How Much Are My Trees Worth?

The best way to determine the value of the trees on your property is to find out the retail replacement of similar sized trees at your local nursery. Make sure the quote includes planting and a one-year guarantee.

Tree experts sometimes use a formula method of estimating a tree's value based on its size and other factors. This method is especially useful for trees that are too mature to compare with nursery stock.

First, determine an average base value by measuring the diameter (in inches) of the tree's trunk 4-1/2 feet from the ground. Here are some average base values of trees of various sizes:

Diameter at 4-1/2 feet 10 inches = Average base value $1,72

Diameter at 4-1/2 feet 14 inches = Average base value $3,38

Diameter at 4-1/2 feet 26 inches = Average base value $11,68

Diameter at 4-1/2 feet 30 inches = Average base value $15,55

Adjust these figures for the species, location, and condition of your tree as follows:

Species Value
100% for the best types of trees for your area.
70% for less desirable species.

Location
100% for yard tree.
90% for a tree 15 to 20 feet from the corner of the house.
70% for one that is too close to the sidewalk, or directly in front of a picture window.

Condition
The health of your tree will obviously influence its value. Has it retained its natural shape or has it been degraded by bad pruning? Does it have a full canopy with many leaves and branches? If so, give it 100%. If not, decrease the percentage accordingly.

Add these three percentages together and divide by 3. Multiply the resulting percentage by the dollar figure you noted according to the diameter above, and that will give you a good general idea of the monetary value of your tree.

You may want to document your tree for appraisal purposes. Record the tree's diameter, species and age, if you know it. Take several photographs from a distance of 15 to 20 feet. Take several shots looking up the tree's canopy from beside the trunk. Keep detailed records of maintenance performed on the tree for future reference.

Excerpted from Growing Greener Cities, A Tree Planting Handbook, by Global ReLeaf, Living Planet Press, Los Angeles, 1992.