Description
Tree valuation presents a unique challenge to the arborist, forester, and appraiser because various approaches to value—such as tree trunk formulas, cost of replacement, and cost to cure—can produce widely disparate results. If tree values are not properly tied to overall property value, value conclusions can become excessive, drive up insurance costs, and contribute to inequity and inconsistency across the industry.
A Practical Guide to Tree Appraisal gives tree professionals the tools to ensure that tree values correspond to the land on which they grow. When the sum of the parts does not exceed the whole, the result is a realistic value that is properly anchored to the real estate market. With guidance for appraising residential trees, forest trees, Christmas and orchard trees, and trees on public land, this book is filled with real-world cases and practical examples for anyone faced with the challenge of placing a value on trees.
Ed Steigerwaldt is a forester, arborist, real estate appraiser, and Christmas tree grower with over 40 years’ experience in land and tree valuation. His daughter, Lee, is also a forester, arborist, and appraiser. Together they operate Steigerwaldt Land Services, a forestry and real estate firm that provides consulting services to clients in the Midwest and beyond. They frequently serve as expert witnesses in tree appraisal litigation and give presentations on the importance of realistic tree appraisals.
