If you’re like most of us, you probably don’t look at your trees and think, “Hmm—how much are these worth?” And if you were to ask that, you may wonder, “How could I even calculate a dollar value?”  

Often, it doesn’t really matter…until it does.

When is it important, then? Maybe your trees have been vandalized, or illegally removed, or struck by a vehicle, and you’ve initiated a claim with your insurance company. Maybe chemicals have drifted or leached from a neighboring property, damaging or killing them. Perhaps they’ve been hit by a storm or wildfire. Or maybe you’re just curious how they affect the value of your property.

In any case, there are guidelines for their valuation. As an ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified arborist, following the CTLA’s Guide for Plant Appraisal (10th Edition), I can help.

The process usually starts with a site visit, during which you and I discuss the situation and all relevant details. Next, I’ll gather as much useful data as possible. This can include physical measurements (height, trunk diameter, crown spread), as well as tree condition ratings—based on qualitative factors such as health, structure, and form, as well as site-, locality-, and species-specific limitations.

From here, I will crunch numbers and produce a formal report. The outcome of my appraisal will be determined by the most applicable and reasonable form of valuation.