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Does Cutting Down Trees Increase Property Value?
Carl Anderson
May 21, 2023
Cutting down trees doesn't increase property value but can make the house easier to sell. Bad scenarios. With trees and landscaping, it's all about curb appeal. We explain it all below.
Table of Contents
What Trees To Cut Down To Increase Property Value
Certain scenarios exist where you would want to cut down a tree to increase your house's curb appeal. The main four scenarios are:
- Dead Trees
- Overgrown Trees
- Trees In Bad Spots
- Branches Over The Roof
Dead Trees
Dead or unsightly trees can decrease property value. The threat of a dead tree toppling in the yard or on the house, or even on a neighbor's house isn't something a prospective buyer may look forward to when purchasing a home.
Dead or dying trees pose a risk to the property owner. They would be liable for any damages should they occur if a tree falls down.
If you think a tree is dead but aren't sure, we recommend getting an arborist out to the property to evaluate the tree. Better safe than sorry when it comes to dying trees. Healthy trees may not increase property value, but dead trees can decrease it.
Overgrown Trees
Overgrown trees are another blemish on an otherwise beautiful landscape. Everyone has driven by an unsightly neighborhood house where the owner hasn't kept up with mowing the grass or trimming the trees.
Houses that look rundown or abandoned will have lower property value. However, you wouldn't necessarily need to cut down the tree in this situation; rather, you would need to tidy it up. Cutting down trees will only increase property value if the tree is dead or poses any risk to the house or neighborhood.
Tree trimming and tree pruning are more hassles than benefits for people who don't care to do it. Keep that in mind with the existing trees on your lawn.
Trees In Bad Spots
Trees in bad spots can lower property value. The tree's root system is three times the size of its canopy - think about it. If you plant a tree or have a tree planted near the house, you risk having an aggressive tree root system that can damage the foundation of the house.
You can also have a tree with branches that grow out in all directions, leading us to our next point. Branches over the roof.
Branches Over The Roof
Having a tree with branches over the roof isn't going to be a blessing for a new homeowner. They would have to constantly maintain those branches or outright cut them down to ensure no damage is done to the roof.
Do Trees Hurt Or Harm Property Value?
It depends.
Let's say you have some of the best trees in your front yard, like the flowering dogwood. If prospective buyers like the trees, they may be more inclined to buy the house. If the person does not care for trees, it wouldn't matter to them whether the tree is there or not.
According to Arborist Now, larger, well-maintained, mature trees that can bring privacy can increase property value by 7 to 19 percent. Also, nice landscaping and well-maintained trees also increase shopping sales for certain companies.
Fruit Trees
Fruit trees have no real effect on the property value of a home. If the owner needs a fruit tree, it won't positively or negatively affect them either way. You might even lose them as a customer if they don't like the tree.
Certain tree species are more popular than others. While most people aren't going to plant an oak tree in the front yard, they may be okay with something more decorative, like evergreens or Japanese maples. If you are in warmer climates, that could be palm trees.
Sweet New Earth's Final Word
Does cutting down trees increase property value? Your best bet is to ask a real estate agent who would know these things. They will probably tell you that the square footage of a house above ground level, bedrooms, bathrooms, finished basements, garages, and acreage will increase your property value.
But either way, you still pay. Tree removal can be pricey. As we showed above, trees increase my property value in certain scenarios. Removing trees may make selling the house easier, but it won't necessarily increase the property value.
Carl Anderson
Carl Anderson is an avid outdoorsman with a keen interest in writing about and reviewing tools. He has over 20 years of writing experience and the only time he isn't feverishly typing away at his computer is when he's outside in nature working on his projects. You can learn more about him here.
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