Author: Robin Enos

Tree Valuation: Determining the Value of a Tree On your Property (Part 1)

Written by Robin Enos on February 1, 2022. Posted in Blog.

By John Campanini, RITree Technical Director

This blog post is the first of two on the valuation of trees. It discusses how homeowners can evaluate the worth of a tree on their property. The second blog post will discuss more formal tree appraisal methods.

How much is that tree on your property worth? If you’re like many homeowners, that thought seldom crosses your mind. That’s no surprise. Homeowners tend to buy trees based mostly on aesthetics or what they think will look good in their yards. While aesthetics is a great reason for buying a tree, it’s not the only one.

You also need to look at the economic benefits trees bring to the table. Trees boost the economic value of one’s property and home more than you may realize. Truth is, the right tree planted in your yard makes a difference to your home and property—a big difference. Often, that difference goes well beyond your initial cost for the tree.

So how much is a tree on your property worth?

Research by the Arbor Day Foundation shows that planting a good-sized tree increases property values anywhere from 3% to 15%. The Council of Tree Landscape Appraisers, on the other hand, says a sound mature tree can add $1000 to $10,000 to the value of your home. Put simply, when it comes to selling a house, trees improve curb appeal.

What’s more, a good shade tree can save you money by cooling off your house. Some experts say it can reduce your home cooling bill by 50%. In the winter, the right tree (Evergreens) can block the wind, cutting heating costs from 20% to 50%. Suffice it to say, then, that trees boost the value of a home and property—a consideration you should keep firmly in mind when buying a tree.

Determining the Value of Trees

RITree’s recent inventory of forests in six Rhode Island urban communities—Cranston, Johnston, North Providence, Warren, Warwick, and Woonsocket—found that an average tree provides over $108 in annual value, including:

$42 in energy savings
$40 in aesthetic value
$11 storm water control

That’s a great return on your investment from a single tree over a single year. Over ten years the return adds up considerably. It compares favorably to the return provided by planting a public tree. A public tree in its 20th year after planting, provides $96 in benefits and only costs $36 for an annual net benefit of $60.

And let’s not forget the economic benefits trees bring to the community. Research by the Tree Council, for example, shows that collectively, the six Rhode Island communities mentioned above provide about $32.5 million annually in environmental services, including savings, carbon storage, and storm water controls thanks to the trees on their land.

Put simply, trees increase the value of your land and a healthy return on your money when planted on your property. If you want to calculate the economic benefit provided by s single tree in any landscape, go to the MyTree website at: https://mytree.itreetools.org.

Seven Trees that Add Value to Your Property

The key to generating a great return on your property is finding the right tree for your yard. Matching the right tree to the right property benefits both the tree and the property. With all the different species available, however, choosing the right tree for your yard can be confusing.

Ideally, you want to select a tree that grows to a known width and height. That way, you can match the tree to the space available. Plus, some trees, add more economic value to your home and property than others.

Maples, oaks, lindens, and tulip trees are good choices for local homeowners from an economic standpoint. So are magnolias, ornamental cherry, and citrus trees. Deciduous trees are great for suburban gardens. They let light in autumn and winter.

While these trees add value to your property, not all of them are well suited for every site. Some considerations when selecting a tree for your property in addition to the value they provide and their economic benefit include:

Tree form and size
Tree placement
Growing conditions
Soil conditions
Clearance for sidewalks
Clearance for driveways
Function of the tree
Exposure to sun and wind

These are critical factors you need to take into consideration when buying a tree for your property. That’s why it helps to consult someone knowledgeable about trees when buying a tree for your yard.

Buying a tree for your property is a serious decision. So, do your homework when it comes to purchasing a tree or trees to plant in your yard. Research the tree’s pros and cons and then consider the factors mentioned above. Doing that will help you choose the perfect tree for your property—one that not only beautifies your land but also boosts its value.

If you’re still confused about buying the right tree for your property, contact RI Tree at (401) 764-5885. We’ll help you choose a tree that makes sense for you and your property.

RI DEM Announces New Forestry Grant Program

Written by Robin Enos on January 6, 2022. Posted in Archives.

