When homeowners are shopping for their new home many get excited when there are big mature trees on the property. Well maintained mature trees can fetch a pretty penny when buying or selling your home. On the flip side, visiting a potential new home that is covered with large overgrown trees that haven't been touched in decades can be a homeowners worst nightmare. Large overgrown trees can quickly become hazardous to you, your property and your wallet.
There are numerous benefits to owning large mature trees on your property, as long as they are well maintained. Listed below are just a few benefits of owning mature trees.
1. Increase your home/property value
Everyone loves beautiful landscapes and mature trees on a property. Often that is the first thing you notice when pulling up to a house. A well maintained yard usually means a well maintained house. Numerous studies show that properties with mature trees and beautiful landscapes attract buyers, shoppers, and tenants and demand premium prices. A recent research report by Arborist News showed that good tree cover increased residential property value by 7%.
2. Mature trees save energy
Large mature trees provide shade for your home during the warmer months and can save you money on cooling your home. During the cold winter months deciduous trees lose their leaves allowing sunlight through to warm buildings and homes. A well positioned tree on your property can save you 25- 35% in energy consumption per year. Mature trees located in neighborhoods and cities can also fight the urban island effect which benefits everyone.
3. Trees increase overall well-being
It is no surprise that well maintained trees and landscapes make the places we live, work, play, and do business more enjoyable. Trees provide tranquil spaces and shade during the warm summer months. Mature trees can also offer protection from harsh wind and rain and can block noise by as much as 40%. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. Numerous studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting looking at trees reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
4. Trees benefit the environment
Trees are critical for a more sustainable environment. Functioning ecosystems with mature trees and healthy vegetation help with storm water management, filter air pollution and help with soil and water conservation. Healthy established trees can reduce storm water run-off and reduce land erosion. Mature trees also provide food and shelter for urban wildlife. And we all know that Trees convert CO2 to oxygen that we need to breathe.
Now that we have reviewed the benefits of owning healthy mature trees, lets take a look at what happens if you don't keep them well maintained.
Well kept mature trees usually require maintenance pruning every 5-7 years. Poorly maintained trees may require yearly pruning for 2-3 years in order to get them back into shape. When urban trees are not properly maintained they can quickly become overgrown and hazardous. Branches start to become too heavy and eventually they become too heavy for the tree to support and they break.
Heavy limb breakouts can be deadly for homeowners. We have all heard horror stories of trees falling on houses, cars and fences. A large heavy tree can cause a lot of damage. Many homeowners are also unaware of the fact that many homeowner insurance companies will not cover an insurance claim from tree damage if the tree was known to be an issue or not properly maintained. Homeowners insurance can claim that the damage was caused from negligence and then you will be financially responsible. This is an important thing to consider when looking to buy a new property. If the property has poorly maintained/ hazardous trees near the building, then insurance companies may decline coverage or overcharge on premiums. Trees planted too close to houses can also cause damage to your foundation and underground utilities. Trees that are overgrowing houses can damage your roof and gutters and branches that are growing too close to your chimney can catch fire.
If you are looking to sell or buy a property or already own property and would like an assessment on the condition of your trees, then give us a call at (541) 851-9080 to schedule your free estimate. We will give you a detailed assessment on what it will take to get your trees on a low cost maintenance plan. Make your trees an asset and keep them safe and healthy. If you feel that your trees are too big and expensive to maintain then consider removing the tree and replacing it with something that is more manageable.