Trees like this red maple give you great fall colour, welcome shade, and raise property values.

They say the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago, and the next best time is today. I keep that advice in mind, especially the part about today. There’s no use regretting the unplanted trees of years’ past. It can be easily remedied: Plant one today. Or on the weekend. Or next week. Let’s just say, commit to planting a tree in the near future. And May is a perfect time to do it. (April is good too. And fall. In fact, you can plant a tree anytime, as long as you commit to keeping it watered for the first few months.)
Few things make me happier than seeing the trees I actually did plant over twenty years ago. They tower over me, barely resembling the sprigs I brought home in plastic pots.
Perennials may come and go, but trees last almost forever. At least, longer than most of us will ever see.

A tree changes the neighbourhood it’s planted in for the better, and it also affects your property values. Houses in neighbourhoods with trees are valued higher, and sell faster than those without. A tree on your property directly affects your property value, says Fiesta Gardens customer and local real estate agent, Josée Couture. Trees on your property can increase the value between 6 and 15%. Josée is also a Master Gardener, so she knows about growing things. “Money doesn’t grow on trees, but money grows with trees,” says Josée. Forget that fancy bathtub, a tree may be the better investment. Says Josée, in her latest video:

Did you know that a mature tree can increase your property value? Trees are a necessity for life which is why The City of Toronto has very strict By-laws about removing shade trees. But in addition to all the environmental benefits of having a mature tree, planting a shade tree is one of the best investments you can make to add value to your property.

Even a small tree, or a collection of small trees and shrubs is worth planting, and can make your front garden almost maintenance-free.