What Trees Should I Save On My Building Lot?
Trees can be a very valuable asset, we have done some tree appraisals that added up to far more than the value of the lot. Wise choice to keep as many as possible of those that would not be disturbing the home.
Should I Save The Trees On The Building Lot For My New Custom Home?
To tree or not to tree, that is the question?
I know it's bad but I just couldn't help myself. I guess like most choices in life it depends upon your priorities. If you want to have an energy efficient home with lots of shade trees so your home stays cool, then yes. If you want a low maintenance home, then no.
Homeowners are under the impression that Builders hate trees and want to cut down as many as possible, as it makes building the home easier. I guess they got that impression by observing Production Builder, Subdivisions where all the trees are removed so the developer can take the dirt from the high spots and use it in the low areas. That observation is probably true.
On the other hand, with Orlando Area Custom Home Builders that certainly isn't the case. With Custom Builders, you can have almost anything you want. If you want us to save all the existing trees, then no problem, we save every tree that is not in the way of the house, pool or driveway. If you want all the trees on your lot removed, we can do that too, as long as we are building according to the local codes.
Before you make the decision regarding your trees, it's important to know some additional information:
1. Do not plant or keep an existing tree that is closer than 15' from your home. Trees that are close to your home will create future damage to your foundation.
2. Termites love wood and tree roots. If you want to minimize future termite activity, keep trees well away from your home.
3. Remove all the pine trees from your lot as they normally get diseased, snap off in high winds, provide little shade and produce a lot of pine needles that end up everywhere, including your screen enclosure or pool.
4. Most Florida trees don't have a tap root like northern trees, due to our high water table. The roots spread horizontally, at least equal to the width of canopy of the tree. That can be 40'-50'!
5. Tree roots will damage or destroy sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, sewer, water and irrigation lines, septic drain fields and the foundation of your home.
6. Orlando trees require lots of maintenance. They should be trimmed and thinned out once a year, prior to hurricane season to avoid having them blown-over on top of your roof.
7. The canopy of the tree, thick with leaves will block the sun from shinning on your new sod and eventually kill it.
Now that I presented most of the tree issues, it's important to know that I'm not advocating treeless properties! As a matter of fact, I love trees! I'm advocating wise tree decisions. Remove trees that are not going to be beneficial and plant new ones that will add to the value of your home. I call that thinking smart! I can't tell you how many Homeowners have told me, Mike, "I want to save absolutely every tree on this property", only to regret that decision after they occupy their new home. On the other hand, Homeowners that have lived with treed lots in their prior residence, tell me Mike, "cut every tree down on our property" because we've lived with the tree nightmare before.
As a Builder, I'm here to guide you through the process of constructing your "Dream Home". I'll provide helpful information so you too can make "smart decisions".
Have an awesome day!
Mike
Regal Classic Homes
5036 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 237
Orlando, Fl 32819
407-291-6740
www.regalclassichomes.com
For A Free Copy Of My New Book Visit- www.regalclassichomes.com
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