Tree Valuation

[kpb]

We have had a lot of lightning in our area this summer. We continue to get calls from customers wanting to know the value of their trees. I know there is a book available - was going to buy it but it was several hundred dollars. Not sure I want to spend that much for it.

Does anyone know a website I can go to to enter the type of tree and size of the tree to determine an approximate value?

Got another one today. 25-30 year old White Oak 50'-60' tall. 18" diameter. Front lawn of 15 year old home in middle income neighborhood.

????????????????

 

[lawrencetreeman]

Pirone's Tree Maintenance, By John Hartman. Is listed on amazon for 52.00

 

[arbor pro]

We have had a lot of lightning in our area this summer. We continue to get calls from customers wanting to know the value of their trees. I know there is a book available - was going to buy it but it was several hundred dollars. Not sure I want to spend that much for it.

Does anyone know a website I can go to to enter the type of tree and size of the tree to determine an approximate value?

Got another one today. 25-30 year old White Oak 50'-60' tall. 18" diameter. Front lawn of 15 year old home in middle income neighborhood.

????????????????

Lots more to it than just species and size. You have to take into account other plant specimens in the area, the intended benefit of the tree (environmental vs aesthetic), the cost of replacement, and a host of other things. Most universities with forestry departments have some type of evaluation system. I would suggest finding one for your state/area rather than looking for one that might have been developed in another area. A white oak in one state might carry a completely different rating value than it would carry in another state; thus, giving you false information.

 

[treeseer]

The book is $75, and understanding it is needed if you want to be competent. If you just get a quickanddirty method through the web, bear in mind that appraisals sometimes need to be defended in court, and you do not want to go in there without some credibility.

I'm near Raleigh; where are you?

 

[kpb]

I'm in Greensboro. In business for many years - company started by father. Not a certified arborist - nor do I have one on staff. Just old school. I am self educated to a point. I guess I should just refer all inquiries such as this to a certified arborist. Since I have worked for these customers for many years, just wanted to assist them.

 

[RUBE]

"I guess I should just refer all inquiries such as this to a certified arborist."

A registered consulting arborist would be better suited for this task.

 

[treeseer]

"I guess I should just refer all inquiries such as this to a certified arborist."

A registered consulting arborist would be better suited for this task.

yeah probably 70-90% of RCA's could do a good job with it, but maybe only 10-30% of CA's.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

yeah probably 70-90% of RCA's could do a good job with it, but maybe only 10-30% of CA's.

What percentage of the Board Certified Master Arborists from the Triangle Area could do the job?

 

[serial killer]

What percentage of the Board Certified Master Arborists from the Triangle Area could do the job?

I can't imagine that there are more than a handful of BCMAs in the Triangle Area to start with, wherever that is. And I'm sure they are all competent.

I would not try to place a value on any tree unless I was at least a ISA Certified Arborist, simply because you need some sort of credentials to stand behind in court if necessary. A RCA would probably be better suited because they do things like that more often. If I'm not mistaken, the Arborist News magazine just had a nice little 3 part series that gave a sort of review course on tree valuation.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I can't imagine that there are more than a handful of BCMAs in the Triangle Area to start with, wherever that is. And I'm sure they are all competent.

Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill is the NC "Research Triangle Area". Big booming economy with lots of smart rich yuppie types.

This is Guy's Area Of Operation, and he is a BCMA.

Hence the at the end on my response to the quote from him.

 

[ray benson]

Pirone's Tree Maintenance, By John Hartman. Is listed on amazon for 52.00

Here is a couple other sources - from $20 on up.
http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1582381QQcpidZ4878570

http://www.bookfinder4u.com/GetTitl...copies=25&bookname=Pirone*s+Tree+Maintenance

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Pirone's Tree Maintenance, By John Hartman. Is listed on amazon for 52.00

That is OK, but getting the CTLA "Guide For Plant Appraisals" would be better. ISA pub.

 

[treeseer]

the Arborist News magazine just had a nice little 3 part series that gave a sort of review course on tree valuation.

I think it was a 4-parter.:jawdrop: I had a hard time reading it; dealt much more with philosophy than how-to.

TCI mag's August issue will have a ditty on appraising and expert witnessing. Not sure if there will be enough pics to really help tell the tale. I like it ok but i am a bit biased...opcorn:

O and re lightning-struck trees, maybe they are not total losses, so they need repair not appraisal.