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This brochure is a homeowner's guide to
planning for, evaluating, and reducing
possible financial losses on trees, specimen
shrubs, and evergreens.
What Are Your Trees Worth?
Almost everyone knows that trees and other
living plants are valuable. They beautify our
surroundings, purify our air, act as sound
barriers, manufacture precious oxygen, and
help us save energy through their cooling
shade in summer and their wind reduction in
winter.
However, many people don't realize that plants
have a dollar value of their own that can be
measured by competent plant appraisers.
If your trees or shrubs are damaged or
destroyed, you may be able to recapture your
loss through an insurance claim or as a
deduction from your federal income tax.
Some Practical Advice
Here is some practical advice that may help
you find out what your trees and plants are
worth.
Planning for Highest Value
A professional in the tree, nursery, or
landscape industry can help you plan, develop,
install, and care for all of your trees and plants
so that each of them will be worth more to you.
How Your Trees and Shrubs Are Evaluated
Seek the advice of professionals in this field
who have developed a set of guidelines for
the evaluation. These guidelines have been
widely adopted in the field and are recognized
by insurance companies, the courts, and in
some cases, the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS).
What to Do If You Suffer Loss or Damage to
Your Landscape Plants A casualty loss is
defined by the IRS as ". . . a loss resulting from
an identifiable event of sudden, unexpected
or unusual nature." This can include such
things as vehicular accidents, storms, floods,
lightning, vandalism, or even air and soil
pollution.
If you suffer damage to trees or landscaping
from any type of casualty, first consult your
homeowner's insurance policy to determine
the amount and kind of coverage. Contact the
insurance company to have an appraisal made
by a competent tree and landscape
professional who is experienced in plant
appraisal. Have the appraisal made right after
your loss or damage. The tree and landscape
appraiser accomplishes many things for you.
The professional can see things you might
miss, help correct damage, and prescribe
remedies you may be able to do yourself. The
appraiser will establish the amount of your
loss in financial terms, including the cost of
removing debris and making repairs as well as
replacements. All of this is a wise investment,
and well worth the cost you may incur for the
inspection.
Four Factors in Professional
Evaluation of Trees and Other Plants
1. Tree size. Sometimes the size and age of a
tree are such that it cannot be replaced. Trees
that are too large to be replaced should be
evaluated by professionals who use a
specialized appraisal formula.
2. The kind of tree (or its classification).
Choose the species for its utility and
adaptability. Tree values vary according to
your region, the "hardiness" zone, and even
state and local conditions. If you are not
familiar with these variables, be sure your
advice comes from a competent source.
Trees that are hardy, durable, highly adaptable,
and free from objectionable characteristics are
most valuable. They require less maintenance;
they have sturdy, well-shaped branches, and
pleasing foliage.
3. Condition of the tree, shrub, or plant. The
professional will also consider the condition of
the plant. Obviously, a healthy, well-maintained
plant will have a higher value. Roots, trunk,
branches, and buds need to be inspected
before determining tree condition.
4. Location of the plant. There are functional
considerations as well as aesthetic. This is
where location factors into the evaluation. A
tree in your yard may be worth more than one
growing in the woods. One standing alone will
often have a higher value than one in a group.
A tree near your house or one which is a focal
point in your landscape tends to have more
value. The site, placement, and contribution of
a tree help determine the overall value of the
plant attributable to location.
All of these factors can be measured in dollars
and cents. They can determine the value of a
tree, specimen shrubs or evergreens, and
whether for insurance purposes, court
testimony in lawsuits, or for tax deductions.
The value of trees for their aesthetic functions
is obvious. Many other less obvious functions
contributing to the value of trees are
illustrated here.
Checklist
These are steps to take before and after any
casualty loss to your trees and landscape.
Taking them can improve the value of your
investment in nature's green, growing gifts,
and prevent financial loss should they be
damaged or destroyed.
• Plan your landscaping for both beauty and
functional value.
• Protect and preserve to maintain value.
• Take pictures of trees and other landscape
plants now while they are healthy and
vigorous. This makes "before and after"
comparisons easier and will expedite the
processing of insurance and/or IRS claims.
• Check your insurance. In most cases, the
amount of an allowable claim for any one tree
or shrub is a maximum of $500.
• Keep accurate records of your landscape and
real estate appraisals on any losses for
insurance, legal, and income tax purposes.
• Consult your local Plant Health Care
professional at every stage in the life cycle of
your landscape (planning, planting, care) and
to make sure you do not suffer needless
financial loss when a casualty strikes.
Information for this brochure was taken from
the companion publications Guide for Plant
Appraisal and Manual for Plant Appraisers,
available from the International Society of
Arboriculture.
For Additional Information
This brochure is one in a series published by
the International Society of Arboriculture as
part of its Consumer Information Program.
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Why Hire an Arborist
Tree Benefits
Tree Values
Tree Selection
Buying High Quality Trees
Avoiding Tree & Utility Conflicts
New Tree Planting
Mature Tree Care
Plant Health Care
Trees and Turf
Proper Mulching Techniques
Pruning Young Trees
Pruning Mature Trees
Why Topping Hurts Trees
Insect & Disease Problems
Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction
Treatment of Trees Damaged by Construction