World Bee Day is May 20th, and there’s no better time to start thinking about creating a pollinator-friendly landscape for your rental properties.
Creating a pollinator-friendly landscape can have multiple benefits. This is true both for the environment and for your overall ROI at your rental property. As you are looking to up your Landscaping game this season, consider the benefits of adding some pollinator-friendly options to make your rental property stand out from the competition.
Why are pollinators helpful?
Our ecosystem depends on pollination; according to the UN, nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plants and 75% of the world’s food crops depend in part on animal pollinators. World Bee Day was created to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, both due to their importance in conserving biodiversity and their contributions to food security.
Common Garden Pollinators Include:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
How can pollinators help my landscaping needs?
With a little help from you and your landscaping team, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds can all help your landscaping look its best year-round. Flowering plants will only flourish with the help of nature’s pollinators, so giving them an extra hand can ensure that your rental property’s curb appeal is better than ever.
Not to mention, your favorite garden pollinators are pretty to look at–your tenants are likely to love relaxing in an outdoor space that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Prioritizing landscaping that attracts pollinators can ensure that you are bringing your outdoor amenities to the next level.
Learn more: Outdoor Amenity Ideas For Your Rental Property
How Pollinator-Friendly Landscaping Can Boost Your ROI
Pollinator-friendly landscaping and native landscaping go hand-in-hand. Diverse sets of native plants (which will flower at different times of the year) are key to helping pollinators thrive. These can be used in conjunction with traditional landscaping options, or you can opt for a truly pollinator-friendly approach by replacing traditional turfgrass lawns and landscaping options with solely native plants and bee lawns.
Fewer Landscaping-Related Expenses:
Since the most pollinator-friendly landscaping requires a commitment to planting native plants, you will likely find that your maintenance requirements are far lesser than those of traditional landscaping. Native plants can be low-maintenance plants because they are best suited for survival in your local soil and climate. This hardiness will help cut down on plant death and replacement.
They will also require far less water, pesticides, or general additional care throughout the year. This low-maintenance landscaping strategy can mean big savings over time. The EPA cites a study of larger properties that estimates that over a 20-year period, the cumulative cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses. While native plants and pollinator-friendly options are not the only way to ensure low-maintenance landscaping, it can be one of the most vibrant options available for your rental properties.
Learn more: Low Maintenance Landscaping for Rental Properties
Ability to Advertise as an Eco-Friendly Rental Option:
Eco-friendliness is highly sought after, especially for the younger generation of renters. Green initiatives for rental properties are no longer the cherry on top of a long list of rental features. In fact, studies have shown that apartment shoppers are increasingly considering green features as must-haves when searching for apartments.
Learn more: Earth Day for Rentals | Eco-Friendly Ideas Roundup
Gen Z and Millennial renters alike seek out eco-conscious options. Alongside eco-friendly energy and waste initiatives, creating pollinator-friendly landscaping at your rental property can truly set your rental business apart as a great option for the eco-conscious applicant.
Are there any downsides to some pollinator-friendly landscaping options?
Tenants of all ages will likely enjoy viewing butterflies and hummingbirds in the yard or outdoor gathering spaces. For this reason, swapping some of your traditional landscaping options with pollinator-friendly options is ideal for the majority of rental properties. However, not everyone will appreciate a complete replacement, and you or your landscaping crew will need to care for the outdoor spaces in a pollinator-friendly manner.
Many tenants appreciate the aesthetics of traditional turfgrass lawns. Due to fear of stings, young children may be adversely affected by bee lawns as the sole option to play on. For this reason, it is important to consider your ideal tenants’ needs and preferences before deciding on your landscaping style.
This is especially important for multifamily residences, who need to ensure they have a good grasp of their rental’s branding and benefits. A young professional may prefer an eco-friendly pollinator-friendly yard more than a young family who values spaces to run and play.
Learn more: Branding Tips for Your Rental Business
