace, or even a gravel seating area can transform a garden.

You can also provide tenants with low-maintenance outdoor furniture made of metal or treated wood that withstands British weather. A simple seating area invites tenants to enjoy the space and adds desirability to your property to let in Lambeth.

6. Install Automatic Irrigation Systems

Setting up a basic drip irrigation system can ensure that plants receive the necessary water without relying on tenants to remember to keep them alive.

Timed watering systems are inexpensive and easy to install, protecting your investment and maintaining the attractiveness of the garden with minimal tenant involvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcomplicating the Design: Elaborate layouts with intricate flower beds or delicate plants demand time and expertise that most tenants lack.
• Choosing High-Maintenance Plants: High-care plants such as roses or exotic species often suffer from neglect and can become an eyesore.
• Ignoring Outdoor Storage: A small storage shed helps tenants keep outdoor spaces tidy and protects any gardening tools provided.

At Your Home Managed, we've seen countless gardens left neglected because they were too complicated to maintain. Keeping it simple, durable, and tenant-friendly is key.

How Your Home Managed Can Help

We offer full property management services, assisting landlords with everything from tenant sourcing to advice on garden design and upkeep.

At Your Home Managed we understand how valuable first impressions are when marketing a property to rent in Lambeth. A smart, low-maintenance garden can set your property apart.

Partner with Your Home Managed for expert property management you can rely on.

Ready to Make Your Rental Property Stand Out?

A low-maintenance garden is a good investment for every landlord. At Your Home Managed, we offer full support to help you maximise the appeal of your property to rent in Lambeth.

Contact us today:

Call: 0208 125 7780

Email: info@yourhomemanaged.com

Let Your Home Managed help you manage your rental property stress-free and increase your property's value effortlessly!

In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions on this topic.

FAQs

What are the best plants for a low-maintenance garden?

Plants like lavender, sedum, hebes, and ornamental grasses are excellent choices because they require little watering, pruning, or pest control. Native plants are also a fantastic low-maintenance option.

Is artificial grass a good option for rental properties?

Yes, artificial grass looks good and offers tenants a hassle-free lawn experience without mowing or watering, helping maintain kerb appeal.

How can I reduce weeds without constant weeding?

Use heavy mulch combined with weed membrane fabric beneath gravel or bark to prevent most weeds from sprouting.

Should I include garden furniture in my rental property?

Including durable, weather-resistant furniture can make your property more attractive. Stick to simple sets that are easy to maintain.

Can Your Home Managed help maintain the garden?

While tenants are typically responsible for basic garden maintenance, we can recommend local gardening services to landlords wanting more hands-on care.

How much can a good garden improve rental value?

A well-maintained, low-maintenance garden can enhance the property's appeal and potentially allow you to charge 5-10% higher rent.