By Markis Hill

Do you know how much your tree is worth? Not just the value it provides by triggering your biophilic response, but the actual monetary value it contributes to your home or property?

That’s right, your trees in your landscape contribute to the property value. Large, mature trees are usually worth more than smaller trees, and the exact species, the condition of your tree and its placement can play major roles.

Most tree appraisals are done after damage has already occurred. When that happens, homeowners often must find old photos or witnesses to verify the tree’s size before the damage occurred.

Getting your tree appraised matters for several reasons. Not only because of the contribution to your property value, but also if that tree gets damaged in some way, your property value can change. This matters in disputes between neighbors, when the electricity company decides they need to come “trim” your tree or when a storm splits your tree in half.

This could also help with insurance coverage. Some insurance companies will not insure homes if trees are too close to buildings. If a tree must be removed, it can affect your home’s value and potentially your premiums.

How are they performed? A commercially certified arborist uses several methods to determine the value of your tree. Trees are valued by the species, size and their condition.

For example, fast-growing trees tend to be weak-wooded and may lose branches in windstorms. Repeated damage can make the tree more susceptible to disease and eventually create hazards.

Placement of the tree on your property can also play a major role. Trees growing under or near power lines are often worth less because they require constant maintenance or trimming.

Another factor that influences a tree’s overall value is its replacement cost. A trained arborist will use the trunk formula technique to calculate the value. This works by determining the average replacement cost in the retail market and then sizing it to your tree’s current size. This can be a complicated process that requires historical regional data to complete the calculation.

Who does these appraisals? Commercially certified arborists perform these appraisals. This is not a job for a tree-cutting business.

Appraisals are often used in small claims courts or to settle insurance claims. A certified specialist would need to be able to justify the appraised value. But there is good news: a handful of companies in the Kansas City metro perform these appraisals.

If you are looking to see if a business has a certified commercial arborist on staff, visit kansasarborist.com. This website will list every arborist in the state of Kansas, their location and the business they are affiliated with.

Think about learning what your tree is worth before damage strikes.

Markis Hill is the Horticulture, Ornamentals and Turf Agent at K-State Extension Johnson County.