What Are Trees Worth?
What Property Owners, Investors, and Attorneys Need to Understand
Trees can be priceless — until someone cuts one down. Then, questions arise:
What was that tree actually worth? Who decides? And how do you recover that loss?
These are the issues tackled in the white paper “Who Knows the Value of a Tree?” by Thomas J. McManus, a consulting arborist and expert in tree valuation and damage claims. His report offers deep insight into how trees are legally, environmentally, and economically evaluated — and why most property owners don’t know their rights or the true value of the greenery on their land.
Below, we break down the key takeaways of the report and provide actionable advice for anyone managing land, real estate, or liability concerns involving trees.
🌳 Trees Are Valuable Assets — Economically, Aesthetically, and Ecologically
“To many property owners, a mature tree is not just an amenity — it’s an irreplaceable part of the landscape.”
McManus emphasizes that trees contribute to:
Property value (as much as 10–20%)
Energy savings (from shade and wind protection)
Environmental impact (carbon sequestration, erosion control, stormwater management)
Aesthetic and emotional benefits
✅ Actionable Tip:
Have mature trees on your property appraised. Their value may be significant in case of future damage or disputes — especially in urban or suburban neighborhoods.
⚖️ Legal Framework: Damage to Trees Can Be Compensated — If You Know How to Prove It
One of the most critical findings from the report is the legal recognition of tree value in many jurisdictions. Courts often require:
A qualified arborist’s report
A tree valuation method accepted by legal standards (like the CTLA Guide for Plant Appraisal)
Evidence that connects tree loss to measurable property or economic damage
Yet, McManus notes that most lawyers, insurance companies, and even judges undervalue or overlook these claims due to lack of awareness or documentation.
✅ Actionable Tip:
If a tree is removed, damaged, or killed due to negligence (e.g., construction, chemical runoff, or storm cleanup), consult a certified arborist immediately. You may have grounds for a claim.
📏 How Tree Value Is Calculated: Size, Species, Condition, and Location
The valuation process uses multiple factors:
Species (some are more valuable than others)
Trunk diameter (larger trees = higher value)
Condition/health
Location (urban trees are often worth more than rural ones)
McManus stresses that these factors are applied using standardized formulas, but the key is professional documentation.
✅ Actionable Tip:
Keep annual tree assessments as part of your property management plan. This creates a baseline record for value and health in case of future damage or insurance claims.
📉 Tree Damage Can Affect Property Sale Value, Insurance, and Development Potential
McManus shares real-world case studies where tree loss led to:
Lower property appraisals
Delayed real estate closings
Insurance disputes
Lawsuits from neighbors
✅ Actionable Tip:
Before buying or selling property, especially land or homes with mature trees:
Have an arborist inspect and document tree inventory
Include this information in disclosures and appraisals
Use it as a selling point to demonstrate long-term value
👷 Contractors and Utility Companies Are Often the Culprits
One key insight is that most tree losses happen due to untrained contractors, utility work, or heavy equipment damage. McManus urges landowners to require tree protection measures in contracts and site plans.
✅ Actionable Tip:
Always use contractors who understand tree protection zones (TPZs) and will consult an arborist during excavation, trenching, or landscaping work.
💡 Bottom Line: Knowing the Value of Your Trees Is a Smart Legal and Financial Move
McManus’s report makes it clear: if you wait until a tree is lost, it’s already too late. Real estate professionals, landowners, and attorneys need to treat trees as assets, not just scenery.
🌿 Final Takeaways for Property Owners and Investors
Document your trees now — trunk size, species, and condition.
Work with an ISA Certified Arborist familiar with tree valuation.
Protect mature trees during all construction, landscaping, or development.
Consider legal recovery if someone harms or removes your tree without permission.
Leverage trees in property listings and appraisals — they are part of your portfolio's return.
Need expert help protecting your trees or appraising their value?
Reach out to trusted, professional arborists like Top Branch Tree Service, Maine’s leader in tree care, valuation, and landscape impact services.
To read the study yourself click here: https://www.jurispro.com/files/articles/whoknowsthevalueofatree_6082.pdf