Trees shade and cool homes on a hot day. They add ambiance and increase the enjoyment of yards and neighborhoods. Trees create curb appeal, enhance home values, and make public-right-of-ways more beautiful. But are trees actually worth money? The answer is definitely yes.
Evaluating Tree Worth
There are several approaches to determining the worth of trees.
Replacement Cost
It is not feasible to plant a tall, mature tree with a sizable trunk because of cost. In Denver, planting a tree with a 2-5 inch diameter trunk that is 10–20 feet tall typically costs between $500 and $1,500, including installation. The replacement cost does not consider the time it takes for a tree to grow to its full height nor its aesthetic, shade, and landscape benefits.
Appraisal Methods
There are many online tree value calculators. They use a tree’s size, species, condition, and location to estimate its value. According to the i-Tree calculator, a 45-inch diameter tree in Washington Park at breast level (DBH) is worth about $15,000, which seems low considering the market value of the homes in this neighborhood. The Tree Value Calculator is similar to i-Tree and provides a second opinion.
Contribution to Property Value
Denverites must like trees because we have planted 1.4 million in the city. Landscapes with mature trees can increase a home’s value by approximately 10 percent. Since the average home price in Denver is around $600,000, this equates to an added value of around $60,000. Based on 2020 U.S. Census data, there are 344,980 housing units in Denver. Let’s assume that 60 percent or 200,000 have mature tree landscapes. Using the 10 percent assumption means trees in Denver are worth over $12 Billion based on median home value. Needless to say, trees in Denver do have substantial economic value.
Is Tree Service Worth It?
Tree Trimming
The answer is yes if the average mature tree landscape is worth $60,000. Homeowners should get their trees pruned periodically because tree trimming creates a healthy crown structure that lets in light, improving plant health and making trees less susceptible to mechanical breakage from Denver’s heavy fall and spring snowstorms. Standards-based tree pruning saves money in the long term because healthy trees need less care.
Treating mature trees for insect and disease infestations makes economic sense because the return on investment is high. Homeowners should contact Ross Tree to treat their Ash trees before it is too late to protect them from the Emerald Ash Borer. Click here to download the helpful Ross Tree tree insect calendar to determine when to treat common insects found in Denver yards.
Tri-Level Tree Fertilization Program
Ross Tree now offers a tree health care program called Tri-Level Tree Fertilization. The big joke in the arbor service industry is that if homeowners watered their trees regularly, they would not need tree companies. However, most homeowners do not have the equipment or time to deep water large trees. Our Tri-Level program offers three feedings per year versus two because Denver’s growing season is getting longer. The product’s formulation promotes root growth and vigor, and adjuvants improve product application. We add fungi and micronutrients to increase tree root system access to nutrients and water. Our tree fertilization program promotes healthy tree growth, which saves money in the long run because robust trees need less care.
Property owners who want to maintain their yard tree assets should contact Ross Tree. We are a locally owned and operated tree company in business since 1978. We have three ISA Certified arborist on staff who help homeowners decide how to keep their trees healthy. To make a tree pruning, insect control, or Tri-Level Tree Fertilization appointment, call 303-871-9121 or click here to fill out a request service form