When it comes to your garden, trees and plants can definitely add value to your property!

Why?

For a start, trees and large shrubs strategically placed in front and back yards which provide shade over a house can reduce energy costs in the summertime. But make sure you get the balance right. It’s best to avoid plants that will require a significant amount of costly maintenance. Likewise, make sure you select the most appropriate trees and plants for your climate and position them in the most suitable locations.

It's also worth sticking with smaller to medium sized trees and shrubs which typically involve less maintenance and less potential risk to infrastructure. Native species like dwarf lemon scented gums or dwarf yellow gums that don’t grow as large as their full-sized counterparts are a great option. Otherwise opt for ash trees, maples or smaller oak trees.

If you’re using trees as natural climate control , small to medium-sized deciduous trees are the best options including maples, pyrus and crepe myrtles, providing greater value – shade in the summer (north or west side of the house) and allowing winter sunlight into the house.

Where you plant them is also important. The north-west sides of a home will have the greatest impact due to the position of the sun. But a verdant front setback or front garden also looks attractive and will drive the value of property up.

Last but not least, working with the style of your home is also critical. For example, arid gardens with cacti and drought-tolerant plants can look great for more modern-style houses, while a more classic house will look better with a classic romantic style of garden filled with perennials and deciduous trees. If the garden complements the house and vice versa, it will add more value.