Planting Trees That Grow Home Value
- Lainie Eilenberger
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger
In West Texas, trees are more than just pretty—they’re prized. With wide open skies, sunny days, and occasional dust storms, a well-placed tree can provide shade, privacy, curb appeal, and serious real estate value. But planting a tree isn’t as simple as digging a hole and dropping one in.
Let’s dig into how to properly install a tree, what mistakes to avoid, and how that little sapling can grow into a feature that boosts your home’s comfort and resale value!
Why Trees Matter for West Texas Homes 🌳💚
In a region where temperatures soar and winds roll strong, trees offer beauty, function, and long-term benefits. They’re a natural upgrade that keeps on giving—year after year.
🌿 Boosts Curb Appeal – A mature tree can frame your home and make it stand out.
💰 Increases Property Value – Homes with healthy, mature trees sell for more—up to 15% more in some markets.
🌞 Provides Shade & Energy Savings – Trees reduce cooling costs by blocking harsh sun.
How to Properly Plant a Tree (The Right Way!) ✅🪴
1. Choose the Right Tree for Your Location 🌵🌳Pick a tree that fits your yard, soil, and sunlight.
In West Texas, opt for hardy, drought-tolerant species.
Great options: Texas red oak, cedar elm, Chinese pistache, lacebark elm, or desert willow.
Think about the tree’s mature size—not just how it looks today.
2. Avoid Planting Too Close to Your Home 🏠🚫Big mistake!
Keep large trees at least 15–20 feet from your home.
Roots can damage foundations and pipes.
Allow space for limbs to grow without threatening your roof or siding.
3. Dig a Wide, Shallow Hole 🕳️🛠️It’s not about depth—it’s about width.
Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball.
The top of the root ball should be slightly above ground level.
Avoid compacting the soil under the root ball—it should drain well.
4. Remove Burlap, Wire, or Plastic from the Root Ball 🪢Let your tree breathe and grow.
Carefully remove any wrap that could strangle roots over time.
Gently loosen roots before planting to encourage spreading.
Always handle the tree by the root ball—not the trunk!
5. Backfill & Water Thoroughly 💧Help your tree settle into its new home.
Use the same soil you removed to fill in around the tree.
Water deeply right after planting, then 1–2 times per week for the first year.
Mulch in a donut shape around the base, keeping it off the trunk.
What Not to Do When Planting a Tree 🚫🌳
🚫 Don’t Plant Too Deep – Burying the trunk invites rot and disease.
🚫 Don’t Skip the Water – Even drought-tolerant trees need help establishing.
🚫 Don’t Over-Mulch – Avoid the “mulch volcano.” Keep mulch 2–4" deep, away from the trunk.
🚫 Don’t Forget to Stake (When Needed) – In windy areas, support young trees—but remove stakes after 1 year to avoid trunk damage.
🚫 Don’t Crowd Utilities or Driveways – Know where lines and concrete are before you dig.
Trees & Real Estate Value 🌿💰
When done right, tree planting is one of the most cost-effective upgrades for homeowners. They grow in beauty, usefulness, and value year after year.
🔹 Enhances listing photos – Trees give homes a welcoming, lived-in feel.
🔹 Inspires buyers – Shaded yards, privacy, and mature landscaping are high on buyers’ wish lists.
🔹 Saves buyers money – Energy-efficient landscaping is a bonus in West Texas heat.
Communities We Proudly Serve 🌾
Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these vibrant West Texas communities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.
Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group 🏠
📌 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock & West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.
📌 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Learn about our team and view homes for sale.
📌 One Ford Road Community – Discover upscale homes in this exclusive Lubbock neighborhood.
📌 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate services for Lubbock & South Plains.
📌 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual home tours, market insights, and expert tips.
Let’s Plant Something That Lasts 🌳💫
A single tree can offer shade, beauty, comfort—and value—for generations. Whether you're selling, settling in, or just dreaming of a prettier yard, the right tree in the right spot makes all the difference.
As your trusted Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, I’m here to help you grow something that lasts—from roots to results.
📞 Contact me today and let’s turn your yard—and your real estate goals—into something strong and beautiful.
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