What is your tree actually worth?
A formal, defensible dollar valuation of your trees for insurance claims, legal disputes, property damage, condemnation, and tax purposes — prepared to the professional standard courts and insurers expect.
When a tree becomes a financial or legal question, a guess will not do. Insurers, opposing attorneys, government agencies, and courts all scrutinize the number — and a number without a recognized methodology behind it rarely survives that scrutiny.
I prepare tree appraisals in Kansas City and the surrounding region using the methods set out in the Guide for Plant Appraisal (10th Edition), published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA). Every appraisal documents the tree, the method, the inputs, and the reasoning, so the value holds up when someone challenges it. Mature shade trees in this region regularly appraise in the tens of thousands of dollars — often many times what an insurer or agency first offers.
When you need a tree appraisal
The common triggers: a storm or accident destroyed a valuable tree and an insurance claim needs substantiation. A contractor or neighbor damaged or removed trees on or near your property line. A city or state road project is condemning right-of-way through your trees and the offer seems low. A casualty loss needs documentation for tax purposes. Or litigation is underway and the tree’s value is contested.
The common thread is that someone — an insurer, an opposing party, an agency, a court — is going to challenge the number. That is what separates a professional appraisal from a casual estimate.
What you get
A formal written appraisal report: the tree’s measurements and condition, the valuation method used and why, the calculations, photographic documentation, and a final appraised value. The methodology follows the CTLA Guide for Plant Appraisal — reproduction method, functional replacement method, or repair method, whichever fits your situation — so the value is grounded in the recognized professional standard rather than an opinion.
Reports are written to be read by non-arborists: adjusters, attorneys, judges, and agency reviewers. Fees are quoted flat, up front, based on the number of trees and the complexity of the assignment.
How it works
A short conversation to understand the situation and scope. A site visit for field measurements, condition assessment, and photographs. Analysis and valuation using the appropriate CTLA technique. A formal written report, delivered as a PDF, typically within one to two weeks depending on complexity.
If the matter proceeds to negotiation or litigation, I can support the appraisal with expert witness services.
Questions I hear a lot.
How much is a mature tree worth?
It depends on species, size, condition, and location, but far more than most people expect. A large, healthy shade tree in good condition can appraise for tens of thousands of dollars under CTLA methodology. The appraisal process exists to turn "it depends" into a specific, documented, defensible number.
The city or state offered me a small amount for trees in a road project. Is that negotiable?
Often, yes. Agency offers for trees in condemned right-of-way are frequently based on generic land-value formulas rather than a professional tree appraisal. An independent CTLA appraisal establishes what the trees are actually worth, and that documentation gives you a factual basis for negotiation or legal proceedings.
Will insurance cover the appraised value of my tree?
Policies vary, and many cap tree coverage well below appraised value. But a professional appraisal is still the foundation of any claim, casualty-loss deduction, or recovery action against a responsible third party. Your adjuster, accountant, or attorney will tell you how the number can be used; my job is to make the number defensible.
What methodology do you use?
The Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition, published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers — the recognized professional standard. Depending on the situation, that means the reproduction method, functional replacement method, or repair method, using techniques such as the trunk formula technique for trees too large to replace directly.
What does a tree appraisal cost?
Fees are flat and quoted up front after a short conversation about scope — primarily the number of trees and the complexity of the assignment. There is no charge for the initial conversation, and I will tell you honestly if an appraisal is not worth pursuing in your situation.
Tell me about your situation.
Every assignment starts with a short conversation. Describe what's going on, and I'll tell you honestly whether you need this service, something simpler, or nothing at all.