Many rental property owners in Provo, including yourself, are eager to enhance their rental’s environmental friendliness. Developing a yard that attracts pollinators is a small step with a big impact. Effective rental property landscaping should create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens. Investing in a pollinator-friendly yard aids the environment and may add value to your property. Designing a yard for pollinators might help draw tenants who are environmentally mindful.
You can still make a difference even if you aren’t a passionate gardener. You might be aware that pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are decreasing quickly. Pollinators are crucial to our ecosystem, and without them, we wouldn’t have many of the fruits, nuts, and seeds we enjoy. However, a few adjustments to your rental’s landscaping can help boost local pollinator populations.
Plant With Variety
To encourage pollinators, use a range of plants in your yard’s landscaping. Aim to choose plants that flower at different times, from early spring through late fall. In many regions, native plants like lavender, coneflowers, and bee balm are available and appealing to pollinators.
Add a Feeder
Hanging a nectar feeder in your rental’s yard is another simple way to draw hummingbirds and butterflies. People love watching these pollinators feed, and they help your landscaping plants thrive. Another way to attract more pollinators is to set out a dish of ripe fruit or water mixed with sea salt. These items are especially attractive to butterflies.
Rethink the Lawn
Many rental homes feature a healthy, green lawn as a crucial part of their landscaping. Simple adjustments to your lawn can also aid pollinators. Allowing the grass to grow to about 3 inches and develop seed heads can retain soil moisture and attract pollinators. You might also mix in low-growing plants like 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. Specific oils and soaps can keep pests away without killing 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. Make sure you and your tenant are clear on the changes, who will do the work, and who will pay for it.
Consider assisting with costs for plants or features if a tenant asks, as it may enhance property value and attract future tenants. Initial expenses for a pollinator-friendly yard might be high, but the long-term benefits could surpass them.
Developing a pollinator-friendly yard can enhance the value of your rental property. For advice, contact Real Property Management Utah County. We’re pleased to talk about how our property management services can enhance your investments in Provo and surrounding areas. Contact us online or call 801-224-0033 today!
Originally Published on July 16, 2021
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
