How Does a Tree Affect Property Value?

by Kevin Smith Author

The placement of trees and shrubs in your yard can greatly affect the value of your property for the better or the worse. Trees look great, but they can also be destructive. Here are some advantages and disadvantages related to the trees you may have in your yard, courtesy of a tree removal company in Conyers.

Green: The Color of Money

When placed correctly in your yard, trees reduce energy costs for your home, especially in the summer when air conditioning can get out of control. A full-grown tree can be worth as much as $10,000 on its own, and each tree has a positive effect on your property's value intrinsically. Perhaps the best benefit of mature trees is the amount of pollution they remove from the surrounding air. With less air pollution, you and your family could see better health. That means fewer breathing issues and fewer trips to the emergency room because of pollution-related disease.

It's Not Easy Being Green

Trees never die of old age! However, a dead tree is not only an eyesore, it can also be a fire hazard. While both living and dead trees can be home to insects, dead trees will attract more than their fair share of bugs and pests. Left alone too long, and a dead tree can pose a safety hazard for children and pets. No matter what killed the tree, a dead tree, left in place, doesn't do anything good for your home's property value.

A living, growing tree is doing what it's supposed to do. However, if it's growth threatens your home's foundation, you could find yourself with a hefty repair bill or worse. Foundation problems are probably the worst-case scenario when it comes to passive tree problems.

Did you know that you are responsible for taking care of the sidewalk outside your home? If a tree's roots cause the sidewalk to buckle and break, and you don't do anything about it, you could be held liable for injuries to someone who trips and falls -- even if you weren't there when the tree was planted! This happens rarely, but why take the chance? You can remove the tree and repair the sidewalk or find someone who can create a viable compromise.

When It's Time to Go

Sometimes, you will have to get rid of a tree. Finding a good tree removal company in Conyers will help make sure that the tree is completely removed and used as compost or recycled in other ways.