Does a Tree House Add Value to a Home? (IMPORTANT FACTS)


Does a Tree House Add Value to a Home

Many people build treehouses for entertainment. But only some of them know that landscaping will increase their property’s value too. 

So does a tree house add value to a home? The short answer is yes. For a detailed explanation, let’s follow our article! 

Does A Tree House Add Value To A Home? 

Just a tree in your yard may enhance the value of your property by 10% to 20%. Consider building a treehouse on that tree. Your home’s worth would increase.

However, the buyer’s preferences will determine the exact value. It would be a good deal if the buyer loved treehouses.

The Council of Tree and Landscapers Approval states that the value of a mature, strong tree usually ranges between $1,000 and $10,000.

According to research, a healthy tree may increase buyer enthusiasm in a house sold for more than $250,000 by 98%.

The return on investment (ROI) from improving your landscape, which includes planting trees, may be as high as 150% for just 5% of the property’s value.

Why are trees so appealing?

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, trees bring economic advantages. Having strong, beautiful trees on your property has additional natural and real benefits for homeowners.

Trees provide shelter from the neighborhood’s wind, rain, and-most importantly-noise. They may also work as a nice replacement for a barrier to give your family’s activities some privacy.

Moreover, growing a tree line around your house or just one or two trees can also help strengthen your house’s foundation. The soil becomes more stable due to tree roots, preventing erosion.

Do the species of trees matter?

Trees can affect your property’s worth. But does this rule apply to all trees? Are certain trees superior to others in terms of value? 

The answer is there aren’t any specific species confirmed to boost the value of your property better than others.

But please note that fruit trees are the exception as they become valuable when you can harvest from them. 

The important thing is to ensure your treehouse’s trees are solid and well-maintained. Besides, the older trees will be the better ones. They also bring more value to your landscape. 

Tips for picking a tree to enhance your property value

Some homeowners find it challenging to determine which trees to grow, especially if unfamiliar with them. 

Experts suggest selecting the perfect tree for your property following these tips: 

  • Choose a species that is appropriate for your zone’s degree of cold hardiness.
  • The tree should have the characteristics you want, such as a broad canopy for shade, fast development, color, etc.
  • The soil also helps determine which tree can grow best in your landscape. 
  • While most trees enjoy direct sunshine, others need shade. The best species will depend on the amount and intensity of light at the planting location.
  • Trees need enough space to grow. Overplanting is a significant cause of landscape erosion. 
  • A plant variety is essential. Avoid focusing just on one type of tree. When considering which variety to choose, go with a native species.

How Much Does a Treehouse Cost? 

The prices for each treehouse vary. Along with planning, materials, equipment, size, and design, on-site installation can impact cost.

With as low as $10,000, you can build a small, single-shell treehouse. It will be an ideal place to stay overnight during hot summer days. 

If you like to stay in your treehouse in colder weather, you have to make it double-glazed and insulated. These additions make your treehouse more costly, about $35,000. 

If treehouses are important to you and you want to install everything good in the structure, it may cost up to $160,000.

Do You Need A Permission To Build A Treehouse? 

Building a treehouse will increase the value of your property. Hence, some areas enact laws regarding construction.

It would be best to check your local requirements and follow them strictly. 

Florida

The laws in Florida vary depending on where you live. There may not be an obligation to get permits to construct treehouses in rural areas. But people in urban centers must follow specific regulations. 

Washington

There is no requirement for a permit for Washington citizens who want to construct a treehouse. However, you still have to obey conditions about the square area and purposes.  

California

In California, building a treehouse is lawful. Yet, you don’t need a permit if you meet all the requirements.  

Texas

Texas is not only one of the states where permission is compulsory, but it also has other strict regulations. You must follow certain zoning regulations, construction permits, and other restrictions.  

New York

The same regulations for building sheds apply to building treehouses for New Yorkers who own a property. A less than 230 square feet construction may not require a permit to be built in New York.

Moreover, treehouses need to be three feet away from property borders. You should also process your construction in your backyard. 

Ontario

In Ontario, having a permit to build a treehouse is necessary. You must get permission from the local government whether you want to build a small treehouse for your children to play in or a large structure to live in. 

Which Trees Add Most Value To Your Home? 

As aforementioned, except for fruit trees, all species have the same worth when grown in your backyard. However, you may prefer some because of their outstanding traits. 

Consider growing one of these trees once you move into your new house. They can maximize the investment you’ve made and improve the aesthetic appeal of your house.

Oak Trees

Due to their lovely large-canopied, curved spread, and spectacular autumn leaf hues, long-lived oaks are prevalent trees for home settings. 

  • Shumard Oak

Check out the scarlet to red-orange leaves of this tree if you want an oak with lovely fall color. You may also like its tolerance to compacted soil and pollution.

  • Live Oak

These oak trees may survive for hundreds of years and are among the tough, long-lived trees that raise property’s value. Additionally, live oaks can adapt to almost any type of soil and endure compacted soil and salt spray.

This vigorous tree can help keep your house warmer when placed adequately because it has outstanding wind resistance.

  • White Oak

The stunning hues of crimson and burgundy foliage in the fall of the white oak tree will leave your mouth open. And in the spring, the leaves turn yellow-green, which is also eye-catching.

Non-Oak Trees

These non-oak trees produce lovely autumn foliage, offer wildlife habitat, and give your area an excellent texture. 

  • Magnolia Cucumber Tree

Are you looking for a shade tree to keep your yard cool and to lay beneath all summer? You won’t go wrong with this tree. 

Magnolia flourishes and has fruit that resembles cucumbers. It produces greenish-yellow blooms that are pleasantly aromatic.

  • Sugar Maple 

A sugar maple tree grows a thick canopy that offers great shelter in the spring and summer. You will fall in love with the tree’s golden, fiery orange, and crimson leaves when autumn comes.  

  • Red Maple

The red maple displays red clusters of tiny blooms from winter through spring. This picture turns yellow when autumn days approach. 

  • Linden

The tree, with its lovely aroma, is a rich source of pollen and nectar for pollinators like bees because of its yellow-white blossoms. 

  • Black Cherry

Although this tree’s hardwood is popular for use in furniture, veneers, cupboards, and musical instruments, you will also appreciate the leaves, blossoms, and fruit it produces in your landscape.

Plus, expect the white, scented blooms, little red cherries that draw wildlife, and yellow to pink autumn leaves.

Can Your Treehouse Be Insured? 

Although you may insure the treehouse, your home’s insurance often covers it. It’s possible, though, for your property insurance cost to go up.

Some insurance companies raise insurance costs once you build your treehouse to cover the risk associated with the treehouse.

Check with your insurance company whether your coverage would cost extra if you constructed a treehouse on your property. Then, you can find out if they will cover the structure. 

Speaking with your insurance provider can avoid retroactive policy cancellation for deception and guarantee that you have protection for your treehouse damage. 

Conclusion 

Trees in your yard add value to your property. If you want to make it more valuable, consider building a treehouse. You will have a nice place to unwind then. Thank you for reading!

James Lopez

James Lopez is a lifestyle journalist. In addition to working as a journalist, he also takes courses in landscape design. He is pretty focused on the outdoor space, especially the backyard.

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