Now the academic year is over, you should be getting down to those jobs before the next group. One of the biggest questions for a landlord is what to do with the garden. Your student tenants will move in come September and won’t be thinking too much about the garden until spring. But your garden is a unique selling point. Here are some suggestions on how to use this space.
Shrubs and Paving
You can have an instantly attractive garden at an affordable price while remaining low maintenance. Shrubs will generally only need cutting back once or twice a year while grass needs constant maintenance. Your student tenants may neglect a lawn and it is in your best interests to make their stay as straightforward as possible – plus, a lawn needs a lot of watering in the summer. With the paving, create a pathway between the back door and the gate or go for a simple geometric design; this will create a nice vibe without spending too much.
Trees Add Shade, But Be Careful
Trees are decorative, add an element of shade and provide great windbreaks -what’s not to love about trees? But there are several problems and you should choose wisely. Those that grow too large can damage building foundations. You also run the risk of creating too much shade and the interior will be grey and miserable, even in the summer. Trees are not a bad idea but opt for something slow-growing or one that will remain relatively small. Species native to the UK will be ideal as they require less care.
Weed Every Year
Weeds can quickly overcome a garden and although some plants are resistant, they will quickly kill off your more delicate plants. You should de-weed every year, ideally several times during the warmer months, perhaps once during the Easter break and again during the summer when the property is vacant. Simply dig them out or apply weed killers. It’s best not to rely on your student tenants to do this; they may not have green fingers and will have more important things to do in the spring and summer such as preparing for exams.
Patio Area
It won’t be in use between roughly the end of October until Easter, but a patio is a must for the early autumn and the spring term for your students. They will love sitting out in the garden when the weather is nice and a lack of seating area, table and chairs will be a big drawback to them. A patio area with an awning will also create a pleasant environment to enjoy in the colder months when the weather is mild or simply on those dry days. A patio reduces the amount of green space you need to manage too.