Another tenant spent a weekend gardening and landscaping so I paid him $150 (off next month's rent). 

There is landscape fabric under the rock. 

On a rental I have very basic landscaping done and to be honest, it's kind of bland. 

I once spent thousands on landscaping only to watch it die in a drought within a year.I have lived in a townhome community in the past and now a single-story condo community for the last 7 years.

With rising interest rates and the competitive landscape, I decided to bow out of the market as I need to now find a place before the end of August when my lease expires.

The property was recently renovated (new appliances, upgraded electrical, windows, landscaping, etc) 3 bedroom - 1 bathroom home but it's in what I think you call a "Class C" neighborhood here (not the worst but also not a war zone). 

Currently my HOA dues are $140/month and it includes cable, high speed internet, and landscaping.

Our neighborhood is 80% blue collar workers to paint the picture so not sure which landscape would appeal most to the tenants.

My “visits” are usually grouped with the business of collecting rent, landscaping, meeting tenants, etc.

Kitchen, bathroom, painting, flooring, and landscaping/deck upgrades are usually a net positive (at least 1:1).