Outdoor spaces can be your vacation rental’s greatest asset or its biggest weakness. Great landscaping creates stunning first impressions, expands usable living space, and provides the outdoor experience many travelers seek. Poor outdoor areas deter bookings before guests even walk inside.
This guide covers how to create and maintain outdoor spaces that enhance your rental’s appeal.
Why Outdoor Spaces Matter
First Impressions
Guests see the exterior first—in photos and in person.
Curb appeal affects:
- Click-through rates on listings
- Booking decisions
- Arrival experience
- Overall property perception
Expanded Living Space
Outdoor areas multiply your usable space:
- Outdoor dining extends kitchen
- Patios extend living rooms
- Yards provide play areas
- Gardens create experiences
Premium Positioning
Properties with excellent outdoor spaces command:
- Higher nightly rates
- Better occupancy
- Stronger reviews
- Repeat bookings
Landscaping Fundamentals
Low-Maintenance Design
Vacation rentals need landscaping that:
- Survives between maintenance visits
- Requires minimal water
- Resists pest and disease
- Looks good year-round
- Doesn’t create hazards
Native and Adapted Plants
Benefits:
- Require less water
- Resist local pests
- Survive temperature extremes
- Lower maintenance needs
How to choose:
- Research plants native to your area
- Visit local nurseries for recommendations
- Observe what thrives in neighbors’ yards
- Consider drought tolerance
Hardscape Balance
Hardscape elements:
- Patios and decks
- Pathways
- Retaining walls
- Decorative stone
Benefits for rentals:
- Zero maintenance
- Always looks good
- Defines spaces
- Survives neglect
Ideal mix: 60-70% hardscape/lawn, 30-40% planted areas for vacation rentals.
Front Yard and Curb Appeal
Essential Elements
Foundation plantings:
- Frame the entry
- Soften architectural lines
- Stay proportional to house
- Choose evergreens for year-round appeal
Clear pathway:
- Obvious route to door
- Well-lit at night
- Safe, even surface
- Welcoming feel
Lawn or ground cover:
- Neat, maintained appearance
- Appropriate to climate
- Consider artificial turf in dry climates
Seasonal color:
- Container plants for easy updates
- Flower beds if maintained regularly
- Rotate seasonal plantings
Common Mistakes
- Overgrown plants blocking windows
- Dead or dying plants
- Unkempt lawn
- Cluttered entry
- Poor lighting
- Visible trash cans
Maintenance Schedule
Weekly:
- Mow lawn
- Pick up debris
- Water if needed
Monthly:
- Edge beds
- Trim as needed
- Weed control
- Check irrigation
Seasonally:
- Major pruning
- Mulch refresh
- Plant rotation
- Fertilization
Back Yard and Outdoor Living
Creating Zones
Divide outdoor space into functional areas:
Dining zone:
- Table sized for max occupancy
- Shade solution
- Near kitchen access
- Ambient lighting
Lounging zone:
- Comfortable seating
- Conversation arrangement
- Weather protection option
- Good views
Activity zone:
- Open space for games
- Kid-friendly areas
- Pet areas if applicable
- Sports activities
Utility zone (hidden):
- Trash storage
- Equipment storage
- HVAC units screened
Outdoor Furniture
Priorities:
- Durability
- Weather resistance
- Comfort
- Ease of cleaning
- Guest capacity
Material options:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Light, rust-proof | Can blow away |
| Wrought iron | Heavy, durable | Rusts, heavy |
| Teak | Beautiful, durable | Expensive, needs oil |
| Synthetic wicker | Attractive, weather-resistant | Can fade, vary in quality |
| Plastic/resin | Cheap, easy care | Looks cheap, breaks |
Recommendation: Mid-quality synthetic wicker or aluminum with cushions stored in deck box.
Shade Solutions
Essential in most climates:
- Pergolas (permanent, stylish)
- Umbrellas (flexible, replaceable)
- Shade sails (modern, effective)
- Awnings (retractable option)
- Mature trees (if present)
Outdoor Lighting
Safety lighting:
- Pathway illumination
- Step and level-change lighting
- Entry lighting
Ambiance lighting:
- String lights
- Landscape uplighting
- Fire pit glow
- Solar accent lights
Functional lighting:
- Cooking/grill area
- Dining table
- Activity spaces
Deck and Patio Considerations
Deck Maintenance
Regular tasks:
- Sweep debris
- Check for loose boards
- Clean spills promptly
- Inspect railings
Annual tasks:
- Deep cleaning
- Seal or stain (wood decks)
- Check structural integrity
- Address any rot or damage
Patio Care
Regular tasks:
- Sweep
- Remove stains
- Check for trip hazards
- Clean furniture
Periodic tasks:
- Pressure wash
- Resand pavers (if applicable)
- Seal (some surfaces)
- Repair cracks
Safety Considerations
- Railings secure and to code
- No trip hazards
- Non-slip surfaces
- Stable furniture
- Clear pathways
Fire Pits and Outdoor Features
Fire Pits
Types:
- Wood-burning (ambiance, s’mores, but more maintenance)
- Gas/propane (convenient, clean, controlled)
- Fire tables (furniture integrated)
Considerations:
- Local fire regulations
- Insurance implications
- Safety distance from structures
- Seating arrangement
- Weather protection for gas lines
Grills
Options:
- Built-in (upscale, permanent)
- Freestanding gas (convenient, cleanable)
- Charcoal (authentic, but messy)
Maintenance:
- Clean grates after each guest
- Check propane levels
- Cover when not in use
- Annual deep clean
Hot Tubs
See our pool and hot tub maintenance guide for detailed care information.
Water Features
Consider carefully:
- Ongoing maintenance required
- Mosquito potential
- Pump noise and electricity
- Winter considerations
Generally not recommended for vacation rentals unless professionally maintained.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring
- Clean up winter debris
- Prune dead growth
- Refresh mulch
- Plant annuals
- Service irrigation
- Power wash hard surfaces
Summer
- Regular watering
- Mow and edge weekly
- Deadhead flowers
- Monitor for pests
- Maintain pool/hot tub
- Check outdoor furniture
Fall
- Remove fallen leaves
- Cut back perennials
- Plant fall color
- Prepare irrigation for winter
- Store sensitive items
- Clean gutters
Winter
- Protect sensitive plants
- Store outdoor furniture (if harsh climate)
- Clear snow from pathways
- Prevent ice hazards
- Monitor for damage
Maintenance Partners
Lawn Care Services
Services typically include:
- Mowing
- Edging
- Fertilization
- Weed control
- Seasonal cleanup
Cost: $100-$300/month depending on property size
Landscaping Companies
For:
- Design and installation
- Major projects
- Tree work
- Irrigation installation
- Hardscape projects
Pool/Hot Tub Services
For:
- Regular maintenance
- Chemical balance
- Equipment repair
- Seasonal services
Handyman Services
For:
- Deck repairs
- Fence repairs
- Small projects
- Pressure washing
ROI Considerations
High-Impact Investments
| Improvement | Cost Range | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Professional landscaping design | $500-$2,000 | High |
| Outdoor dining set | $500-$2,000 | High |
| String lights | $50-$200 | High |
| Fire pit | $200-$2,000 | High |
| Fence/privacy | $1,000-$5,000 | Medium-High |
Ongoing Costs
Budget for:
- Lawn maintenance: $100-$300/month
- Plant replacement: $200-$500/year
- Furniture replacement: $500-$1,000 every 3-5 years
- Hardscape maintenance: $200-$500/year
Great outdoor spaces enhance guest experiences and property value. Learn how our management approach maintains your property’s outdoor areas year-round.
