Richfield House Hunt: Healthy Trees Make for Happy Buyers

In most cities in Minnesota, including towns like Richfield, the land available for planting trees is about 90 percent in private ownership. That means that home owners are the primary caretakers of the urban and suburban forests that make our communities so beautiful.

Ken Holman, the community forestry coordinator with the DNR, said that the most important thing to do for trees this time of year is to water the them which help them close their systems. Homan recommends watering young trees at the tree’s base at the equivalent of one inch of rain every week, two inches if the tree hasn’t been watered during the summer.

“Large mature trees need to have a drip line at the edge of the canopy,” he said. “Water weekly until the ground is frozen, but don’t do pruning or spraying and don’t fertilize. The trees have to expend energy to use the nutrients, which they need for dormancy activities. Wait for spring when doing those things will be beneficial.”

Here are the details on this week's Richfield House Hunt feature:

House No. 1: 6615 Lake Shore Dr. #306

Listed by: Edina Realty

Price: $29,900 Taxes: $491 Association Fee: $367

Description: High-rise senior condo for those 55 years and older; one bedroom, one bath and 654 finished square feet. Completely updated with new fridge, range flooring and bath. Association fee includes heat, A/C, water, professional management and reserved parking space. Homeowners have access to party room, salon, exercise room, guest suites, library hobby room, game room and shuttle. The building has 24-hour security and is near banks, shops and restaurants as well as and .

House No. 2: 6415 Oliver Ave. S.

Listed by: Re/Max Results

Price: $114,900 Taxes: $12,600

Description: One- and one-half-story, single-family home; three bedrooms, one bath and 1,540 finished square feet. This lender-owned house has hardwood floors, central air conditioning, an attached insulated garage, and a sunny kitchen. The large family room walks out to a fenced backyard with a patio. There’s an upstairs private bedroom (or private office) and a shed in the back. The cute home is perfect for a first-time buyer.

House No. 3: 6745 2nd Ave. S.

Listed by: Edina Realty

Price: $123,000 Taxes: $2,499

Description: One- and one-half-story, single-family home; two bedrooms, two baths and 1,347 finished square feet. Sunny and bright with lots of windows and hardwood floors, this home is ready for the buyer looking for charm with one-level living. Walk-out from the living room to a large private deck and backyard patio. Basement and upper level could be finished when more room is needed. There is an attached garage, formal dining room and main-floor family room as well.

House No. 4: 6420 Blaisdell Ave. S.

Listed by: Coldwell Banker Burnet

Price: $174,900 Taxes: $2,195

Description: One-story, single-family home; two bedrooms, one bath and 1,240 finished square feet. This beautifully updated home includes a large office space and lower-level family room. The redone eat-in kitchen is beautiful with stainless appliances, new countertops, tile back splash, maple cabinetry, under cabinet lighting and recessed ceiling lights. The lower level has higher ceilings and space to add a third bedroom. The bath has been renovated with tile, glass block and great touches. There is a private patio in the backyard with lots of room to run and play. All this on a quiet street convenient to shopping areas.

House No. 5: 7620 Park Ave. S.

Listed by: Ascendant Realty

Price: $189,900 Taxes: $3,322

Description: One-story, single-family home; four bedrooms, two baths and 1,888 finished square feet. This is a truly beautiful home with an open design and lots of windows to let the sunshine inside. This classic 1955 home has been updated for the 21st Century. The kitchen features granite counters, cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances. There’s a lower-level office and large family room with egress windows. In the back, enjoy the deck and the tree shaded back yard. The garage is detached with room for two plus cars. This home is sold to owner occupants only.