If you're looking to boost your home's value, investing in the right plants might be a surprisingly effective strategy.
For many of us, our home is our biggest financial asset — and with property prices continuing to climb, making smart improvements has never felt more important. While renovations can be costly, your garden offers a simpler, often overlooked opportunity to add value.
In fact, planting the right trees and shrubs can enhance your property's kerb appeal and increase its resale potential.
Estate agency Sold highlights the enormous potential of outdoor spaces: 'A nicely presented garden alone can be seen to add 20 per cent to your house value, and past research has shown that approximately 70 per cent of home buyers would pay more for a property with an outdoor green space.
'A further study showed that 57 per cent of people that did not have a garden at their property would look for one when looking for a new home.'
One of the best investments? Trees. Sold strongly recommends planting one, as it offers shade, enhances a garden's aesthetics and can serve as a play area for children. Depending on the size, species and placement, a tree could add thousands of pounds to your property's market value.
Lewis Hardford, a Shropshire-based valuer, said: 'A tree may cost a few hundred pounds today, but once it matures, it could be worth four or five times that and elevate the entire feel of your outdoor space.'
Read on to discover five trees and shrubs that can significantly increase your home's value.
1. Japanese maple
The Japanese maple, or acer palmatum, stands out with its striking burgundy foliage. Native to Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, and Russia, this exotic tree can be worth £1,000 to £1,200 when fully grown. Japanese maples grow both in the ground and in pots, making them ideal for smaller gardens. For optimal growing conditions, pick a sheltered spot in the shade.
2. Bay tree
The forest green leaves of this easy-to-care-for evergreen shrub are real eye-catchers, particularly when neatly trimmed into formal shapes. If kept in good condition, bay trees can increase your property’s value by £800 to £1,000. Plus, its leaves can be used to add flavour to your cooking.
3. Olive tree
For those who love the Mediterranean landscape, an olive tree could be the right choice. Fully grown, they are worth between £1,000 and £1,500. With the olive tree being native to warmer climes, it's important to select a spot with enough light and protect them when temperatures drop.
4. Silver birch
Silver birches, or betula pendula, are a common British variety and a symbol for purity. Planted in your garden, these low-maintenance trees can add £400 to £600 to your home’s market value. Granted, they're not the most lucrative choice in this list, but they might be great for those with a not-so-green thumb.
5. Cloud-pruned topiary
Cloud pruning is a method of training trees and shrubs to resemble the shape of a cloud by trimming the plant's foliage – a popular practice in Japan. Trees commonly used for this include types of holly and box. While pruned plants require more effort and attention, they are worth £1,000 to £1,200 when fully grown and kept in shape.
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