How much $$$ are these trees worth?

[Simon]

Hello fellow arborists,

I have been hired by the municipality of a small town in Ontario to determine the value of a Thuja occidentalis (eastern white cedar, white cedar) tree and a hedge. I would like to have your opinions on the value of those trees. Please let me know the currency your are using to estimate the value and your title and or occupation. Here are the details:

Located in Casselman, Ontario, Canada in an urban area on the front yard of a house 5 meters from the road.

Single trunk white cedar
30 cm diameter @ 15 cm from ground
Splits into 5 co-dominant stems @ 85 cm from ground (16cm,12cm,14cm,10cm,8cm diameter @ 15cm from split)
730cm tall (7.3 m)
Bottom of crown is 440 cm wide
Planted in 1983
No diseases or defects.

White cedar Hedge trimmed once every year
L shape
335cm (lenght one side) x 354 cm (lenght other side) x 275cm tall x 130 cm wide
planted in 1983
no diseases or defects

Thank you,
Simon-Pierre Desjarlais C.Tech.

 

[troythetreeman]

those are beautiful, hedges can be replaced reasonably easy, trees like that, not so much

 

[imagineero]

What percentage of your pay are you offering for someone more knowledgeable than you to do your job for you so you can appear competent?

Shaun

 

[squad143]

I just do tree removal.

But, to replace them with new stock, about $125 each (just the cost of the tree).
http://www.hockleyvalley.on.ca/

Won't be as big, but they will grow.

Looks like they are on the road allowance. (city property). Most likely planted by the homeowner.

 

[Simon]

What percentage of your pay are you offering for someone more knowledgeable than you to do your job for you so you can appear competent?

Shaun

As you probably know calculating the value of lumber or estimating a price to replace with new stock is quite easy. But estimating the value of a 28 year old cedar and small hedge is not something you do everyday. We have to take in consideration the beauty value, health, age, work and treatments that was put into the trees over the years etc. From my qualifications I have an Idea of the value but I can honestly tell you that it is my opinion. There are almost no calculations at this point but plain and simple experience and knowledge, that is why I would appreciate your opinions.

 

[beastmaster]

I don't envy you. Calculating a trees value goes way beyond replacement with a new tree cost. I have dabbled in this and there are several complicated formulas used. Some make little sense. The biggest variable seems to be which side your on, the giving or receiving end of the deal.
If I am paying you to remove it, replacement value seems fair. If your paying me I want to be compensated for the water, and care Iv'e giving the tree. Whats the value of the carbon removed from the air past, present, and future, what is my well being and mental health worth that looking at that tree has contributed to? How much impact on the community does this tree have and many other environmental considerations that may be effected and those factors put into dollars and cents.
There are consulting Arborist that do this for a living, you may have to shell out the bucks for one of them, or just throw out a figure and see if it flys. good luck Beastmaster

 

[VA-Sawyer]

I agree with Beastmaster. Apparent value depends a lot on which side you take. True market value lies somewhere in between. You throw out a number, the other side does the same, and then you bargin back and forth hoping to reach a number both sides will reluctantly accept.
Rick

 

[Hank Chinaski]

tell them "some guy on the internet" said eleventeen thousand.

good luck with it

 

[squad143]

I agree that value depends on what side of the fence you are looking at.

Hard to tell, but from the pictures, I see liability. The hedge that's around the hydro box looks like it blocks the view of oncomming traffic from the driveway/roadway.

 

[Simon]

I agree that value depends on what side of the fence you are looking at.

Hard to tell, but from the pictures, I see liability. The hedge that's around the hydro box looks like it blocks the view of oncomming traffic from the driveway/roadway.

You got it, The city will have the trees removed and want to know the value so they can compensate the owner.

 

[jefflovstrom]

How much will the city pay for sentimental value? How much does it depreciate the value of the property?
Jeff

 

[NCTREE]

whats the cost of a similar size tree from a nursey? I know it's an arb but it still be $$$

 

[Ed Roland]

Simon, you are dealing with a process requiring a higher credential. See Tree Appraisals as a starting point for assigning monetary value to plant material. ASCA consultants and ISA BCMA have the skillsets necessary to write these reports.

ASCA: Find a Consulting Arborists

Find a Board Certified Master Arborist International Society of Arboriculture

Ed Roland
BCMA MA 4595B

 

[capetrees]

Total guess $2000 for the mature unhedged cedar.

 

[Zale]

The ISA does have a tree valuation formula but If you have never used it before it can be a little intimidating. I would suggest finding a arborist in your area that is familiar with it. The formula is very subjective in determining value. In the end, you will have to defend the value you come up with and demonstrate it is fair to all parties.

 

[Simon]

Total guess $2000 for the mature unhedged cedar.

Thank you!!

 

[jefflovstrom]

Fair to both parties can take along time. I say, take Ed's advice. If it drags out, you will find you are in over your head.
Jeff

 

[Simon]

Simon, you are dealing with a process requiring a higher credential. See Tree Appraisals as a starting point for assigning monetary value to plant material. ASCA consultants and ISA BCMA have the skillsets necessary to write these reports.

ASCA: Find a Consulting Arborists

Find a Board Certified Master Arborist International Society of Arboriculture

Ed Roland
BCMA MA 4595B

Thank you Ed, much appreciated. I will follow your advice.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Total guess $2000 for the mature unhedged cedar.

How about $15,000.00.
Jeff

 

[capetrees]

I've been involved with trees that have been sold on consignment from properties. Personal feelings for the tree are immeasurable so what you're looking at is a reasonable amount of money that someone would pay for a tree that is that mature. Would you pay $2000 for that tree, outside of spading it and replanting, or do yoy really think $15,000 is real? Sure, $125 for a new one 5 feet tall is the going price in some areas but this is 20'+. Like art in some ways, it's worth is in the eye of the beholder. If you're looking to compenasate someone for removal because it's in the way, that's going to be tough because the owners probably have "feelings" for the tree.