5 Landscaping Tips for Landlords in Chicago & Suburbs

Adding curb appeal through landscaping serves a dual purpose in that it attracts more desirable tenants and adds value to your investment. As for the plants you select, it is worth your effort to learn about xeriscaping and using native species that require less water and care overall, saving you money in the long run. 

While trickling water features or flowing fountains are lovely, they can also be troublesome and costly, using both electricity and water. You should also ensure that a professional applies pet-friendly pest and insect treatments. You don’t want to invest in landscaping only to be the main course at a picnic for the bugs.

In addition, when done right, landscaping adds a heightened level of security to the property, protecting both the tenants and your investment from those with less than good intentions. We will cover five landscaping tips for landlords in Chicago & Suburbs to keep more money and show you how investing in landscaping adds a layer of protection for your liability.

Access

Why make it easy? The first of our landscaping tips for landlords in Chicago & Suburbs is to add security using standard fencing with gates and solid entry doors with good locks. You should also consider the creative use of shrubbery as natural fencing or a beautiful mingling of the two. Rocks and other stonework used strategically along with plants with thorns can be great detractors when strategically placed along the perimeter of your property.

Lighting

Regarding lighting, the next of our landscaping tips for landlords in Chicago & Suburbs, we must also mention liability. Imagine yourself parking outside the rental home, getting out of your car, and walking to the front door. Moving from a brightly lit parking area to a dimly lit hall or entry space can create temporary blindness, presenting an opportunity for criminals to surprise you. Instead, the light should reach all corners and remain consistent, slowly transitioning to spots with lower lighting, so your tenants are at less risk for crime or injury. 

Keeping it Kept

Keep in mind visibility from the street. As a security patrol passes your property, is it easy to see that no one is peering in a window or hiding behind overgrown shrubbery? Criminals looking for their next victim are likely to drive on by if not, in search of easier pickings; this is why our list of landscaping tips for landlords in Chicago & Suburbs must also include the importance of keeping everything trimmed and maintained.  For example, you don’t want tree branches that lead right up to a second-story balcony or window. Not only does it make for a more pleasant day-to-day life for your tenants, but it also keeps them safe.

Warnings

Another of our landscaping tips for landlords in Chicago & Suburbs is to boldly announce your protection system with security signs and give the bad guys a warning that your property will be troublesome. Sound can be a significant warning, so consider adding value and security to your property with the addition of a gravel perimeter around the home that will crunch loudly under a burglar’s feet. 

Better Way Real Estate LLC

While this may be the last of our landscaping tips for landlords in Chicago & Suburbs, it is by far not the least, hire Better Way Real Estate LLC to keep everything shipshape. At Better Way Real Estate LLC, we understand the importance of landscaping maintenance and every other aspect of property management. At Better Way Real Estate LLC over the years, we have built a full-time team of pros to help property owners just like you. At Better Way Real Estate LLC, from one home to large complexes, our experienced team will treat your property as if it were our own. Contact Better Way Real Estate LLC at 630-448-8930 today!