Fannin-Mature-Tree-Blog

Why Mature Trees Provide More Benefits Than Young Trees

At Fannin Tree Farm, we recommend that homeowners purchase mature trees rather than young ones. Adding mature trees to your home landscape can provide many benefits without requiring much upkeep or pruning. Young trees require a considerable amount of pruning and training, and they don’t provide as many benefits to your home and neighborhood as mature trees do.

Instant Savings on Energy Costs

One of the best benefits of large shade trees is their ability to help lower home energy costs. Because these trees can block sunshine and wind, they can help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, allowing you to use your air conditioner and heater less. When placed properly, a large-stature shade tree can reduce home energy spending by 15%. If you choose to plant a young shade tree, you will have to wait for it to mature—which takes between 10 and 30 years depending on species—before you will start saving on home energy costs.

Mature Trees Add Value to Your Home

Mature trees add value to your home by enhancing the beauty of your yard. A mature tree can increase your property value between 15 and 20%. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a stronger impact on the property value of homes than young trees. If you are looking to sell your home within the next few years, purchasing a young tree is unwise as it takes between 10 and 30 years for a tree to reach full maturity and provide maximum value to your home.

Mature Trees Take in More Carbon Than Young Trees

Before 2014, scientists thought that mature trees took in less carbon than young trees, so homeowners were advised to plant young trees to help reduce their carbon footprint. In 2014, however, a study was published showing that mature trees actually take in more carbon on a “tree by tree basis.” If protecting the environment, reducing your carbon footprint or helping to improve your neighborhood’s air quality are priorities, buying a mature tree is the right choice for you.

Mature Trees Don’t Have as Many Pruning Needs as Young Trees

While mature trees do need to be pruned regularly, they do not have to be trained in the same way young trees do. While young trees are developing, it is necessary to establish a strong leader and framework of branches. Pruning young trees is intensive and should be done by professionals to ensure that the tree stays strong, beautiful and healthy for its entire life. Buying a mature tree allows you to bypass all of the pruning and training necessary in a tree’s youth.

All in all, mature trees deliver more benefits than young trees. By allowing the tree professionals at Fannin Tree Farm to care for trees until they reach maturity, you are guaranteeing that your home and neighborhood receive the most benefits possible from your trees.