Re: historic tree appraisal
decah@ix.netcom.com
Fri, 1 Nov 1996 18:56:53 -0600
Use the basic trunk formula method, and check with a
"reasonableness test" against property value. Also get
a real estate appraisal. The real estate appraiser does
not have to have a special interest in trees, in my
opinion. They simply look at the fair market value of
the land with and without the tree. Most people do not
have special knowledge about trees like you, so the
property must be appraised as per an "average person".
Items for reasonableness test: Assessed value of subject
property from property tax assessor. Relationship to true
market value (assessor provides average %). Estimated
true market value. Total landscape contribution (%)
(literature states between 7-25% of property value).
Landscape contribution of subject tree (%) (A single tree
cannot be worth more than 15%). Obtain these three
appraisals - your trunk method, the reasonabless test,
and the real estate appraiser's and see what the powers
to be agree upon. And remember, tree appraisal is still
somewhat of a flaky business. Debbie Ellis, Saratoga CA.
contribution of sub