Zeroscaping and Xeriscaping
If you’ve ever taken a trip to the American southwest, the chances are that you’ve seen varieties of both zeroscaping and xeriscape. Although they may sound similar, there is a big difference between both of them. Zeroscaping refers to landscaping that uses virtually no water. The most common options are decorative rocks and gravel, with maybe some succulents or cacti. Though some people find this look appealing, most prefer more green in their yard.
That is the time where xeriscape comes in. Xeriscaping is a landscape design technique that uses drought-resistant plants to create an attractive, green yard with minimal water use. While xeriscape may incorporate some rock features, the emphasis is on green plants. Most xeriscape designs include small areas of lawn, flowering shrubs, and drought-tolerant flowers. In warm climates, these flowering plants often produce vibrant blooms all year long. The plants are supported by efficient irrigation systems that supply water directly to the roots, eliminating any wasted water. Although it is typically seen in warm areas, xeriscaping can be used just about anywhere as long as you use native varieties of drought-resistant plants and trees.
Evergreens and Perennials
Few things can minimize the effort required to keep a beautiful yard like evergreens and perennials. They are easy to grow and a great option for rental properties. For dramatic greenery, you could even use several different kinds of evergreens in a yard or planter bed. Perennials are another easy-care part of a low-maintenance yard. Perennials are flowers that return on their own every year, namely peony, hydrangea, and lavender. The only effort required to enjoy these hardy plants is to decide which ones to plant.
Elements to Avoid
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what elements of a low-effort landscape you want. Others may find fruit trees as an attractive option, but the fact is that they require far more maintenance than other types of trees. They often have very specific water requirements, need annual pruning, and usually need to be fertilized carefully to produce top-quality fruit. When the fruit does grow, it often attracts birds and pests, none of which your tenants will enjoy. Unless treated with pesticides, the fruit is often inedible, and if not collected from the tree, it will drop to the ground in the fall, creating a big mess. The smell of rotting fruit is not good, and your tenant will probably be unhappy about picking it up and disposing of it every year.
By learning about different easy-care landscaping techniques – and the things you should not do – you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape for your Hennepin County rental property that your tenants will surely enjoy. To learn more about what upgrades would best fit your property, contact our team at Real Property Management Viking today at 612-442-8850.