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FAQ How Much is My Tree Worth??

By
Real Estate Agent with Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified #1 in Forest Land Mgmt

FAQ  How Much is My Tree Worth??measuring trees

A question that every forester is asked often is how much a particular tree is worth. 

Well it depends…

A lot of factors come into play when we appraise a tree including location, type of tree, size of the tree, condition of the tree, and of course what is the tree’s highest and best use.

 

sara cruising timberTimber Value (for Forest trees)

For many trees, especially those growing in the forest naturally, the most appropriate price is that of its forest products, we call this stumpage value.

Stumpage value is the value of the tree as it presently stands and is based on species, size, condition and what the market in the particular area is likely to pay for this tree and the products that is will produce.

Depending on the stage in life that the tree is in, we sometimes use current value, and sometimes use future values and determine, the net present value based on future value, growth, inflation, interest, and projected future markets.

 

yard treeAesthetic Value (for yard trees and recreational area trees)

These are the expensive trees, even though a yard tree is worth nearly nothing for its timber value, its value for aesthetics is immeasurable, unless of course you bring in a Forester who is trained and experienced in appraising trees for their aesthetic value.

yard treeFor these priceless gems that shade our homes and brighten our day, we need a Forester who can determine the total value of the tree bases on the International Society of Arboriculture’s appraisal formulas.

These trees are valued based on what type of area they are growing in, a residential yard, a park, a small patch of trees in your far back yard, a visual break, etc.

They are also valued on the species, size and condition of the tree as well as the area of the country that the tree is located in.

 

forestWhen you need to determine the value of the Forest that you are buying or selling, or if tragedy strikes and you need to determine the value of your favorite tree that your neighbor cut down, give us a call and we can help.

We are experts at tree and forest appraisal as well as expert witnesses.

Bob Crane

Woodland Management Service

Comments (39)

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

The value of the tree is only the tip of the iceberg. The cost to get it removed, without scarring the landscape, causing erosion and silt, debris dumped into the watershed that can affect a lake ten miles away and choke the fish. The removal is a surgeon's skill and like in any profession, there are different levels of competence. Giving the land to your kids in better condition, the next generation than you received it. That is respect, good stewardship.

Jun 29, 2013 01:08 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Great information Bob. There is value in trees for harvesting but just because they are large doesn't mean they have much value.

Jun 29, 2013 02:02 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Bob - This has been an excellent series on forestry, full of interesting information and insight. Thanks.

Jun 29, 2013 03:31 AM
Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Very interesting article on trees.  Thanks for sharing on Active Rain.  Unique info to pass onto clients.

Jun 29, 2013 03:33 AM
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Best Hawaii Realtor!

Several years ago, a big developer went around gathering PALM trees and needed a few HUNDRED.  He paid from 500-1500 for each tree!  My client had a FAN PALM that was 12 feet tall and he sold it for $2500.

Jun 29, 2013 04:24 AM
Brad MacKenzie
Brad MacKenzie - Duxbury, MA
Turning Houses into Homes on the South Shore

That's really interesting. And useful information. Thanks for sharing that!

Jun 29, 2013 04:55 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

I have a Japenase Maple in my yard.  I LOVE IT . . . but the idiots that lived here prior to me planted it TOO CLOSE to the chimney and it's back side is stunted and it doesn't grow full.  It's a shame and I want to transplant it so that the fullness of it's beauty can unfold.  And I hear you about value.  This is an expensive tree.  Good stewardship is the key! (And look at you and the Features of late!!)

Jun 29, 2013 04:55 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Bob-Your post just goes to show things of value can be appraised. The principals used for tree appraisals sounds similar to the appraisal for houses.

Jun 29, 2013 05:05 AM
Roseanne Campagna
John L. Scott RE Maple Valley, WA - Maple Valley, WA
Kent/DesMoines/Blk Diamond/Renton/Maple Valley, WA

Now I'm hooked. Signing up for your blog... interesting stuff. Thank you

Jun 29, 2013 05:41 AM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

I hate to take down a living tree, but my parents once had a black walnut (I think) that was hitting the roof and pulling up the sidewalk at the same time. Got some money for it and I remember my parents being quite pleased....

Jun 29, 2013 07:32 AM
Mark Artesani
Keller Williams Realty - Fountain Valley, CA
Huntington & Newport Beach, Fountain Valley Homes

Bob,

Mostly Palm trees around here. Never knew how to price them Thanks

Jun 29, 2013 08:28 AM
Jimmy Faulkner
Florida. Homes Realty & Mortgage - Wantagh, NY
The Best Of St. Augustine

Great topic and written very well. Some of the information is very new to me and I love the tree shown in the town. Buying the right tree is a decision I would leave to a pro and not myself. Thanks

Jun 29, 2013 10:58 AM
Adrian Willanger
206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com - Seattle, WA
Profit from my two decades of experience
Bob-I live in an an urban area with lots of evergreens, of which the homeowners are very protective of. Thanks for your post, good stuff.
Jun 29, 2013 11:55 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

This is a very informative post.  I had no idea how one goes about giving  value to a tree or trees.

Jun 29, 2013 12:52 PM
Roger Stensland
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound - Maple Valley, WA
Let's Move!

A friend of mine purchased 5 acres and later harvested some of the timber and raised enough money to pay for the land.  Not too bad. 

Jun 29, 2013 02:23 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

Interesting to know about this-I wasn't aware of the appraisal value of specific trees, especially decorative ones.

Jun 29, 2013 02:28 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for the information. I sold a home where there is atree too close to the house and they were going to cut it down.

Jun 29, 2013 09:08 PM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Hi Bob! I have wondered what is the value of a front yard tree. Especially wondered after the neighbors lost two trees in the past 30 years. One was a Red Maple and the other, a Norway Maple. Both trees were planted in the city section by the curb and in the same hole. They were beautiful and yet, they both died. Made me nervous as our large and beautiful maple tree is 30 years old and we live just across the street from the above property.

Sep 30, 2014 11:03 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Bob Crane 
Lots mor to trees than just leaf color! You explained about the different aspects in a clear fashion.  All the best - Lynn

Aug 21, 2017 11:04 PM
The Woodland Team of Texas
The Woodland Companies - Austin, TX
Land Specialists

Hi Bob, I am enjoying going through some of your early blog posts and reposts and getting ready to start doing some posts myself soon.

Feb 21, 2019 08:24 PM