What Trees to Add (Or Cut Down) To Increase Property Value

Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or settling in for the long haul, you want to make decisions that benefit you.

And some home improvements pay you back way more than others! For every $1 you invest in landscaping, you’ll see a 109 percent return, according to Michigan University.

Make the most of your green investment and learn the best trees to add (or cut down) to increase your property value.

Best Trees to Plant and Trees to Cut Down to Increase Property Value

Do trees affect property value?

YES! At Davey, we always joke that money really does grow on trees because they save you money in very tangible ways.

A tree in front of a house increases the home’s sales price by an average of $7,130, according to the PNW Research Station.

And if that tree is part of a beautiful, well-kempt landscape, it can increase your home value by 6 to 11 percent, found Michigan University.

Do fruit trees add value to your home? Or do palm trees increase property value?

Fruit or palm trees don’t add more value to your home than other tree types. Instead, it’s more of a personal preference for the potential homebuyer.

For instance, if someone loves apples, that tree could be the selling point for them. Or, if palms are abundant throughout your area, a palm tree on the property may be a must-have for aesthetics.

Does cutting down trees ever increase property value?

To boost your curb appeal, trees should be healthy, maintained, and planted in the right place.

But if your tree poses a risk and could harm your home, removing it could boost your property value.

Here’s how to decide if you need to cut down a tree on your property–or if some TLC will is all it needs!

• If your tree is 100% dead, you need to have it removed.
• If you think your tree may need to be removed, use this checklist.
• If your tree has branches hanging over the roof, it (hopefully) just needs to be pruned.
• If your tree is closer than 15’ from your home, it may be a liability and need to come down.
• An arborist will inspect the tree (for free) and let you know for sure what the next best step is.

What are the best trees to add value to your home and increase property value?

Actually, there are no specific tree species proven to increase property value. Instead, it’s about planting hardy trees that are disease-resistant and suited for your planting zone. 

That way, they’ll be able to grow big and strong, which is the key to trees improving your property value.

Without further ado, here are a few trees to boost property value.

1. Northern red oak (zones 3-8): A timeless shade tree that grows quickly, tolerates nearly any soil type and wows with red fall color
2. Sugar maple (zone 3-8): An American classic that needs lots of room to grow and delights with brilliant fall color
3. Concolor fir (zones 4-7): An unexpected jade evergreen that’s tough and has citrus-scented needles
4. Bigleaf magnolia (zones 5-8): A small tree with huge leaves and showy white flowers that attract bees and pollinators
5. Crape myrtle (zones 7-10): A tree bursting with fuchsia flowers that can be grown as a small tree or large shrub and loves the Southern weather
   
   

Looking for the best trees to plant near your house? Check out this list!