No matter the reason for moving, selling a home is no small task. Whether you are in the market to sell your home right now or not, there are more factors to consider than the average person may think. These factors can make the experience quick and easy, or long and expensive. Most importantly, each of these factors can play a serious role in calculating a home’s property value.
Starting From The Top
When creating their “to-do” list in the selling process of a home, homeowners sometimes forget the external aspects of the house like landscaping and maintenance. However, landscaping often adds to the first impression of a home’s appearance when it is on the market. In addition to the aesthetic of the home, landscaping can be viewed as an additional expense. If the tree is getting into the size/age where it could pose a danger to the structural integrity of the home it could hurt the property value and be seen as an unwanted expense by potential buyers.
Trees can make or break a property value. It is important to know what your home is worth before taking it to market. In this article, we will review when it is important to consider tree services when preparing your home to be sold.
How Trees Can Add To Your Property Value
Landscaping that is done properly for your home can significantly increase its value. A clean, well-maintained yard adds to the visual appeal of a home. But aside from the curb appeal that great landscaping offers, it can also offer a functional value. For example, If you have native trees in your yard, they can help increase your property’s value. Native trees often require less maintenance and are helpful to their ecosystem, since they are in their natural habitat. Depending on the buyer, certain trees can add so much character and beauty to a home and can help increase the property value.
A Well-Placed Tree Can Offer Protection
One of the most important things a tree can provide is protection. That protection can come in different forms. Depending on the buyer, each of these factors can affect the property value of your home.
- Shade: While this may seem like a no-brainer, trees provide shade. But did you know, depending on the positioning of the tree and the shade, this can have a positive impact on your energy costs? Trees that block extreme heat from windows can keep the house at a moderate temperature throughout the day. This can prevent over-usage of your HVAC and energy consumption.
- Privacy: Another point that might seem obvious, trees can provide privacy. Many people don’t really think about this until it is already too late… But if you prefer to do your tanning in a fashion that avoids tan lines, a tree might block any direct views. In all seriousness, the privacy of a backyard is often a very important selling point.
- Protection from Debris: If a tree is properly maintained and positioned, it can be a key line of defense in the case of a storm. Some trees can help disperse wind speeds and block any fly debris from damaging your home.
How Trees Can Hurt Your Property Value
While understanding how trees can help your property value, it is essential to recognize how they can hurt it. Property values can go down for a number of variables. Trees are naturally major focal points for the appearance of a house. Trees can add to the safety and aesthetics of your house, however, they can take that away just as easily. If not properly maintained, a tree can leave your home vulnerable to dangerous or damaging situations.
A Neglected Tree Can Do More Harm Than Good
Just as easily as a tree can provide protection, it can be a liability. A professional arborist can help you determine what is safe and healthy for your home and what is not. Overgrown plants and dead trees in a yard can be dangerous. In some cases, a tree will not only subtract from the value of a home but it can cause damages that cost thousands in repairs.
- Debris: If a tree is old and dead, that can pose a risk to the home as both a fire hazard or dangerous debris, in the case of a storm. Branches can break off and trucks can snap. This can go through a window or even do damage to the roof.
- Pests: Trees that are left unkept can also attract and house pests. Some of these pests can be dangerous for the structural integrity of your home, like termites. Other pests, might just be dangerous to people who live near them, such as wasps.
In addition to this, the tree can subtract from the aesthetics of the house. A well-placed tree can provide a beautiful focal point or statement for the house. However, in the wrong spot, that tree can be an eye-sore or even overshadow some of the best aspects of the house’s appearance.
Speak to a Professional Today
At Warner Tree Service, we often work with homeowners to keep their property protected and beautiful by their trees. Property value is affected by a lot of factors, and we are here to make sure that the trees only affect it in positive ways. Our professionals are familiar with how to maintain a healthy strong tree and keep your property beautiful.
If you have any questions or have a tree that could use some TLC, contact the professionals at Warner Tree Service today!