Tip of the Month –Tree Trimming at Your Rental
One of the most troublesome areas for the single family home rental is yard and landscaping maintenance. Whether it’s merely mowing the grass or maintaining thousands of dollars in professionally installed landscaping, this area is a continuing source of issues.
Unless the lease states otherwise, all lawn and landscaping maintenance is the landlord’s duty. If the responsibility falls to the tenant, the lease should provide in clear language, identifying and specifying just what maintenance is required. The term “landscaping maintenance” can mean anything and should be explained and itemized. Tree trimming, however, is one area of landscape maintenance that a property owner should keep the responsibility because of the heavy risk of serious injury and death.
There are many benefits of tree trimming besides the obvious overall improvement to the appearance of your home and view.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Tree trimming can prolong the life of your trees by removing dead and insect-infested or diseased limbs before they start to impact the overall health of the tree.
- Overgrown tree branches hanging over your home can cause damage to windows, the side of your house and to the roof.
- Dead and rotting limbs can fall and injure someone on the ground or damage cars and other property.
- Because of the danger involved, if you decide to hire a tree trimming service, make sure to ask for proof of insurance before they get started.
The good news is, tree trimming is not a regular form of landscaping maintenance like mowing the lawn, usually only needed once a year or on an as-needed basis. The professional property managers at our Real Property Management offices are always watching out for your best interest to keep your investment safe.
Find your local office here!
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I would have to agree that it’s a good idea to have professionals work on your trees. The pruning and care of each tree may be different. It’s best if you can get an experienced tree service company to help your trees to their potential.
I agree that overgrown tree branches can cause damage to any property. Making sure the trees are away from all structures is important. I have seen trees do a lot of damage to roofs. Plus, I think that when trees are trimmed properly, it gives your landscape a much better look.
Good reminder for why it is so important to keep your trees trimmed. Not only is it healthier for the trees but it can help you avoid accidents in the future. Thanks so much for sharing.
I am a tenant in a RPM property in Glendale, AZ. RPM West Valley is insistent that tree maintenance is the tenant’s responsibility although our lease only states the tenant is responsible for “yard care.” This is contradictory to everything explained in this article; why is this so?
Hi Kevin,
I would discuss this with the property manager. This article is a general guideline and not a standard across Real Property Management offices.
I had no idea that tree trimming could prolong the life of a tree. That is really cool. I should have my trees trimmed every once in a while I suppose.