Atlanta-area property values are competitive, and they’re predicted to continue a slow and steady climb in the years ahead. Even if you’re not planning to buy or sell anytime soon, value-boosting additions to your property can help you increase your home’s worth and enjoy your residence even more.
Many Georgia residents think about constructing a pool for summer months or adding a fence for kids and pets. But one of the best value adds might be situated in your yard already: mature, healthy trees.
Why Do Trees Increase Property Value?
The Arbor Day Foundation indicates that mature trees can boost property value by up to 15%. That’s certainly a desirable perk – but what makes trees such a valuable asset?
- Trees boost curb appeal.
Simply put, trees make any home look better. Established trees create the feel of an established neighborhood, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests and residents alike. Trees add texture and dimension to a landscape. And the best Atlanta-area neighborhoods all know that native trees add color to every season, from lush greens in springtime to bright oranges, yellows and reds in the fall. But trees provide more than just their good looks to Georgia homeowners.
- Trees cool the air around them.
Anyone who’s lived in Georgia during the summer months can attest to the heat and humidity. Want a bit of relief? Plant some trees. According to the EPA, trees can literally cool the air around them – and it’s not from the shade.
Trees release water vapor through their leaves in a process called transpiration. As that water enters the air, it absorbs some of the surrounding heat, cooling the air by up to 9 degrees Fahrenheit. And while shade doesn’t actually cool things off, it blocks the thermal sensation of the sun, which provides the sensation of being cooler. Trees pack a one-two punch of transpiration and shade provision that can cool off even the hottest of days.
- Trees can cut energy costs.
Trees can also provide much-needed relief for your wallet. According to research conducted by the USDA Forest Service, trees can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent when they’re placed properly. In fact, “the net cooling effect of a young healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.” Now that’s some serious energy efficiency!
The Center for Urban Forest Research corroborated this research. They discovered that by planting one tree on the west side of a house, where afternoon sun is most intense, the home will see a 3% energy bill reduction five years after the tree was planted and a 12% reduction by year 15.
- They reduce erosion.
Soil erosion can be a nuisance at best, washing away mulch and grass and damaging shrubbery. At worst, erosion can even damage a home’s foundation over time. The good news: tree leaves can bear the brunt of rainfall, distributing water softly and more evenly during a storm. The root system of a healthy tree also stabilize soil and reduce runoff.
- They improve air quality.
Trees absorb many of the gases humans don’t want in the atmosphere. For example, the USDA Forest Service found that one 30 foot tree can store hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. They also absorb sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone, making the air safer for those around them.
- They provide privacy.
For homeowners who want to enjoy the outdoors without stares from neighbors or passersby, mature trees serve as nature’s privacy screen. A healthy treeline can even absorb sound, reducing noise pollution and turning a backyard into a quiet oasis.
How to Choose Trees for Your Yard
If you’re interested in planting new trees that will provide you with these long-term benefits as they mature, consult a local tree professional to help you choose the right species for your area. Atlanta-area homes fall into USDA Hardiness Zones 8a or 7b, so selecting options that thrive in these climates will increase your chances of long-living, healthy trees.
Trees to Plant in Georgia
Popular varieties to plant in the Atlanta area include:
- Oaks
- Magnolias
- Maples
- Poplars
Trees to Avoid in Georgia
While it’s true that the right trees add property value, the wrong ones can become a nuisance that actually hurts the value of your home. Many experts advise against planting non-native and invasive species, since they can harm the local ecosystem. It’s also important to consult your local tree professional to avoid planting trees that invite pests or are especially prone to disease.
How to Care for Existing Trees
Just like other living things, trees need a “check up” from time to time. At Northside Tree Professionals, we offer onsite tree analysis services that help you determine the health of your existing trees and learn how to best care for them.
As trained and certified arborists, we also offer tree trimming and pruning to keep branches a safe distance from your home and tree removal for diseased, dead, or unwanted trees. We’ll even file removal permits for you!
Your home is a significant investment. Let us help you add value to that investment with healthy trees that stand the test of time. For an honest assessment of the trees on your property, get in touch with us today.