Top Tips for Trees When Buying a Home

1) Increased value of the home with mature trees

It can take 5-7 years for a tree to mature.  If you are buying a home that already has mature trees, you are ahead of the game!  A study at Clemson University shows that homes with mature trees have 100% or more return than houses on empty lots.

2) Increased privacy

Why pay for fancy fences when you can use beautiful trees?  Trees offer a wonderful, natural, solution to privacy.

3) Beware of fast growing trees

Fast growing trees require much, much, more maintenance.  Look for trees such as river birches or magnolias.  that can offer all the benefits of trees, but will not require endless maintenance.

These trees are also more brittle than others.

4) Avoid invasive trees

Some trees can be more invasive than others.  Trees like bamboo will take over a yard very quickly.  You should avoid trees like this to maintain your landscape.

5) Avoid trees with fruit to eliminate pests

Fruit trees will increase the number of pests and/or animals that are attracted to your yard.  When looking at a home, keep an eye out for where the fruit trees are.

6) Adequate space for roots from home and utility lines

Find out where your utility lines are - gas, septic, or electric - you want to ensure that there is ample room for trees to grow without affecting these areas.

7) Watch for trees by driveways

You should take a look at the trees that are close to the driveway, or 'outdoor living space' for a few reasons.  The roots of these trees could push through your driveway causing cracks and breaks.  Depending on the types of trees they could also drop sap, acorns or leaves on your cars or yard.

8) Look our for trees with defects

Last but not least, look at all of your trees!  If anything looks different, or even dead, have a certified tree expert come out and take a look! These dead or defective trees could end up costing you money to remove.