Planting a tree is a great way to add value to your home and make the neighbourhood a little nicer, too. It’s also a good opportunity to teach kids about ecology and their own history. Did you know that planting a tree is one of the easiest ways to improve the value of your home? A mature tree can add $10,000 to the appraised value of your house. This makes it the #1 home improvement project based on return-on-investment. They also increase curb appeal which can increase home values. Buyers are willing to spend more for homes with ample trees compared to a bare lot. A tree planted in right spot can reduce cooling by shading the structure from the sun’s rays. Evergreens can reduce heating costs by creating an insulating zone around the house and deflecting wind. A buffer of trees can reduce noise pollution, slow water runoff, and contribute to a sense of well-being.
The first step is to choose the right tree. Look around your neighbourhood and see which ones you like. Do you want your yard to blend in or stand out? Consider how the tree will look during the different seasons. The next step is to visit a local garden centre and speak to someone with experience in landscaping and tree planting.
Your new tree may live for hundreds of years so it’s important to make the right choice. Faster growing trees will ‘fill-in’ your lot quickly, which is great for privacy, but may require more maintenance. A slower growing, hardy species may be more suitable in some yards. Think about how big it will get and what shape it will have. Large trees are good for large yards and small trees will work just about anywhere. Fruit and nut trees will yield a crop of home-grown goodness every year. There is nothing like the taste of a sun-warmed pear on a summer morning.
Be sure to give your new tree the care and attention it needs. Your local nursery will be able to help with advice and supplies. Be sure to water it regularly for at least two years. You may want to bury a drip irrigation house around the roots to conserve water and ensure properly moist soil even during the summer. Regular pruning will make it more attractive and yield more growth and fruit.
