We all recognize and appreciate the beauty trees bring to residential neighborhoods, commercial thoroughfares and public spaces throughout our cities, suburbs, countrysides, deserts, forests and plains. Let’s also recognize and appreciate the major benefits trees have on home values and energy savings.
The fact is that money does grow on trees. The United Stated Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station tells us in its latest report that “…planting a tree in front of a house increases that home’s value by an average of $7,130.” Management Information Services (CMA) says that trees can “…increase property values as much as 20%.” And real estate professionals, 83% of them, in fact, “…believe that mature trees have a ‘strong to moderate’ impact on the salability of homes listed under $150,000…” When listed above $250,000. Realtors perceive that “…the salability of homes with trees rises to 98%,” according to the Arbor National Mortgage and American Forestry.
Additionally, Dr. E. Greg McPherson at the Center for Urban Forest Research tells us that planting a tree on the west side of a house reduces energy bills by approximately 3% within 5 years and 12% within 15 years. Areas without trees become “heat islands” with temperatures being some 12 degrees higher than in areas with trees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture agrees McPherson by saying that “…the net cooling effect of one young, healthy tree is the equivalent to 10 room size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.”
Increasing effects of climate change will render trees even more important for our short and long term home values and futures. According to the Arbor National Mortgage and American Forestry outfit, trees can mitigate damaging winds up to 35 mph down to 10 mph.
Dollars and cents valuations and savings are certainly measures of the benefits of trees. Health, breathability and beauty are others. Just another reason to keep trees on the list of items to recommend to your sellers for increasing their value and appeal.
