The Value of Planting Trees: 5 Wonderful Ways Trees Enhance a Home
By Heather Trilling – Trilling Landscape Design + Build
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” — Chinese Proverb, often quoted by Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger, the legendary investor and philanthropist, often spoke about the beauty of patience and compounding growth — ideas that perfectly mirror what happens when we plant trees. With each passing year, a tree becomes stronger, more beautiful, and more valuable — both to your home and to the planet.
At Trilling Landscape Design + Build, we’ve witnessed firsthand how a single thoughtfully chosen tree can redefine a home’s character and energy. Below are five wonderful ways trees enhance not just your property — but your quality of life.
1. Trees Create Shade, Comfort, and Energy Savings
A mature tree can cool your home by up to 10 degrees and reduce energy costs by 20–30%. Beyond that, shade transforms an outdoor area into a peaceful retreat — the perfect spot for morning coffee or an afternoon with family. In Southern California, species like Coast Live Oaks, Crape Myrtles, and Olive trees bring structure, shade, and timeless beauty to modern landscapes.
2. Trees Instantly Elevate Curb Appeal
Nothing grounds a home like a well-placed tree. A sculptural olive in a modern courtyard or a pair of sycamores along a driveway add proportion and presence. Mature trees convey permanence — the feeling that a property has always belonged in its setting — a hallmark of thoughtful, high-end design.
3. Trees Enhance Emotional Wellbeing
Countless studies show that time spent near trees reduces stress and boosts happiness. A tree-lined view from your window or the rustle of leaves in your yard reconnects us with something ancient and grounding. At Trilling Landscape, we think of trees as living art — constantly changing with the light and seasons.
4. Trees Boost Property Value
According to the U.S. Forest Service, a single healthy, mature tree can add up to 10% to a home’s resale value. Beyond financial gain, trees enhance the visual composition of your property. Like Charlie Munger’s philosophy of compounding returns, the benefits of planting trees grow exponentially over time.
5. Trees Nurture Future Generations
Planting a tree is one of the most generous acts you can do — for your family and for the environment. Trees filter air, provide habitat for wildlife, and create memories that last generations. Watching your children grow under the same canopy you planted years before is one of life’s most rewarding experiences.
The Trilling Approach
When we design landscapes, trees aren’t background elements — they’re central to the story. We study growth patterns, root systems, architectural context, and balance. Whether it’s an ancient olive, a sculptural palo verde, or a native oak, each tree we plant is chosen for harmony, longevity, and grace.
Planting a tree is an act of hope. It’s a gift to your home, your family, and the world around you. At Trilling Landscape, we believe the best landscapes — like the best lives — grow more beautiful with time.
