There are a number of benefits related to adding trees to your home’s landscape. In addition to the obvious environmental benefits of cleaner air, and a shadier yard, trees around your home also give it better curb appeal, increasing property values by as much as 20 percent, and can lower your energy bills. A well placed tree can even obscure a less attractive view, or dampen noise from neighbors or nearby streets. But, before you start to reap the benefits, it’s important to consider exactly what’s important to you, why you want to add trees to your yard, and what space you have available. Here’s a quick rundown of how to choose the right tree for your home.

Choosing the right tree

As you probably already know, there’s a dizzying number of different tree species available, and each offers something unique. Making the right decision for you goes well beyond the aesthetic. Consider the various benefits each type of tree offers, and decide which of those benefits is most important. If energy savings are high on your list, you’ll want a large, deciduous tree like an oak or maple. These trees will grown large enough to provide shade through the hottest parts of the year, while also allowing sunlight through in the winter when their leaves have fallen. If providing shade year round is important, you’re better off with an evergreen tree. Additionally, you’ll always want to consider what will be falling from your tree. Some species’ branches hold up better to wind and winter storms. Others produce messy flowers, seeds, or nuts. This can be very important if your tree will share space with a swimming pool, or a garden you want to keep tidy. And, of course, many trees are a problem for allergy sufferers.

Assessing your yard

The makeup of your yard will also play a significant part in choosing a tree. Obviously, the less space you have, the smaller your tree needs to be. But it’s not just the amount of ground space. You’ll also want to consider how tall the tree will get, how wide it’s limbs spread, and its root system. Power lines and other utility lines may run overhead, or underground and be vulnerable to certain trees. Some trees have deep roots that can even interfere with water lines, or your septic system. For others, the problem lies near the surface where roots can disrupt sidewalks or driveways, or just present a hazard in your yard. You’ll also want to consider how you’ll be keeping your tree watered, especially during the first summer of its life. Some trees will require more maintenance in this area, and wouldn’t be recommended if you don’t have an irrigation system.

Generally, trees can be planted at any time of the year, but it’s usually recommended to try to plant them by early spring, before their dormant period ends.

If you’re ready to move into a new home before planting trees, contact us at Perry Hood Properties. We build new homes in desirable neighborhoods throughout Tulsa, Bixby and Broken Arrow, and also offer many already constructed, move-in ready homes. 

Once you’ve found the house of your dreams, you can turn your attention to the actual moving process. For many of us, this can be a stressful, busy time. But, by planning effectively and taking a few precautions, you can experience a trouble free move. Here are a few tips for making the moving process to your new home as easy as possible.

Pack

The first step for moving is to pack up everything you’re taking with you from your current home. This can be a long process, especially if you have kids’ rooms to pack up in addition to your own things. That’s why it’s important to start early. Even if you’re still house hunting, don’t be afraid to begin boxing up some of the items you rarely use. This process may also help you find items you can donate and giveaway, which gives you fewer items you need to pack. Be sure to use sturdy boxes with sealed lids, and keep each box under 50 pounds. Also, as you pack, label the boxes so it will be easier to unpack at your new home. Be sure your packing is completely finished by moving day, so it doesn’t slow down the actual moving process.

Prepare

Before you or your movers actually get started, it’s important that you know where everything will go, and how it will fit. You certainly don’t want to plan for a large piece of furniture to go in one room, only to find out while you’re holding it that it won’t fit through the door. So, take measurements of doorways, hallways, and other areas. Then, sketch out an idea of where each piece of furniture will go. This will make the move more efficient, as you can even label each box and piece of furniture with its intended destination. This also helps you prepare if special considerations need to be made, like if you need to lift something up to a balcony or be moved through a window.

Communicate

Once you’ve done the legwork, be sure you communicate all of your findings to anyone who is helping you move. Organize the items to be moved together so movers can clearly see what needs to be moved in each room. Even if everything is going, it can be easy to miss boxes or items if they’re left in closets, or away from everything else. It’s also important to tell the driver of the moving truck about the situation at your new residence. Can they easily park in the driveway, or will they need to park in the street? Will it be difficult driving down certain streets in your new neighborhood? The idea is to help them avoid any surprises, which will help protect all of your possessions on the truck. If there are new floors, fresh paint, or other areas of your new home you’re concerned about, don’t be shy about telling your movers that. They may have solutions like alternative methods for moving heavy items that won’t scratch your floors.

Simplify

You can help the whole process along by eliminating significant risks. Don’t rely on movers to handle expensive jewelry, important papers, weapons, paints, or chemicals. These, and anything fragile that you’re concerned about, can either be packed up ahead of time and taken to the new house yourself, or set aside and brought over in your own car. If the refrigerator is being moved, be sure it’s empty, and the freezer thawed, before movers arrive. And, for any items that have been hung on walls that you’ll be taking, remove them yourself and pack them away like the rest of your items. If there’s anything that you’ve forgotten to pack, don’t try to throw it in as you’re moving. Instead, put it with your fragile items and move it yourself. Whether you’re using professional movers or friends and family, people make mistakes. So, eliminate as many risks as possible to keep your items safe.

If you haven’t quite found the house for you and your family yet, call us at Perry Hood Properties. We build high quality homes in Tulsa, Broken Arrow and Bixby, and also have a number of already constructed, move in ready homes for you to consider.