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When you purchase a property for the first time, there can be so much to learn. One of the most significant adjustments is knowing that you can no longer rely on your landlord to solve your property-related problems. Instead, you’ve got to manage them all yourself.Alongside standard concerns like maintenance, rates, and boundary lines, there’s also the matter of trees. The more information you have, the more confidence you can have as a homeowner, so here’s what you need to know when you’ve purchased a property with trees.
They Can Increase Your Property Value
Many things can contribute to a property’s value, such as its location, size, and style. However, you may not realise that established trees might also contribute. A property like yours that doesn’t have established trees might be worth less than your own.
According to the University of Washington and National Gardening Association surveys conducted in the United States, there is potential for a well-landscaped garden and mature trees to increase a property’s value by as much as 19%.
Some reports have also concluded that even just a well-maintained garden can increase the value by 16% without trees.
Why Do Your Neighbours’ Trees Matter as Much as Your Own?
Your neighbours’ trees matter as much as your own because their trees can impact your property and vice versa. While it may be tempting to assume that you can do whatever you please with the greenery on your land, it’s important to consider the potential consequences of your actions on neighbouring trees.
When you move into your new home and decide to make changes, especially regarding flora and fauna, it can be beneficial to discuss any tree-related issues with your neighbours. This can be especially important if you plan on hiring arborists to assist with tree care and believe their services might impact other people’s properties in some way.
Being aware of your legal requirements is also crucial, such as not interfering with your neighbours’ enjoyment of their land. Relating to trees, this can mean that your trees shouldn’t become a problem for them, and vice versa.
While you’re legally entitled to trim branches and roots from trees, shrubs, and plants that encroach on your property, as long as the tree isn’t protected or your actions don’t damage it, it never hurts to communicate your intentions first.
While some neighbouring trees can be frustrating, never poison a tree or trespass onto an adjacent property to remove parts of it.
Big Trees Have Big Roots – And Possibly Big Problems
Buying a property with a big, beautiful tree can be an exciting experience. You might imagine being able to do many fun things with it, such as attaching a tyre swing or having picnics with the family.
However, big trees have big roots, which can cause big problems. Roots can snake their way into retaining walls, drains, and even foundations. They can also cause cracks and leaks if they lift the soil below foundations.
You might even notice that large tree roots can damage concrete, asphalt driveways, and pathways. Before purchasing a property with a large tree, look for visible damage. Once you take over ownership, you might like to consider tree removal or tree moving.
You Have Obligations Under the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003
While you might only be concerned with how your tree could potentially impact your property, you might not realise that it can also affect other people. If your trees are edging ever closer to overhead power lines, you might be required to call arborists to undertake remedial work under the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003.
What Trees Are Protected in New Zealand?
If you’ve recently acquired a property and are considering changing it, such as removing trees or hedges, it’s important to check if any trees are protected. In New Zealand, the Kahikatea and the Totara are two examples of trees protected.
If you have a protected tree, you may be required to obtain resource consent before removing or cutting it down.
Before You Chop – Know Their Benefits
When you have big plans for your property, you might not think twice about removing a large, well-established tree. However, before you do, take a moment to consider the value they bring to your property and your family.
For example, they can provide much-needed shelter and shade and even soil erosion protection. You might even be impressed by their ability to shield your property from neighbouring homes and dampen traffic noise. Consider the many benefits of trees before going full steam ahead with your plans for tree removal.
You’re Not Alone, Experts Can Help
You might have to manage many property-related matters on your own, but you’re not alone when it comes to your trees. ProClimb are your local Auckland tree care experts, and they are ready and waiting to provide arborist services, landscape tree services, tree cutting services, and much more.
If you have any tree, hedge, or shrub-related queries or concerns, the answers and advice you require are just a phone call away.
