This Is How Trees Can Add Value to Your Home
As a homeowner looking to sell their home – today or in the future – you’ve probably thought about ways to increase the value of your property , as well as features that actually lower the cost . The attractiveness of the curb is an obvious factor, but it turns out that properties with trees can be especially attractive to potential buyers. Houses with trees can have 3.5% to 15% more value than houses without trees.
If you have a lot of trees in your yard or are planning to update your landscaping, here’s what you should know about the potential impact on the value of your home.
What trees increase the value of a house?
There is a tree valuation formula , but the trees that add value to a home may depend on what a particular buyer desires. It’s also important to note that the “value” of a tree based on type, size, and condition does not directly result in a list price increase.
However, there are a few species that may be particularly “valuable”.
- Oak Shumard
- live oak
- white oak
- magnolia boragetree
- maple sugar
- red maple
- southern magnolia
- Black tupelo
- black cherry
- Linden
Ultimately, a healthy tree adds more value than a diseased one. A mature tree is usually more valuable than a seedling. A tree that thrives in your local climate is probably more desirable than a tree that is not designed for local conditions. The Arbor Day Foundation has a tool to help you find trees in your area.
There are other ways that trees can enhance the attractiveness of your home. Well-placed trees can reduce energy bills by 3-12% over time in hotter areas, and trees can improve air quality. Trees also just look beautiful, although, of course, there are exceptions.
Can trees do more harm than good?
Not all trees are good, at least when it comes to attractiveness to the buyer. Here are some of them that can hurt rather than help:
- Trees requiring special care or maintenance, including extra garden care or sap, needle or fruit removal.
- Trees with roots that can grow into underground pipes or house foundations and damage them.
- Trees planted too close to buildings or roofs
- Trees that are poorly cared for, sick or dying
- Invasive tree species
While you or a future owner can certainly cut down unwanted trees, it will cost you: $200 to $2,000 per tree, depending on size. If you are going to plant something new, keep this in mind to save yourself headaches and money in the future.