The importance of cutting back vegetation at your OBX Rental Home
The Outer Banks receives so much rain throughout the winter and spring that when the temperatures start warming up it causes our trees, shrubs, and bushes to go into high growth mode! Many of our plants such as Russian Olives, Pampas Grass, Liriope plants, Live Oaks, Crepe Myrtles and Bayberries, etc. need cut back before the new growth begins and takes over. We often see vegetation growing in and around heat pumps and latticework. We also see it scrapping siding, trim, roofs and even vehicles as they pull in and out of driveways.
Recently we heard of a property that squirrels had gone into the attic of the home because the live oaks had not been trimmed back and encroached on the outside of the home so they made themselves a nice nest inside the attic where it was warm. Unfortunately, they are noisy and can also bring in insects.
Another example is a property whose owner had not cut back the live oaks in years had an animal get into and behind the siding/underpinning and chewed a hole in a water line to get water!
We know that tree trimming is very expensive but it is less costly if you stay on it every spring or winter. Keeping vegetation cut back can prevent mold and mildew from growing on decks, steps, and siding because they will have more sun exposure. This also helps keep pests and rodents out of your home as they like cool, damp, dark places to live.
The tenants are supposed to be responsible for cutting the grass and keeping weeds at bay but pruning bushes, shrubs, and trees are out of the scope of their residential rental contract. If you are looking to buy a home, this is something to consider and to factor into your annual expenses when setting your budget.