How Trees Increase Property Value

If you plan to sell your home, you’re probably looking for ways to increase the final sale price. Have you thought about your trees? While many people look at room updates and renovations to boost their asking price, trees can significantly impact the value of your home and property. However, to ensure your trees increase property value, you need to be smart about maintaining your trees and avoid some common pitfalls.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• How trees can increase the value of your home
• When trees can hurt your home’s value
• What to do for your trees if you plan to list your house

Trees Increase Property Values

It’s a fact that trees can increase your property’s value. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, well-maintained trees can increase the value by 3-15%. Considering the median North Carolina home price is $320,096, that’s a significant added value!

How to Maximize the Value of Your Trees and Shrubs

Just having trees isn’t enough if you want to get top dollar for your home. Here are a few things you should do if you want your trees to add value to your Winston-Salem property:

Annual Pruning. Pruning trees not only make them look attractive, it makes them safer. By removing dead wood and potentially hazardous branches, your buyer will be more comfortable making an offer since they don’t have to consider pruning and trimming.

Remove Unhealthy Trees. Unhealthy Trees make your property look unattractive. Additionally, if a potential buyer sees unhealthy trees, they may be turned off by the prospect of having to treat them for illness or remove them altogether. And they may even ask you to take care of it before the sale, which is money out of your pocket. Avoid this by removing unhealthy trees before listing your property.

Clean Up Your Yard. The last thing a prospective buyer wants to think about when purchasing a home is the upkeep it will entail. By keeping your yard clean and well-kept, a buyer will focus on the property’s positives rather than the work they need to put in. Rake leaves and clean up fallen branches so potential buyers see a haven for their family rather than a mess to take care of.

A well-kempt yard with healthy trees and shrubs can add significant value to your home.

Tree Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

While maintaining your trees can increase the value of your property, overlooking certain tree issues can decrease potential offers. Be sure to address the following tree issues:

Unsafe Trees. Trees can be unsafe for various reasons. If you notice any of the following tree conditions on your property, have them assessed before listing your property.

• Dead or diseased trees – These could drop branches or topple over.
• Leaning Trees – Leaning trees can be an indication of health issues.
• Trees that are growing close to utilities – These trees pose a potential fire and electrocution risk.
• Exposed roots or stumps – Exposed roots are a tripping hazard, can damage lawnmowers, and may mean the tree is unstable.

Unkempt Trees. Trees that need pruning, look overgrown or have dropped a lot of leaves will make your property look messy and unattractive. Take care of these issues, or you risk a low offer when selling your home.

A Tree That Doesn’t Fit the Property. There are several reasons a tree may be a “bad fit” for your property.

• A Tree That’s Too Large – An oversized tree can present problems such as reduced visibility or utility encroachment. The shade from large trees can also present problems if a buyer wants to enjoy a pool or install solar panels.
• A Tree That’s Too Close to a Home – How close is too close? That may be a matter of opinion, but if a tree’s limbs come into contact with the house, they can cause damage to roofs, gutters, and siding. Additionally, large limbs over structures could fail, resulting in catastrophic damage. That’s not something a buyer wants to think about when placing an offer on your home.
• A Non-Native Tree – Some buyers will be turned off by non-native trees and shrubs. Non-natives can sometimes present problems for local wildlife by increasing pressures on native species or contributing to habitat loss. Native plants create a more favorable impression of your property for potential buyers.

Things to Do Before You List Your Home to Maximize Its Value

There are a few more things you can do to make sure your property shines and is as attractive to prospective buyers as possible.

Plant Trees and Shrubs in Empty Areas. Bare spots look better with something in them! Add some color with a flowering tree or shrub.

Clean Up Your Landscaping. Make your yard look beautiful and well-kept. Let your potential buyers see the property at its best to maximize its value!

Have Your Trees’ Health Assessed. An evaluation of your trees allows you to identify and correct any problems before you list your property. A health assessment by a professional tree service will give you (and potential buyers) peace of mind knowing your trees are healthy and safe.

Get the Maximum Value Out of Your Trees

Call Godspeed Tree Service at 336-399-8348 today! We can keep your trees and shrubs looking great even if you’re not ready to sell. We’ll prune your trees and assess their health, so you’ll know your trees are working for your property, not against