This is a Home owner'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.
Many people don’t realize, however, 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 (a process known as valuation).
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 Valuated
Seek the advice of professionals in this industry who have developed a set of
guidelines for the valuation. Such 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 definition can include such
events 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 home owner’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 these steps are wise investments and well
worth the cost you may incur for the inspection.
Four Factors in Professional Valuation of Trees and Other Plants
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 assessed by professionals who
use a specialized appraisal formula.
Species or classification. 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. 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.
Condition. The professional will also consider the condition of the plant.
Obviously, a healthy, well-maintained plant has a higher value. Roots, trunk,
branches, and buds need to be inspected
Location. Functional considerations are important. A tree in your yard may be
worth more than one growing in the woods. A tree standing alone often has a
higher value than one in a group. A tree near your house or one that is a focal
point in your landscape tends to have more value. The site, placement, and
contribution of a tree to the overall landscape 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, whether for insurance purposes,
court testimony in lawsuits, or tax deductions.
Checklist
These steps should be taken 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. Pictures make “before and after” comparisons easier
and expedite the processing of insurance claims or deductions for losses on
federal tax forms. - Check your insurance. In most cases, the amount of an allowable claim for
any one tree or shrub is a maximum of $500. - For insurance, legal, and income tax purposes, keep accurate records of
your landscape and real estate appraisals on any losses. - 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.
| Tree Values |
| US TREE SERVICE |
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