Low-Cost High-Impact Ways to Transform the Garden of a Rental Property
Last Updated on February 1, 2021 by Duncan
If you’re renting your home, there are no doubt plenty of rules about what you can and can’t do in and around the property.
However, if the place has a boring, less-than-appealing yard, don’t think you can’t take steps to make a difference, even if the landlord isn’t interested in helping out.
As a tenant, you can still utilize numerous low-cost yet high-impact steps to transform your home’s outdoor areas.
Bring the Lawn Back to Life
One of the first things you can do to get your home’s yard looking better is to pay attention to the lawn if this service isn’t included in your rent.
Mowing regularly is essential to not only make the grass look lusher and greener, but improve its health, too.
Plus, if it hasn’t received any love for a while, it’s probably high time the lawn got a quality fertilizer on it to help it grow stronger and thicker. You can do this yourself or hire a local lawn fertilization service that specializes in lawn care. Also, be sure to water the grass often and aerate the lawn once or twice a year to help it thrive.
Get Gardens in Order
Similarly, if gardens have been neglected, spend time getting them in order as soon as you move in. For example, cut back dead tree branches, trim shrubs, dead-head rose bushes and other plants.
Remove dead greenery and stop vines and other plant-life from winding their way across the house’s roof or other areas where you don’t want them. Completing this job will help make the yard(s) look bigger and give you more usable space, too.
Add Containers and Compost
If there are already enough plants and other items spread around, you might like to add your own touches, and some nice color, through container gardening. It’s affordable and easy enough to bring in potted plants or even buy or make a raised garden bed so you can plant fruits, vegetables and herbs.
This setup will help you feel like the property is more your own, too, and ensure you get the kind of look, feel, and usability you’re after.
Containers can be taken with you when you move, which is a plus. It’s best to choose lightweight planters, though, so they’re easier to carry and transport.
For example, those made from lightweight fiberglass are a better option than terra cotta products. Don’t forget, too, that you can add a compost bin to your yard with little hassle if there isn’t already one on site.
Request the Removal of Old Pieces
Your landlord should dispose of any items on the property that pose a danger to you, your family, visitors, or pets.
However, perhaps they’ve left unsightly gear lying around the yard, such as rusted out old swing sets or other play equipment, broken statues or water features, sprinklers or hoses that no longer work, etc.
If this is the case, don’t be afraid to ask the rental agency that looks after your property, or the landlord directly, if appropriate, to remove these old pieces. A clear-out will help transform the entire area and won’t cost you a cent.
Add Your Own Outdoor Furniture
You’ll likely want to add your own furniture to external spaces so you can use the outdoor areas more effectively. For example, you’ll probably want a table and chairs, perhaps a sun lounger or two, and even a rocking swing to relaxin in, or some play pieces for your children.
If you buy new items for the current property, it’s wise to invest in collapsible items or light furnishings that are easier to move if and when the time comes.
Look for smaller rather than larger products in most cases, too, as you won’t know how much room you’ll have available to you at future properties if you have to move.
Invest in Outdoor Lighting
Another great way to add pizazz to a rental property is to ensure it has enough outdoor lighting.
While there might be one or two basic bare bulbs externally, why not create a festive, homely flair when the sun goes down by illuminating exterior areas, especially entertaining ones, with string lights and lanterns?
These kinds of options are easily installed without harming any property fixtures and just as easy to pull down and throw in a box when you’re ready to move to a new house.
Living in a rental property doesn’t mean you have no chance of enjoying outdoor spaces. As you can see from the above, there are plenty of low-cost yet high-impact steps you can take to transform a garden of any size.