REAL TipS: BUYING

Don’t forget the trees

When you’re buying a home, it’s common to consider the kitchen, bathroom, living space, and other indoor amenities, but don’t forget the outside, especially the trees.

Trees are a bigger part of real estate than you may think. For one thing, you may find that you prefer older neighborhoods, and established trees are a big part of the appeal of these areas.

Trees also affect property values: well-cared-for, mature trees add value, whereas poorly maintained trees can be a significant detraction. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, a tree's value is based on four factors: tree size, tree type, tree condition, and overall tree location based on its functional and aesthetic purposes.

Residential lots with good trees are a wise investment because landscaped homes are more valuable than non-landscaped homes.

It’s not just about how the house looks, either. Rising energy costs are a concern these days—you can use trees to save on energy. Well-placed, established shade trees are a good way to keep the sun away from your home and lessen your cooling needs during our long Texas summers. It’s difficult to quantify the savings due to many variables, but savings can approach or surpass 10% of a summer electric bill. 

Trees don’t just provide relief in the summertime, either. Consider a species like cedar for use as a windbreak from the cold northern air that blows during winter. You may find that you can enjoy similar savings from keeping that wind off your home during the heating season.

There are benefits to large trees, but there are maintenance issues and cost to consider, as well. What’s the tree’s life cycle? Is it healthy and in a smart place? Will the tree need trimming? Also, remember that trees spread out underground as much as they do above ground, so consider the proximity of the tree to the home’s foundation and underground plumbing.

Additionally, pruning or removing trees, especially large ones, can be dangerous work. Work of this nature should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in this environment.

Even when weighed against the cost of purchase and maintenance, trees are an important consideration in a real estate transaction. Strategically placed trees can improve energy efficiency in both the summer and winter, make your home more desirable, and have a positive environmental impact.

Texas Association of Realtors®