Most of us have fond memories revolving around from our childhood: climbing them, building forts, hiding behind, and secreting things beneath. Beyond the sentimental and aesthetic value, there are practical reasons to plant trees in your yard as well.
Bringing Up the Neighborhood
As noted on Realty101.com, one of the characteristics of upscale neighborhoods are established and mature trees. One recommendation for maximizing the resale value of your home is to plant an 8′ to 10′ tree rather than a smaller sapling. In 10 years time, that tree can add as much as $1,000 to $10,000 to your home’s value.
Other Benefits:
Home Value: Mature landscaping in general can add 10 to 20 percent to a home’s value depending on the neighborhood, especially if there are mature trees.
Neighborhood Appeal:Trees and landscaping add to the overall curb appeal and as mentioned above, increase the desirability of a neighborhood. The Arbor Day Foundation found that:
“83 percent of Realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate imact’ on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,00, this perception increases to 98 percent.”
Energy Efficency: Strategically placed trees can shelter your home from the extremes of heat in the summer and cold in the winter. With our hot and humid summers and high energy prices here in Houston, a tree can literally be worth its weight in gold.
“The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 years a day” ~ U.S. Department of Agriculture
Emotional Appeal: When selling a home, the first impression is important. The welcoming sight of a blooming tree could just be the deciding factor for a buyer to make your house their new home.
Environmentally Friendly: Not only do trees improve the air quality, but they also help prevent and reduce storm erosion and run-off.
Improving Your Mood: Trees just make you feel better. Research at Texas A&M found that looking at trees reduced stress within 5 minutes as evidenced by changes in muscle tension and blood pressure. So the next time you are feeling uptight, take a walk in the greenbelt.
More Privacy: No one wants to feel like they are living in a fishbowl. A properly design landscape with mature trees can screen your yard and home from neighboring views and provide that much desired privacy.
If you find your yard lacking with regards to trees, stop by the Kingwood Garden Center for a wide selection of shade and fruit trees ready for planting!