Is Landscaping Worth the Effort for Your Short-Term Rental? Here’s What I’ve Learned

As a short-term rental host and homeowner, I’ve asked myself this question more than once: How important is landscaping, really? The short answer? It depends.

While some properties truly benefit from lush gardens and carefully staged outdoor (think event spaces or HOA communities), I’ve found that landscaping doesn’t have to be a high-maintenance priority, unless it’s something you’re passionate about or it plays a big role in your guest experience.

The Case for “Just Enough” Landscaping

When I first started hosting on Airbnb, I thought I needed to do everything down to every flower bed and garden corner. But over time, I realized most guests care more about comfort, privacy, and convenience than perfectly manicured landscaping. Especially for guests staying just a night or two, the outdoor space is often a backdrop, not the main attraction.

For longer stays, however, the outdoor areas start to matter more. Privacy, shade, and a clean, inviting space to let the dog out or enjoy a cup of coffee can leave a lasting impression. That’s where I’ve focused my energy. I do think it’s important to have at least a bistro table and two chairs, plus another style seating as an option. My Airbnb has a small round dining-height table with 4 chairs, plus 2 Adirondack chairs nearby in the grass for a more relaxing seat option.

My Landscaping Strategy (Low Maintenance, High Impact)

I’ve adopted a low-maintenance, intentional landscaping routine that works well for my hosting style, property, and ensuring guest privacy by never needing to pay a maintenance visit turning longer term stays. Here’s what I do:

Quarterly Cleanups

Every season, I schedule a dedicated cleanup day. This keeps things tidy without turning landscaping into a weekly chore. You can totally hire a company to do this for you!

Here’s what those seasonal cleanups typically include:

• Spring:
  Prune back any winter damage, refresh beauty bark, pull weeds, and fertilize any shrubs that need it.
• Summer:
  Mow regularly, trim back anything getting overgrown, pull weeds, and top off mulch where needed.
• Fall:
  Rake leaves, prune shrubs, pull weeds, clean gutters, and prep grass for winter.
• Winter:
  Mostly maintenance-free, but I’ll occasionally check for storm debris and prune anything dangerous or unruly.

Lawn Simplification

I used to have a bigger lawn, but over time I removed a good portion of it and replaced it with drought-tolerant plants and beauty bark, pavers, and privacy shrubs. This was a game-changer.

• Less mowing
• Lower water usage
• More privacy for guests
• Cleaner appearance with less effort

That said, I left a patch of grass intentionally since my Airbnb is pet-friendly. I wanted dogs to have a soft space to do their business or lay in the sun. It’s a small touch, but it matters to guests traveling with pets.

Privacy Over Perfection

One landscaping choice I’ll never regret? Planting privacy shrubs and draught-resistant plants. Whether guests are staying for one night or several, having a sense of seclusion can dramatically elevate their experience, especially if they’re using outdoor areas.

Fast-growing, low-maintenance shrubs like laurel, arborvitae, or boxwood offer a clean look without constant pruning. Plus, they make your outdoor space feel intentional and private, without requiring fencing in every direction.

For color spring through fall, the yard is also full of forsythia (show stoppers in the spring when in full yellow bloom!), azalea, Autumn Joy sedum, black-eyed Susans, and phlox. A tree I planted a few years ago that has amazing pink color in the fall is called a Crepe Myrtle. Keep in mind, all of these plants are suited for this zone in the Pacific Northwest, so check for the best plants suited for your area.

So, How Important Is Landscaping for STR Hosts?

In my opinion:
Landscaping should support your guest experience, not distract from it or add unnecessary stress to your hosting routine.

If your property’s outdoor space is a key feature — say you offer a hot tub, fire pit, or garden seating — then yes, landscaping matters more. But if guests are mostly passing through or your space is about comfort and simplicity, a well-kept yard and strategic plantings are more than enough.

Final Thoughts

Don’t feel pressured to create a magazine-worthy yard. Instead, think about how your outdoor space functions for you and your guests.

• Is it private?
• Is it clean and tidy?
• Does it reflect the level of care you put into your hosting?

If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track.

Hosting is a balance of effort and intention. Landscaping is no different. A little care goes a long way, and your time is better spent where it makes the biggest impact.

– KP