Sellers: Are Trees Helping or Hurting the Sale of Your Home?

SOURCE: Realtor.com

Planting trees is sometimes touted as a way to instantly boost your property value by up to 15%. They have other strong points, too: Trees provide shade that can lower energy bills, offer privacy, and increase curb appeal.

But where the trees are planted, what trees you select, and how large they are can become overwhelming for homeowners to figure out. And what happens if you already have a property full of mature trees? We got the answers directly from real estate experts! Here are the pros and cons of large plantings for home sellers.

Pro: Trees provide insulation

Trees can insulate your home from extreme temperatures during the height of summer and winter. Well-placed trees can reduce a home’s air-conditioning bills and cut fuel consumption in windy areas.

“Trees are great for your energy bills,” says Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent to Own Labs in Orlando, FL. “Their shade can keep sun from hitting your house directly and makes your yard tolerable even on hot days. It can also protect the home from gusts of wind.”

Con: Maintenance and conflicts with neighbors

Most homeowners with trees can’t just let them be. The average cost for tree trimming in the U.S. is between $200 and $760.

“Maintenance needs for properties with trees vary based on species, size, and health,” says Hubert Miles, a certified master home inspector and owner of Patriot Home Inspections in Johnsonville, SC. “Native tree species require less maintenance and are often healthier because they adapt to the climate, whereas tropical trees planted in cooler climates require more upkeep.”

You also have to think about being a good neighbor.

“Buyers may worry more about trees encroaching on neighboring yards, mainly over fears of property damage claims,” Miles says. “In many cases, the responsibility falls upon the property owner where the tree is located. There could be a large expense to cutting back large tree limbs from encroaching on a neighbor’s home.”

Pro: Trees boost mental and physical health

Being around trees is also good for your mental and physical health. Numerous studies show that being around trees boosts immunity, reduces stress, improves mood, and helps people (even children with ADHD) focus.

“Trees have a lot to offer in terms of psychological and aesthetic benefits,” Orefice says. “Studies find that just seeing greenery outside of your window can provide measurable physical and mental health benefits, including lower heart rate and respiration.”

Con: Foundation issues, gutter dumps, storm damage

Mature trees can cost current and future homeowners if they’re planted too close to the house, and their roots make their way under the home or into the underground piping. A sinking or unstable foundation will endanger the entire house, and the cost of repair averages around $4,500 nationally. Severe foundation and pipe damage can run you up to $25,000.

“Tree roots can pose a risk to the foundation and pipes,” Miles says. “But not all tree species have invasive roots. A good rule of thumb is to plant large trees 10 feet away from the house foundation, underground plumbing pipes, and septic fields.”

Large trees planted too close to the house can also dump detritus in your gutters, which leads to more expensive and frequent gutter cleanings, says Bryan Clayton, CEO of landscaping company GreenPal in Nashville, TN.

“Large trees close to the house also pose the risk of limbs falling on the home during storms,” Clayton adds.

Pro: Trees reduce noise pollution and increase privacy

Trees are kind of like nature’s noise-canceling headphones and curtains, all rolled into one. In an ever more voluminous world, a study from the U.S. Department of Energy reports that trees reduce noise levels by up to 50%, by acting as noise barriers.

Con: Allergies and sensitivities

Certain trees are more prone to bring on people’s allergies and environmental sensitivities and should be avoided.

“Pollen, tree sap, and other allergenic components can trigger discomfort and health issues for individuals with sensitivities,” says Mike Qiu, owner of Good as Sold Home Buyers in Kirkland, WA. “It can be serious enough to influence a buyer’s decision-making process.

Bottom line: Anyone thinking of planting a new tree should consult a professional. Qiu says they should ask about mitigating allergy issues, in addition to considering maintenance requirements, potential risks, and impacts on views and natural light.

What to do if you’re selling a house with lots of trees

If you’re selling your home now, and you have trees, you’re going to want to be open and honest with your homebuyers.

The first step is knowing what you’re dealing with.

“Before listing your property, ensure all trees are healthy and well-maintained,” says Manny Sahmbi, director at Happy 2 Move. “This might involve hiring a professional arborist to prune overgrown branches and check for signs of disease or pests. If you have a lot of trees, it may be worth it to invest in a tree survey. This will provide detailed information about the tree species, age, health status, and potential future growth. This can be especially valuable if you have large or potentially problematic trees.”

In the process of discovery, issues may arise. If they do, be truthful.

“If you are aware of potential issues, such as roots invading sewer lines or a tree that leans precariously, disclose these to potential buyers,” Sahmbi says. “Honesty can prevent potential legal issues down the line.”

SOURCE: Realtor.com