RIDEM’s Division of Forest Environment, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, recently announced the new forestry grant program. The 2022 Urban and Community Forest Grant Program (U&CF) is now accepting applications for the new year. The program awards funds projects that support and advance the management and understanding of urban and community forests. The U&CF program is part of the 2020 Rhode Island Forest Action Plan.

Those interested in submitting a project for a grant can see the RFP for further information on eligible projects. The application deadline is 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 31.

RI DEM will hold a grant information workshop on Tuesday, January 18, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the Cranston Central Library, 140 Sockanosset Road, Cranston, RI. Attendance at the grant writing workshop is strongly advised, even if you’ve applied and received past funding.

For more information, see the U&CF website at https://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/forestry/urban-forestry/grants-apply.php#grantforms for the required grant program information in the Request for Proposals document and download the U&CF Grant application, timeline, and budget forms. Refer to the RFP for the narrative requirements.

Now is a Great Time to Plant Spring Flowering Trees

Written by Robin Enos on June 24, 2021. Posted in Archives. No Comments on Now is a Great Time to Plant Spring Flowering Trees

Spring comes but once a year. For many, it’s the best time of the seasons. These people like it because the long wait through the snow and bad weather of the winter, with bare trees sleeping through the season, is over. Plus, there’s the promise of a new beginning and the start of great weather. Doing something outside in your yard or garden is a great way to get over your COVID-19 blues.

Planting a spring-flowering tree is a great outside project. What better way to introduce the new season than with a magnificent display of spring-flowering trees. These trees offer numerous benefits. They reduce carbon dioxide levels, lower energy cost, prevent storm runoff, hide unattractive views, and raise a home’s resale value. A description of spring flowering species and their cultivars suitable for planting in Rhode Island is presented below.

· Flowering Cherry

These trees come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Many varieties bloom in springtime and last for several weeks. Cherry trees work well in residential gardens because they require minimal care. All are beautiful. Distinguishing characteristics include the sheer number of petals and the color of the blossoms, as well as their fragrances, leaves, and blooming season. Flowering cherry trees perform best in full sun in moist, relatively well-drained soils. RITree’s Best of Breed selections are:

‘Accolade’ Sargent Cherry (Prunus sargentii ‘Accolade’)

‘Kwanzan’ Japanese Flowering Cherry (P. serrulata ‘Kwanzan’)

· Magnolias

The magnolia tree, like the cherry tree, is best known for its flowers. Among the first trees to bloom in the spring, magnolia trees have large flowers and a sweet, heady fragrance. Their tulip- or star-shaped flowers are often as large as saucers when fully opened. The tree’s foliage and fruit are also attractive. Magnolia trees come in several varieties, are long-lived, and easy to plant. These hardy trees prefer full sun with soils that are well-drained and slightly acidic. Best of Breed selections are:

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)

Star Magnolia (M. stellata)

· Dogwood

These woodland trees appear in various forms around the U.S., giving us a beautiful and elegant spring spectacle. Dogwoods have wide graceful branches growing horizontally into layers, with each branch featuring colorful flowers from April to June. Dogwoods are shallow-rooted and may require supplemental irrigation during summer to meet their water needs. Dogwoods prefer partial shade to full sun and moist, acidic soils. Best of Breed selections are:

Corneliancherry Dogwood (Cornus mas)- Yellow flowers

White Flowering Dogwood (C. florida ‘Cherokee Maiden’)

Pink Flowering Dogwood (C. florida var. rubra ‘Cherokee Chief’)

Milky Way Chinese Dogwood (C. kousa var. chinensis ‘Milky Way’)

· Crabapple

The flowering crabapple tree is among the most prized of all spring-flowering trees. They’re a staple of landscape gardening. Known for their spectacular display of magnificent blossoms in the spring and colorful fruit in the fall, these trees bloom for a four-to five-week period in mid-spring. Crabapples are extremely cold-hardy, air pollution tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soils. Best of Breed selections include:

‘Donald Wyman’ Crabapple (Malus x ‘Donald Wyman’) –White flower, Bright red fruit

‘Prairifire’ Crabapple (M. x ‘Prairiefire’) – Red flower, Red-purple fruit

Japanese Crabapple (M. floribunda) – Red fading to white flowers, yellow and red fruit

Choosing among these trees for your outside project may be challenging. Contact RITree for help in selecting the right spring flowering tree for your project or for more advice on how to plant them.