Trees do have value. A large tree in a nice landscape may be worth thousands of dollars. This does not mean a homeowner could sell a tree for these prices, but there are situations where estimated values come into play.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Certified arborists are often asked to value trees that are involved in disputes, have been damaged by accidents or were intentionally cut or mutilated.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Two methods are used in valuing trees in a landscape situation: a replacement value or a \u201ctrunk formula\u201d method. Timber values may be used in a true forest environment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
If a landscape tree is of replaceable size, a value can be estimated by nurseries that specialize in obtaining and planting appropriate sized trees. Conifers more than 25 feet tall have been successfully transplanted.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Trunk Formula Method<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n When trees are too large to be replaced, arborists will use a \u201ctrunk formula\u201d method whereby a tree\u2019s value is based on its diameter, species, condition and location within a landscape.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n To visualize the process, assume a tree in your yard is equivalent to a used car that is compared to a new car at the factory or a perfect tree in a highly maintained landscape. Such a \u201cused tree\u201d must be discounted to a value as it exists in its current environment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The first step is to determine a \u201cbasic value\u201d from a table of trunk areas based upon a tree\u2019s diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. This value is then adjusted or discounted according to tree species.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n For example, Northwest arborists have determined that a Douglas fir is worth 75 percent of the basic value compared to 40 percent for a black cottonwood. Species ratings are based upon a tree\u2019s hardiness, ornamental features, structural stability, maintenance requirements and other factors.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A condition rating or discount is based upon close inspection of a tree\u2019s roots, trunk, branches and foliage. A well maintained, healthy tree may be rated at 70 to 90 percent. One that has a multitude of problems may be rated at 40 percent or lower.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The location adjustment considers the general site, placement and contribution of a tree to a landscape. A tree that is a focal point in a well-maintained landscape located in an upscale neighborhood is worth more than a tree located in a more natural environment. A single specimen has a higher value than if located among a group of trees.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Often, the process is initiated by an attorney that calls and states that a client\u2019s tree was cut or damaged by a neighbor, construction crew or a tree service. The damage may involve a certain portion or an entire tree. The final value estimate will be based upon the percentage of a tree that was damaged.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A Douglas fir with a diameter of 18 inches at 4.5 feet above the ground that is in good condition, is located in a nice neighborhood and is important to the landscape may be appraised at $5,000 or more. A 24-inch tree may increase to more than $9,000.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A low-growing, but small diameter Japanese lace leaf maple that is several years old, has many intricate twisted branches and is a prominent feature of a landscape may also be worth several thousand dollars.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n There have been well publicized incidences where the removal of trees on public property in Seattle and the mutilation of dozens of trees in Lacey by a tree service have resulted in settlements of several thousands of dollars by the responsible parties.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Should a landscape tree be cut?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Understanding that trees do have value, a homeowner may view a questionable tree from a different perspective.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Obviously, the answer depends upon several factors other than its potential landscape value. Safety is a prime concern. Any tree that has a potential manmade target and is in good condition will generally be safe for several years.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A tree that has some defect such as multiple tops, a crook in the trunk or visible decay ideally should be inspected by a professional. Certified arborists trained in hazard tree assessments are excellent sources for such evaluations.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Do note that it is important that a hazard tree assessment not be unduly influenced by someone who also is interested in selling tree removal services.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Trees do have value. A large tree in a nice landscape may be worth thousands of dollars. This does not mean a homeowner could sell a tree for these prices, but there are situations where estimated values come into play.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":255,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-11102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11102"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/255"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11102"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11102\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11102"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=11102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}