Shade Trees Boost Values and Worries

The unusual weather patterns that have resulted in storms nationwide are moving home buyers to question the stability of large trees on the properties they are considering.

“For the first time, I'm hearing it," says Andee Post, an associate with Goldstar Realty/GMAC in Oradell, N.J. "People are nervous about the trees."

Assure uncertain buyers that trees enhance property values. A recent study by the U.S. Forest Service says the presence of street trees increases home values by an average of $7,000.

On a warm summer day, the air temperature under the canopy of a sizeable tree is 10 to 20 degrees cooler, says Paul Cowie, an arborist from Parsippany, N.J.

Asking the seller to have the trees trimmed so they don’t overhang the house is usually a good idea.

Source: McClatchy/Tribune News, Jay Levin (08/02/2010)