Tree removal/driveway repair, worth it for rental or future sale?

[Craig Miller]

Hello - first post here.

A little background - I just purchased my first property in the Cleveland area, a duplex, and am renting one unit out and living in the other. I will (most likely in ~2 yrs) be relocated with my company, and will then have to decide whether to keep the property and rent both units from wherever I am relocated to (likely not very close), or sell the property. One of the issues with the property currently is a massive tree which has cracked the driveway next to it. My thought is that I could have the tree removed and then pave over where the tree was so there is driveway access to the 3rd car area of garage (see pic) - this could allow both units to have garage access through separate doors. My question is will I get a return on that investment (potentially $10k or so for the whole removal/new driveway) if I decide to sell the property (in a few years when relocated for work), or keep and rent both units (could add garage access into the leases for more $). Or should I just be looking to repair the current driveway just to the 2 car area, and leave the tree (was told I could trim roots so it stops growing and lifting the concrete on that side)?

Am I thinking about this the right way?  Also does my pricing estimate sound about right for tree + driveway?  It is a massive tree - about 60' tall probably, and the driveway extends maybe another 12 - 15' from where I'm taking the picture.  Thanks for any help and suggestions!

[Carol D.]

Craig,

I just removed a tree like this... $3000 - just the tree removal!  So yeh it's gonna cost you - and there is no measurable return on your money... but I'd do it.  As a rental you open up your driveway.  If you choose to sell it - it will look so much nicer and you could potentially lose a sale from someone who says - I'd buy that house if it were not for that huge tree in the driveway!

Good Luck!

-PC