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Toll-Free: (800) 461-5539
Phone: (509) 886-1566
Fax: (509) 884-5464
Address:
Mail:
PO Box 75
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Physical:
4857 Contractors Drive
E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
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Tree Values
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 help
beautify our surroundings, purify our air, act as sound barriers, manufacture precious
oxygen, 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 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 arrange for them 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. He 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 and replacements. All this is a wise
investment, well worth the cost you may incur for the inspection.
Four Factors in Professional Evaluation of Trees and Other Plants:
- 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.
- The kind of tree (or its classification). Choose the species for its utility
and its 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 which are hardy, durable, highly adaptable, and free from objectionable characteristics
are worth the most. They require less maintenance; they have sturdy, well-shaped
branches and pleasing foliage.
- Condition of the tree, shrub or plant. The professional also will 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.
- Location of the plant. There are functional considerations as well as aesthetic.
This is where location enters into the evaluation. A tree in your yard may be worth
more than one growing in the woods. One standing alone will often value higher 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, and can determine the
value of a tree, specimen shrubs or evergreens, 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 if they should 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 appraisals and real estate appraisals
for any losses --- for insurance, legal and income tax purposes.
- Consult your local Plant Health Care professional at every stage in the life
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.
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