Plant a tree and boost your home’s value

The goal of any property investment is to increase the value. You want it to be worth more than when you bought it.

There are low-cost ways to add value and there are more expensive and in-depth renovations that can be done.

Determining your home’s resale value is the first step in the sales process, but it can be a complex task with so many contributing factors.

There are simple things any property owner can do which can boost the appeal of your property.

While these simple tips may not add tens of thousands of Rands to your property’s value, without doing them, you may not be able to realise the full potential value of your property.

It does not really matter when you want to sell your house, curb appeal is always important. A big part of curb appeal is the garden, garden design and how the yard and garden are cared for.

A landscape does not establish overnight, so it is important to plan for the future when starting a garden or landscape design.

Trees will not only make your home more desirable, but a fully grown and properly placed tree can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 40 per cent.

Also, shrubs, colourful perennials and ornamental grasses will add curb appeal to any home.

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.

Why should you plant a tree?

Trees are a critical element in our collective effort for a more sustainable environment.

Functioning ecosystems with healthy trees and vegetation help with stormwater management, pollutant filtration and soil and water conservation.

In the summer, the shade provided by trees cuts energy use. In the winter, deciduous trees that have lost their leaves let sun filter through and warm buildings and homes. In short, trees have a direct impact on energy use and resource conservation.

Trees increase well-being

It’s no secret: trees and well-kept landscapes make the places we live, work, play, and do business in more attractive.

Trees provide tranquil spaces and shade and offer protection from wind, noise, and rain.

Properly positioned and well-pruned, trees make buildings more “human” in scale and help create a sense of life.

Trees are good for property values

Numerous studies prove that properties with mature trees and beautiful landscaping attract buyers, shoppers, tenants and demand premium prices.

By boosting kerbside appeal, increasing privacy and creating an established feeling, you can be sure to attract prospective buyers when you consider selling.