I’m on an educational HIGH right now! I just got done with the Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ) course hosted by the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) in collaboration with the Kentucky Arborist Association. This course, led by Bill Fountain, a legend in the tree care industry, was nothing short of phenomenal.
While I have performed well over 100 tree and plant appraisals, this course helped refine my techniques, ensuring I stay at the forefront of the most accurate and defensible appraisal practices. I walked away with a renewed appreciation for the complexity of tree valuation and the importance of using up-to-date methodologies, particularly the 10th Edition Revised of the Guide for Plant Appraisal—something that, unfortunately, not all arborists adhere to.
Why Would Someone Need a Tree Appraisal?
Believe it or not, Trees really do hold real property value, but why would someone need to know the value of their tree(s) you ask? Well, there are actually many reasons, including:
- Litigation & Legal Disputes – When trees are unlawfully removed, damaged, or impacted by neighboring construction, the affected party may seek compensation for the loss.
- Insurance Claims – Trees can be significant assets on a property. If a tree is lost due to a covered event (such as a storm or vandalism), an appraisal determines its insurable value.
- Eminent Domain & Land Development – If a government agency or developer takes land for infrastructure projects (like gas/sewer pipes or utility lines), property owners may be entitled to compensation for lost vegetation.
- Real Estate & Property Valuation – Trees contribute to property value. A well-landscaped property may be worth significantly more than one without mature trees.
- Mitigation & Environmental Impact Reports – Appraisals are often required when tree preservation is mandated by municipal ordinances or environmental laws.
- Tax & Estate Planning – Significant tree assets may impact estate valuation and taxation.
Common Tree & Plant Appraisal Methods
There are actually SEVERAL methods of tree and plant appraisal, and each have their specific purpose; but selecting the appropriate one depends on the context of the valuation. The Guide for Plant Appraisal (10th edition revised), published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA), outlines the primary approaches:
1. Cost Approach
This method determines the replacement cost of a tree or plant. It considers what it would cost to replace a tree with a similar species, size, and function. This approach is commonly used in insurance claims and legal cases involving wrongful tree removal.
2. Income Approach
Used primarily for commercial orchards, timberland, or nursery stock – basically anything involving the financial contribution of a tree or plant to income generation over time. This is crucial for cases where trees provide agricultural or business-related value.
3. Sales Comparison Technique – This method determines tree value based on comparable sales of similar trees and/or real estate in a given market. It is frequently used in real estate and landscape appraisals where mature trees contribute to curb appeal and overall property value. This approach ensures valuation reflects real-world market demand for specific tree species, sizes, and conditions, and uses several in-depth research studies as a foundation for determining a plant/tree’s value.
Why Hiring a T-PAQ Qualified Consulting Arborist Matters
Not all appraisals are created equal…. I cannot overstate how valuable the T-PAQ qualification is in refining appraisal techniques and ensuring accuracy, and here’s why:
- Staying Current on Industry Standards – Many consulting arborists are still relying on outdated editions of appraisal guides. I recently encountered another ASCA RCA (Registered Consulting Arborist) using the 9th edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal to undervalue a tree loss case, even though the 10th edition revised is now the recognized standard. This knowledge gap can significantly impact a legal case.
- Defensible & Accurate Appraisals – In legal cases, details matter. A qualified T-PAQ appraiser ensures that every valuation is well-documented, compliant with current standards, and backed by professional methodology.
- Stronger Litigation Support – If a case goes to court, appraisal methodology can be challenged. A properly trained consulting arborist ensures that all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed, making it much harder for opposing counsel to dispute a valuation…. And believe me, THEY. WILL. DO. ANYTHING to devalue your trees if it means being liable for less compensation!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with a legal dispute, insurance claim, or property valuation, hiring an arborist with the Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (T-PAQ) ensures the most accurate, up-to-date, and defensible appraisal. The techniques I refined in the course will allow me to deliver even stronger valuations and ensure my clients receive the compensation they deserve for tree losses.
If you need a professional tree appraisal or expert consultation, make sure you’re working with an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist who understands modern appraisal standards and how to apply them effectively … and I’m always happy to help you myself too!
If you need help with your unique tree needs, shoot me a message on our website at www.arboristondemand.com, and for more up-to-date information about the trees that you love and live under, come follow us on our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@ArboristOnDemand
My Best,
Matt Latham
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #TX-3737B
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #859
www.arboristondemand.com
in**@**************nd.org
