Planting a tree boosts property value, as well as the overall value of the neighborhood around it. In fact, research sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation’s Alliance for Community Trees reveals homebuyers pay an average 18 percent more for a house with trees in its yard, believing trees “define” their “neighborhood’s character.”
“The presence of trees in a neighborhood is as important to homebuyers as proximity to good schools, accessibility to shopping and entertainment, and commutability to work,” says Dana Karcher, Alliance for Community Trees program manager.
According to Karcher and the Alliance, mid-August through mid-October is the best time for those in northern, cooler areas to plant trees; those in southern areas can plant into November. The cool air, warm soil and wet weather at these times of year promote root growth, which is necessary before the ground freezes.
The best species to plant, according to the Alliance, are varieties that can withstand colder temperatures—ash, crabapple, elm, hawthorn, linden, maple, pine, spruce and sycamore are all ideal.
These species may be purveyed as “bare root,” or with exposed roots, “containerized and balled,” typically from nurseries, or “burlap,” or wrapped in burlap. The latter two—the container and the burlap—must be removed before planting; bare roots need only be soaked, according to the Alliance.
It may be beneficial to discuss planting trees with a local arborist or nursery. Tree care experts familiar with the growing conditions in your area will be best equipped to advise you on the types of trees to plant, as well as the window in which to plant them.
Source: Arbor Day Foundation (ArborDay.org)
Nancy M. Alexander Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate, Long & Foster Avalon
