The Value of a Tree

The Value of a Tree

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now                 - Chinese Proverb

As a Realtor, one who is inspired by trees, I do my best to educate my clients and others I meet on the importance of trees in our community landscapes and the monetary value can they add to our homes. 

It is difficult, if not impossible to know how much a Buyer is willing to pay for a home that is landscaped and includes a healthy tree as a feature, but the answer is most often...MORE!

An extensive study conducted by Money Magazine revealed that Trees can add up to 20% to the value of a property, that starts as soon as they are planted in the ground. Landscaping can offer a return on investment of 100% to 200% at the time of sale. Kitchen remodelling brings a 75%-125% return,  bathrooms can see 20%-120% and a swimming pool offers a low 20%-50% return on investment.

One common mistake that homeowners make, is that they plant trees too close to the property and usually plant perennials and shrubs too close together. Remember to always leave the supplier recommended space between plants, as they won't be small forever and it is usually difficult and costly to remove a mature mistake later on.

It takes decades for a tree to grow to healthy maturity, offer shade, habitat for birds and animals and structural beauty to a front or back yard, and costs thousands of dollars to have a professional create and implement a design. It is no wonder why homes that offer a landscaping feature to competitive Buyers, sell for more than other properties in the market place.

Most cities and towns have a free Boulevard Tree Program in place. This means that the boulevard along the roadside in front of your home, can have a tree planted (if there is not one already) for free, as long as it can grow to healthy maturity without interfering with municipal activities such as, hydro, water, sewer, etc.

A well landscaped exterior can enhance overall well being, contribute positively to the environment and increase the value of your property. That seems like a win win situation for everyone.

Here are my top 5 trees to plant in an Ontario landscape:

Eastern Redbud - Cersis Canadensis
I love this tree and have planted one at each of the four properties that I have owned. It is the first to show its true colours in spring, with buds and blooms that sprout from branches, nodes and tips. It is a favorite food source to the Eastern Bluebird and a gorgeous addition to any well drained sunny yard.

Canadian Hemlock - Tsuga Canadensis
This very adaptable tree can tolerate full sun or deep shade. It is a stately tree and can live up to 1000 years! It is perfect for residential properties as it usually only reaches heights of 40 feet. As an evergreen, it will add interest all year and provide food and shelter for lots of little critters.

Sugar Maple - Acer Saccharum
Fall colour is one of the attributes of this majestic tree. "Like fire in the sky" my husband remarked in the fall of 2009, one year after moving into our previous address. The hardest part of moving from that home was knowing that that magnificent tree that my boys had climbed up, swung on and marvelled at, was no longer to be in our daily view. This tree species should be planted to be seen and given lots of room to grow.

Smooth Serviceberry (tree) - Amelanchier Laevis
One of my favorite features of this tree is how delicate it looks, but how resilient it is in the landscape. A favourite of Cardinals and other winter birds, this tree has lovely circular black fruits that stay on the tree throughout the winter. It has showy white (often pinkish) blooms in the spring and has nice branch structure that adds interest to the landscape.


Tulip Tree - Liriodendron Tulipifera
A large specimen tree that yields beautiful yellow-orange flowers (sometimes greenish) in late spring. It is a fast grower, but grows much slower if planted in full sun. This tree provides beauty and shade in the landscape and although it is considered a native tree, it is not one commonly found in residential areas within the GTA. This tree will wow you and should be a definite contender when you are making a tree selection!

To find out more about your local Boulevard Tree Program, go online to your town or city website and contact the Operations and Environmental Services department. If you are interested in a backyard tree you and are in Toronto or York Region you can contact www.yourleaf.org

If you are in Durham Region and would like me to register your property for a boulevard tree, visit the tree page on my website.

Together we can grow greener communities!

Thanks for reading!

Laura