When trying to attract more tenants, a well-maintained exterior is an important factor. In recent years, more landlords have been incorporating landscaping into their rental properties. This article explains the basics of landscaping, the advantages and disadvantages of introducing it to rental properties, and how to manage it properly. If you want to improve the property'sappearance, this guide will serve as a practical reference.
What is landscaping that adds appeal to a rental property?
Landscaping means planting flowers and trees, establishing them in place, and shaping them by pruning branches and foliage. Plants vary in how easily they grow depending on the environment, and even the planting direction and angle can make a major difference in appearance. Planting based on an appropriate plan is essential.
Main types of landscaping
- Symbol tree: A tree that serves as the focal point of the garden, typically placed near the entrance or at the center of the garden. Popular choices include olive, evergreen ash (Shima torineko), and kousa dogwood.
- Garden trees: A general term for trees planted in the garden, which can serve a variety of purposes, such as bearing fruit or providing evergreen screening.
- Shrubs: Trees or woody plants that grow to only about 1 to 2 meters even at maturity, making them suitable for edging flower beds or planting along walkways.
- Ground cover: Plants that spread across the ground, helping suppress weeds and protect the soil.
- Flowers: Seasonal flowers that add color and can be enjoyed easily in flower beds or planters.
What benefits does landscaping offer?
There are many advantages to introducing landscaping to a rental property.
- Improves the property's first impression: Well-kept greenery alone can significantly change the impression of a property. It directly contributes to a better response during viewings.
- Helps reduce vacancies: Properties with an attractive exterior are more likely to draw prospective tenants and can help shorten vacancy periods.
- Maintains asset value: Attractive exterior works help enhance the overall asset value of the property.
- Heat-shielding and windbreak effects: Trees can block direct sunlight and help limit indoor temperature increases during summer.
- Improves security: Appropriate landscaping can maintain visibility while also discouraging intrusion onto the premises.
What are the disadvantages of landscaping?
Landscaping offers benefits, but the following disadvantages also need to be considered.
- Management costs are required: Regular maintenance such as pruning, watering, fertilizing, and pest and disease control is necessary.
- Handling fallen leaves: Deciduous trees produce large amounts of fallen leaves in autumn, increasing cleaning work. They can also lead to clogged drains.
- Pest outbreaks: Depending on the tree species, caterpillars, aphids, and other pests may appear and cause complaints from tenants.
- Damage caused by root growth: In some cases, roots grow and damage pipes or paving.
What should you keep in mind when introducing landscaping?
When planning landscaping, pay attention to the following points.
- Sunlight and ventilation: The sunlight conditions required vary by plant type. On the north side, choose plants that can tolerate shade.
- Size after growth: It is important to decide where to plant based on the plant's expected future size.
- Consideration for allergies: It is generally safer to avoid trees with heavy pollen, such as cedar and cypress.
- Excluding poisonous plants: For safety, avoid poisonous plants such as oleander and aconite.
Who is responsible for landscaping management, the landlord or the tenant?
As a general rule, responsibility for landscaping management is typically borne by thelandlord (owner). Managing landscaping in common areas is part of maintaining the property as a whole, and it can also be outsourced to a management company.
However, in properties with a private garden, tenants may sometimes be asked to handle routine care. In that case, clearly specifying the scope of management and the burden in the lease agreement is key to preventing disputes.
How should landscaping be maintained?
Here are the basic care methods for keeping landscaping in good condition.
- Watering: Water daily immediately after planting, then once or twice a week after the plants become established. In summer, do it during the cooler hours of morning and evening.
- Pruning: Prune once or twice a year to maintain the tree's shape. Winter is best for deciduous trees, while the period from the end of the rainy season to early autumn is suitable for evergreens.
- Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer two or three times a year in line with the plants' growing season.
- Pest and disease control: Early detection is important. Check the undersides of leaves and the condition of trunks regularly.
- Weeding: Remove weeds regularly. Weed-control sheets and the use of ground cover are also effective.
What does it cost to hire a contractor for maintenance?
The typical cost range for hiring a specialist to manage landscaping is as follows.
| Work item | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Pruning (1 shrub) | 1,000-3,000 yen |
| Pruning (1 medium or tall tree) | 5,000-15,000 yen |
| Weeding (per 1 sq m) | 500-1,000 yen |
| Disinfection and pest control | 3,000-10,000 yen |
| Annual maintenance contract | 5,000-30,000 yen per month |
If you want to keep costs down, using theSilver Human Resources Centeris also worth considering. In many cases, the service is more affordable than a typical landscaping contractor, while also creating opportunities for older residents in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is landscaping effective for reducing vacancies?
Yes. Properties with well-maintained landscaping make a better impression during viewings and can help improve occupancy rates. Greening around the entrance is especially effective.
Can landscaping costs be recorded as an expense?
Yes. The cost of purchasing and maintaining landscaping can be recorded as a real estate management expense. However, if the garden work is high in cost, it may be treated as a capital expenditure subject to depreciation.
Are there any landscaping options that are easy to maintain?
Evergreen species such as Shima torineko and olive, along with ground covers such as Tama-ryu and Kurapia, are relatively easy to maintain and are popular choices for rental properties.
