Evergreen Arborist
Your Landscape Trees May Be Worth Big
Bucks
The calls go something like this.
"My neighbor inadvertently or intentionally cut, damaged or mutilated
my tree or a car hit and wiped out a prized specimen. What was it worth?"
Landscape trees and shrubs do have values - sometimes worth thousands
of dollars. For example, a beautiful oak tree in downtown Sumner poisoned
by a disgruntled citizen was valued at over $30,000.
Certified arborists use procedures established by the International Society
of Arboriculture to estimate values. While avoiding the nitty gritty details,
the following information should prove of interest to anyone that has
suffered a loss or is just plain curious.
Two Basic Methods
First, if a tree is of replaceable size, its replacement
cost is used in a formula to determine a "basic value". Adjustments
are then made to estimate a final value. It is similar to an adjuster
discounting a damaged used car from its value as a new car.
In most cases, a tree is too large to be replaced. Then a second formula
is used to establish a basic value. In both cases, the adjustments are
based upon species, condition and location of a tree.
First, the basic value is established according to the size
or diameter of a tree. The larger the tree, the higher the value.
Then, different species are assigned a "rating"
by regional experts. This adjustment is based upon such items as durability,
hardiness, maintenance, functional value, adaptability and ornamental
features. For example, a Douglas fir is rated at 75% of the basic value
while an alder is rated at 45%.
The next adjustment considers the condition of a tree. The
roots, trunk, branches and foliage are closely inspected for any problems.
A well maintained, healthy tree is rated higher than one with a multitude
of problems.
Finally, the location adjustment is based upon the site,
placement and contribution of a tree within a landscape. For example,
a tree located in a yard in a well-maintained neighborhood is worth more
than one located in a forest. A single specimen that is a focal point
in a landscape has a higher value than if located among a group of trees.
How well a tree provides shade, sound suppression or screening from a
neighbor and so on is also taken into account.
There are a few other considerations, but the above factors are the major
indicators of a tree's estimated value.
Why Value Trees?
Losses due to damage by cars that strike trees, fires, construction
activities or certain other factors can be used for insurance claims and
in some instances reportable to the IRS as casualty losses.
Usually, homeowner policies will limit losses to $500. Estimated values
above that figure may be applicable as casualty losses for income tax
purposes. However, a tax accountant will need to make a final determination.
A homeowner may take action to remove, top, trim or otherwise mutilate
a tree that might be blocking a view or interfering with satellite reception.
If this occurs on a neighbor's property without permission, the call is
usually from an attorney.
Not only is the value of a tree considered, but if willful trespass or
neglect is involved, the damages can be trebled. Such actions also do
not promote good neighborhood relations - a sad fact that may have to
be lived with for many years.
Good Planning and Maintenance Are Important
A well-planned landscape can enhance the value of a residence
and neighborhood as the trees and plants mature. Proper selection and
placement of trees and shrubs is very critical.
For example, planting a redwood tree three feet from a structure and under
a utility line is not a wise decision. It will require eventual removal
of a tree that might have had great potential in the proper location.
Perhaps even more important is proper maintenance of landscape trees.
This may entail adequate watering, perhaps some fertilizing, managing
pests and proper pruning - if needed. Heavily topped trees are an eyesore
and can be liabilities in some instances.
The bottom line is that trees and shrubs are valuable. However, that value
will depend upon the quality, proper planning and care of a landscape.
Certified arborists are qualified to appraise trees or to assess the amount
of damage that may have occurred during an incident.