With household costs skyrocketing and property values seeming to be up one day and down the next, it’s sometimes easy to despair with all of the expense that comes with owning a home.
But, if you’re a budget-conscious homeowner, here’s some good news! Did you know that you could save some serious money off your household electricity bill and increase the value of your property just by doing some strategic planting of trees?
That’s right – trees don’t just look fantastic, produce oxygen, stop erosion and literally make you feel better, trees can also be saving you money each and every year, as well as adding to the value of your home.
So how is this possible?
By simply placing trees in the right spots on your property, you can keep your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter, meaning you use your air conditioners and heaters less, and effectively reduce your yearly electricity costs.
Studies have shown that strategic landscaping and positioning of trees can reduce a home cooling bill in the summer months by up to a staggering 50%! A well-placed shade tree can significantly reduce air-conditioning requirements by blocking direct sunlight to the home.
Similarly, in winter, trees positioned in the right spot can act as a shield by helping block winds that hit the house directly, keeping the home warmer, which can substantially reduce heating costs.
Trees aren’t only a beautiful addition to any home; they can also add significant value to your property.
Reports have shown that a mature, healthy tree that is well positioned can add up to a whopping $10,000 to the overall value of a home. Now that’s something to get excited about!
But before you start planting, it’s critical to do a bit of research and consider several key factors so that you choose the right tree for your home and your space.
Consider the size of each tree that you want to plant for the space you have available, what the tree’s root habits are and whether the tree will thrive in the area that you live and in the conditions you have.
Is it a tree that is deciduous or evergreen? Will it drop a lot of foliage or flowers and require a lot of maintenance?
Try to plant larger, deciduous trees on the sunniest side of your house, so that they will shade your home in the summer months. The trees will then lose their leaves in winter and allow in sunlight to warm your house.
Evergreen trees are best placed on the windward side (the direction the wind is coming from) of the house to help block winter winds, as well as shade the house in summer.
If you’re unsure and need some advice about what tree species would be best for your property, give us a call at Aussie Tree Solutions – we’re the experts on all things trees, and we’d be happy to help.