How Trees Increase Property Value In Fairfax County, Virginia
Trees can be a wonderful sight and properly planted trees can add value to your landscape. Trees and certain types of trees can be very beneficial for saving money on utility expenses. Also having trees strategically placed in certain areas can help with privacy and wind blockage. All the things that will increase the value of your property in Fairfax County. Here we will analyze some ways that trees can add value to your property.
How does tree screening work
Tree Screening are trees that are used to block inconvenient sights, wind and sounds. Sights homeowners want to block are headlights, neighbors, driveways and more. This is especially helpful when living in tight proximity to your neighbors like here in the Fairfax County area. Tree screening can also help dampen noise from businesses, a neighbor’s backyard or even a noisy air conditioner. Tree screening can be achieved by using different trees, shrubs and plants. Both deciduous trees and evergreen trees or shrubs can be used for screening. Proper placement and adherence to the tree’s best growing conditions are key for a successful screening. Consult with an arborist or landscape designer to get the proper knowledge of what plants should be used for your property’s soil type. Below I will discuss a couple trees and evergreens to use for screening.
Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii): Known for its rapid growth and columnar shape, the Leyland cypress is one of the most popular screenings used. This tree requires full sun and grows well in a variety of soils. The tree’s structure makes for a great barrier due to its thick density. One of the downsides to this tree is that it has shallow rooting and during heavy storms, winds may uproot the tree. We recommend a tree pruning routine to subordinate or cutback the top of the canopy when it has reached a desired height.
American Holly (Llex opaca): One of the hardiest broadleaf evergreens with over 1000 different cultivars. This holly prefers partial shade to full sunlight, with a growth rate of slow to medium. Typically, they have red berries that are vibrant during the winter months. For this reason, the American holly is also known as the ‘Christmas holly.’ Hollies are great for a dense screen that will dampen sound and provide a great privacy screen.
Photinia: This is a large shrub which is great for tall hedging. One of the most poplar photinia is the ‘Red Tip,” which is easily recognized during the spring with vibrant red early growth. Red Tips growth between 10 – 15 feet tall and 5 – 8 feet wide. Photinias is a tough and vigorous plant, also it prefers full sun to partial shade. Great for planting as a hedge for that privacy screen.
How can one boost curb appeal through having trees on the property
Having a well-maintained landscape is the best way to squeeze out the most from a property’s value. What goes into having curb appeal? Trimmed grass, trimming shrubs, no obvious dead trees in the yard and having the house itself look the best it can. This may include a pressure washing the house, and making sure everything on the exterior of the house is kept up. Freshening up planters with new flowers will help the landscape pop a bit. Also, having an showy ornamental trees with nice flowers or leaves will help your appearance of your landscape.
In terms of the trees specifically, make sure all your trees don’t have obvious hazards, like a dead limb in the backyard. Dead limbs are some of the first limbs to fall due to its decomposed wood. Remove all obvious dead trees if the budget allows. Pay attention to trees that are over the house or tall trees around the perimeter of the house. Make sure there are no obvious dead trees or questionable situations when walking around the property. Having well maintained trees will have an affect on the property’s value.
How does shading lower cooling costs
Having large trees along the path of the sun will block the sun where desired. This must be done with careful planning and a little forethought on the future growth of the tree. One must consider height, growth rate, branch spread and shape when considering planting a tree for shade. Especially on these hot summer days, in the shade there’s a heat difference. Having shade over a roof or windows can slightly reduce the cost of cooling the house.
What could wind blockage do to your heating costs during the winter
Wind can bring a chilling effect to your home and property during the winter. Strategically placed coniferous evergreen trees and evergreen hedges are a great choice for wind blockage. In terms of an evergreen hedge, we recommend boxwoods, photinias, evergreen hollies and viburnums. For a taller wind blockage, we recommend cedars, cypresses, junipers and pines.
In closing, a combination of properly maintained trees and proper tree placement will help fetch the most money from your property in Fairfax County. Having the trees do work for you like blocking wind, having a living fence for privacy or shading the house are all benefits of having trees on the property. Make sure to invest in the tree’s health and safety with a proper maintenance plan. With no obvious hazards like a large dead limb over a yard or house, the less the new homeowner must deal with. Have your trees assessed by an arborist and make sure your trees are well maintained. Trees are an investment in your property and will pay off in the long run.