Whether you plan to sell your home or stay for the foreseeable future, your decisions about the house affect your property value. Planting trees and landscaping is no different. Good trees can increase home value by up to 20%. In the meantime, here are a few other things to consider that may hurt your property value.

Trees provide privacy, shade, and beauty to the yard, all while absorbing pollutants in the air and reducing soil erosion. Trees are kind-of amazing if you think about it. They add uniqueness to a street with similar homes, and they provide a place to put a family swing. Families and friends create many memories on or near large trees. In this article, you will learn how mature trees can help or hurt property value.

Mature Landscaping

Mature landscaping will most definitely help improve your property value. Not only does it add beauty to your yard, but it can add value to your home as well if planted correctly. 

One word of caution, trees should not be planted too close to the house when initially placed in the ground. As trees with extensive root systems grow and spread, they can crack foundations, sidewalks, and walkways. Another issue can occur when they are planted too near to sewer lines. Trees roots stretch and grow toward water sources. If they penetrate a line, the roots will cause blockages. No one wants that hassle.

Native Trees

Planting native trees is another bonus to your home’s property value. They will often require less maintenance since they are located in their natural habitat and get all they need. According to research, a well-planted native tree in the front yard will increase your home’s sale price by over $7,000.

Is One Type of Tree More Valuable Than the Other?

Beauty is in the eye of the tree beholder, in this case. Whether a Giant Oak, a Weeping Willow, or a Palm Tree, personal preference is the word here. If the tree is native to the area and looks good in the yard, They, by all means, keep it. Giving an overgrown tree a nice trim will help with the property value as well.

When to Let That Tree Go

If you consider whether the tree has lived its fullest life in your yard, here are the factors to consider.

1. If the tree is dead, have it removed, of course. You do not want to burden the new owners with one more thing to do. And a dead tree will devalue your property.
2. If your tree is very close to the house, it may need to be trimmed or removed. In this case, it is best to consult an arborist, like the professionals at Warner Tree Service.
3. If it is a non-native or invasive tree, you can contact an arborist to see what is best in the situation.

Personal experience here… When moving into a home, there was a non-native tree that caused multiple problems. An arborist came out and deemed the tree to be worthy of taking down. After the tree was removed, the entire neighborhood was grateful. Sometimes it is an excellent choice to take a tree down.

Tree Maintenance

As with any landscaping, trees cannot only do their thing if you want them to add to your property value. A well-maintained yard will start at a higher price point; that is a fact. So how do you care for a tree, and a large tree at that?

• Have the tree shaped from the beginning.
• Thin out the tree as the years go on, so it receives the amount of light the lower branches need.
• Crown the tree annually to keep it in check.
• If your soil is lacking, you may need fertilization to keep it healthy.
• Always have falling branches removed to avoid them crashing into the house in a storm.

These are just a few beginners’ tips for caring for trees and mature landscaping. If you want full service you do not have to think about, get on a maintenance plan with a tree service.

Warner Tree Service Cares About Your Property Value

Adding landscaping to a yard is an exciting and creative time. There are so many possibilities and directions to go in. Ensuring the trees you have planted will increase your property value is critical to the home and the future owners.

So whether you are selling or staying, you should consider talking with your local tree company about what to plant and where. It is their specialty to know just how to advise you on the location and type of trees best suited for your area. Likewise, if you have a tree that needs attention, contact the friendly staff at Warner Tree Service to take a look for you and help choose to fix the tree or remove it.

And for a broader look at property value, check out this article on What Homes are Worth.