The benefits of garden maintenance

When managing a large portfolio of properties, it can be challenging to stay on top of the individual requirements of each garden and the changing seasons. From virulent weeds such as Japanese Knotweed to regular garden maintenance, this blog discusses the elements you need to consider when it comes to garden maintenance.

A well maintained garden will not only keep your tenants happy, but will help retain (and often increase) the rental value of your properties. All too often landlords don’t give as much consideration to the exterior of their properties as they should.  In reality, carrying out garden maintenance is essential to improving the appeal of your property whether it is vacant and for sale, or you are looking to attract your next rental tenants. 

Garden clearances

It may be that a property has been vacant for a while and the garden is overgrown or full of rubbish. We can arrange for clearance quotes with photographs and manage the process for you. Once instructed, our clearance contractor will safely dispose of all waste material and bring the garden back into shape improving your chances of selling or attracting the right tenants

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Clearing weeds
If possible, weeding early on (whilst the beds are still empty) can really help keep on top of things when it comes to your property portfolio. An untidy garden is off putting to prospective purchasers and tenants and is an easy fix to take care of.

Japanese Knotweed

This virulent plant lies dormant during the cold winter months. However, the warmer weather brings with it the new growing season. This is a rampant plant that needs to be handled expertly to avoid contaminating other areas. Just 2mm of root is all that is required for the plant to regenerate itself and it is so invasive it may affect the chance of a mortgage being granted on the property.  If you suspect that Japanese Knotweed is present it is essential that urgent action is taken.  GMC can arrange for a professional survey to determine if it is Japanese Knotweed and then project manage the treatment plan which has to be carried out by a qualified technician.

Repairing of fences and boundaries

Winter winds can often damage garden fences. Unfortunately, this can also be caused by vandalism. Any fence panels that are rotten or leaning over could be a potential danger to tenants or neighbouring properties. so now is the time to get them repaired or replaced.

General lawn care
Maintaining the lawns at your properties requires more than just regular mowing. It is important to ensure the winter leaves are cleared away in spring, in order to let light in to the grass and prevent dead patches appearing. Additionally, aeration (perforating the soil with small holes) will increase lawn health by both allowing nutrients to penetrate the grass roots, and improving drainage. Special lawn feed is also advised to discourage weed growth and promote a healthy, green lawn.

Cleaning patios and paving
A build up over the winter period of moss or algae on paving slabs can create a slippery and hazardous surface for your tenants. As a Landlord you may be held liable for any injuries sustained at your rental property which you have not taken reasonable action to prevent. Therefore, ensuring these areas are scrubbed or pressure washed at regular intervals should form an important part of your regular garden maintenance.

Caring for climbing plants
Although climbing plants can be a pleasant addition to a garden, they also have the potential to cause damage to your properties. If not properly managed, certain species of climbing plant (such as ivy) can cause damage to walls, fences and even property foundations. As well as pruning and caring for non-harmful climbers, our gardeners will ensure that destructive plants are kept at bay, and inform you of any areas which need to be addressed.

Be proactive with regular gardening services
The regular gardening services offered by GMC will help ensure that your properties are kept at a consistently high standard throughout the year. Additionally, our gardeners will act as your extra eyes and ears, and inform you of any urgent issues which could affect the value and safety of your properties. We can provide both reports and photos helping you to stay in control.

Ongoing garden maintenance maintains high standards
If you manage properties across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland the regular and ad hoc gardening services offered by GMC will ensure that your gardens are consistently well maintained. Whether mowing the lawn, weeding, tidying up borders, paths and driveways or simply trimming a hedge, our experienced gardening contractors will always have your properties looking their best.  Just call GMC on 01903 721020 or email info@genmaint.co.uk to find out more about our full range of property maintenance services.