Question
Hi,

I hope you can help me out.

I recently lost two mature, 100-120 ft pine trees in a hurricane. (They were yanked up by the root ball). The diameter of the trunks was about 24".

My CPA is asking for a rough dollar estimate of what that loss might be. Do you have any idea?

Thanks very, very much.  

Answer
Mike:
Tree valuation is very subjective and depends a lot on their condition at the time they were lost, value your local zoning ordinances may give for trees (if you have such), the location of the tree, its uniqueness and what if any benefits the tree provided such as reduced energy costs from shading, aesthetic value, etc. Where there 30 other trees or was this the only one, etc. etc. I would need to see the tree it self and know how old it was, weather it was sick or damaged in any way, etc.
If you have good pictures or the tree is still in your yard a local arborist might be able to give you a more detailed and better estimate in person. Some insurance adjusters are also arborist and can do this.
In general though pines are usually not that valuable.  Unless these were truly unique and amazing trees it is likely the value will only be a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars.
Sorry but this is the best I can do over the net. You really need to hire an arborist or adjuster in your area.

PS. Here in Atlanta pines are worthless unless it was like the only tree in the yard and it was shading the south side of the house and was in great shape. Then and only then it might be worth $800.

I hope that helps. Good Luck with insurance and taxes. Stick it to'em if you can.

Sean J Murphy, RLA, ISA, LEED AP

www.seanjmurphy.com
www.amenityarchitects.com
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