Residential Property Values Improved by Landscaping with Trees

Abstract

Abstract A 3 to 5% increase in the sales prices of-single-family houses in Athens, Georgia, was associated with the presence of trees in their landscaping, according to data from real estate records on over 800 house sales from 1978 to 1980. The average house sold for about $47,000 and had five front-yard trees visible in its Multiple Listing Service photographs. An average sales price increase of $1,700 to $2,100 was associated with the presence of these trees. This increase in property value represents an income of over $200,000 a year to the city in property tax revenues.