At Novich Property Management, we believe that how a property looks on the outside matters just as much as what’s on the inside. A well-kept yard not only boosts curb appeal, but also protects the long-term value of your investment.
Lawn care is one of those areas where clear expectations make everything run smoother—for both owners and tenants.
For Property Owners: Setting the Standard
Every property owner has a different vision for their yard. Some are happy with simple upkeep, while others want that perfectly manicured, magazine-worthy lawn.
Here’s the honest truth: if you’re expecting a pristine, professionally maintained yard, hiring a landscaping company is always the best route.
Tenants are responsible for maintenance—but they’re not landscapers. And just as important, many of our tenants have demanding schedules. We work with nurses, shift workers, and professionals who may be gone during peak daytime hours or working long, unpredictable shifts. Expecting a high-end, consistently manicured lawn from someone with that kind of schedule can sometimes lead to frustration on both sides.
If your expectations go beyond basic care (think fertilization programs, irrigation management, trimming schedules, or detailed design work), a professional service ensures consistency and protects your investment.
We’re always happy to help coordinate landscaping services for owners who want that elevated level of care.
For Tenants: What’s Expected
We keep things straightforward and reasonable. As part of the lease, tenants are required to maintain the lawn and exterior landscaping in a neat and orderly condition.
This includes:
- Mowing the grass to a reasonable height (generally 2–3 inches)
- Watering as needed to maintain healthy growth (in accordance with local regulations)
- Removing visible weeds from lawns, gardens, driveways, and flower beds
- Maintaining clean, defined edges along walkways and driveways
- Keeping the yard free of debris, including trash, sticks, and leaves
We understand that many tenants have busy work schedules, and that’s exactly why we aim to keep expectations realistic and manageable.
If keeping up with yard work becomes difficult, we do have recommendations for reliable local lawn care providers and are happy to point you in the right direction. Getting a little help is always better than falling behind.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Seasonal changes matter: Lawn care expectations will naturally shift throughout the year.
- Watering responsibly: Especially here in Montana, being mindful of local water guidelines is key.
- Communication is everything: If there’s an issue—broken sprinkler, dead patch, or anything unusual—let us know early so we can help address it.
- Tools & equipment: Tenants are typically responsible for having access to basic lawn care tools unless otherwise agreed upon.
Why It Matters
Routine lawn care helps prevent bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. Neglected yards can lead to dead grass, weed overgrowth, pest issues, and even HOA or city violations in some areas.
More importantly, it keeps the property looking like something everyone can take pride in.
Our Approach at Novich PM
We try to keep things realistic, fair, and easy to navigate for everyone involved.
Every property and every tenant situation is a little different, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Some owners want simple upkeep, others want more detail—and some tenants have the time for yard work, while others may need a little help here and there.
Our role is really just to help bridge that gap. We communicate expectations clearly, step in when something needs attention, and help find solutions when needed—whether that’s a quick reminder, a conversation, or connecting someone with a local lawn care provider.
At the end of the day, it’s about keeping properties in good shape while being respectful of the people living in them.
