From The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Trees are probably the most valuable landscape feature we store on our properties. Not just fiscally but for more reasons than we probably expect.
Yet, even if we ONLY consider their monetary value we might be in for a bit of a surprise. Those trees you once thought were just nice trees might actually hold some value.
There are many ways landscapers can appraise the value of a tree. This article offers three suggestions, so I thought I might run the numbers using my three Silver Birch Trees that reside in our front garden. Initially we bought them from a local nursery for $50 each but three years on they are now worth much more.
Method #1 - Comparable Sales
I'm not sure that there are two many people willing to buy fully matured Silver Birches. They have a fast growth rate and these have reached maturity within 3 years.
Method #2 - Value Loss to the Property
This is a very interesting method of appraising a trees value because it differs greatly on the property's value. But, let's run the figures and then we'll discuss it.
In determining a value by this method there are 3 factors which are considered;
So, for this property the figures would look like this;
Fair market value of the property = $500,000
Value of landscape = 7%
Landscape impact loss = 5%$500,000 x .07 x.05 = $1,750
Therefore my three birches would have a value of $1,750. But what would happen if those same size trees were taken from a similar sized house in a lesser valued suburb;
Fair market value of the property = $300,000
Value of landscape = 7%
Landscape impact loss = 5%$300,000 x .07 x.05 = $1,050
You could save yourself $700 by getting mature trees from the cheaper end of town. It all depends on the properties value.
Method #3 - Reasonable Restoration
The final method is trying to deduce what it would cost to restore these trees if they were damaged or removed with a similar sized tree. This method also uses three variables in determining a value;
This value could be anything from the original $150 spent up to a few hundred dollars.
Yet Another Method - Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers Method
Out of all of the methods, this one seems to be a bit more scientific - well...as scientific as it can get. The method is based on current valuations from nursery stock set against these four criteria: the species of tree, the geographic area where the tree is located, the species' ability to adapt to the geographic location and the species' desirability in the landscape.
So, based on 2003 figures (which have been used in the report), Betula pendula has a 40% species class rating and their trunk sizes are greater than 5.0 inches. This equates to each of my silver birches valuing at $700 each, or a total of $2100 at 2003 prices.
Conclusion
Based on these four methods, my silver birches could be valued at anywhere between $150 and $2100 - quite a significant price variation. In reality it probably more depends on what someone is willing to pay for them to be uprooted, transported and then the inherent transplant risk to have them placed in their garden.
And just to add something more to the pot, we haven't even considered the GREEN value of these trees and whether this will have an impact on landscaping values in the future. If it did, then my fast growing betulas may be worth even more.
Trees are probably the most valuable landscape feature we store on our properties. Not just fiscally but for more reasons than we probably expect.
Yet, even if we ONLY consider their monetary value we might be in for a bit of a surprise. Those trees you once thought were just nice trees might actually hold some value.
There are many ways landscapers can appraise the value of a tree. This article offers three suggestions, so I thought I might run the numbers using my three Silver Birch Trees that reside in our front garden. Initially we bought them from a local nursery for $50 each but three years on they are now worth much more.
Method #1 - Comparable Sales
I'm not sure that there are two many people willing to buy fully matured Silver Birches. They have a fast growth rate and these have reached maturity within 3 years.
Method #2 - Value Loss to the Property
This is a very interesting method of appraising a trees value because it differs greatly on the property's value. But, let's run the figures and then we'll discuss it.
In determining a value by this method there are 3 factors which are considered;
So, for this property the figures would look like this;
Fair market value of the property = $500,000
Value of landscape = 7%
Landscape impact loss = 5%$500,000 x .07 x.05 = $1,750
Therefore my three birches would have a value of $1,750. But what would happen if those same size trees were taken from a similar sized house in a lesser valued suburb;
Fair market value of the property = $300,000
Value of landscape = 7%
Landscape impact loss = 5%$300,000 x .07 x.05 = $1,050
You could save yourself $700 by getting mature trees from the cheaper end of town. It all depends on the properties value.
Method #3 - Reasonable Restoration
The final method is trying to deduce what it would cost to restore these trees if they were damaged or removed with a similar sized tree. This method also uses three variables in determining a value;
This value could be anything from the original $150 spent up to a few hundred dollars.
Yet Another Method - Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers Method
Out of all of the methods, this one seems to be a bit more scientific - well...as scientific as it can get. The method is based on current valuations from nursery stock set against these four criteria: the species of tree, the geographic area where the tree is located, the species' ability to adapt to the geographic location and the species' desirability in the landscape.
So, based on 2003 figures (which have been used in the report), Betula pendula has a 40% species class rating and their trunk sizes are greater than 5.0 inches. This equates to each of my silver birches valuing at $700 each, or a total of $2100 at 2003 prices.
Conclusion
Based on these four methods, my silver birches could be valued at anywhere between $150 and $2100 - quite a significant price variation. In reality it probably more depends on what someone is willing to pay for them to be uprooted, transported and then the inherent transplant risk to have them placed in their garden.
And just to add something more to the pot, we haven't even considered the GREEN value of these trees and whether this will have an impact on landscaping values in the future. If it did, then my fast growing betulas may be worth even more.
Akvavit – What’s not to like?
April Winchell – LA has everything and it’s not fair.
Campaign for Real Beauty – Dove deserves much credit for their non-profit work with girls.
Church of the Masses – Interesting media reviews from a Catholic screenwriter.
Drive By Truckers – A bit precious but great band.
Funny The World – Wonderful daily blog.
Meg In A Box – Or “In a New Box”, fascinating personal blog.
Nomadics – Oasis-like literary site emphasizes translations and spins off in surprising directions.
The Obscure Store – Funny trivia.
Olde Wash – You should visit this shrine.
Presurfer – A needle in a haystack of needles.
Wonderful Pig Knowledge – What’s not to like?
Depending on the season orchids may need to be watered every 4 to 7 days. The media they are grown in also plays a part.
Let your orchid reach a “point of dryness” but not completely bone dry. One good method (for orchids and house plants) is to thoroughly water your plant and gauge its weight, then when it is time to water gauge the weight again. How much time has passed between waterings?
Whatever you do DO NOT allow your orchid to sit in water, make sure all water drains thoroughly!
Beware that orchids when in flower may require more water as the flowers do pull some moisture and energy. Orchids when not actively growing will require less water which is usually during the winter months.
In the the growing season during the spring and summer months orchids do require more water, but more water will not make up for a weak or poor root system. Roots need to be plump and alive.
Orchids with softer, thinner foliage in general require more water than varieties with “harder” leaves. Dendrobiums and Cattleyas for example need to dry out more than Phalaenopsis varieties before watering.
Orchids are not any more difficult to care for than other house plants. Phalaenopsis – the Moth Orchid – can hold flowers for 3 to 4 months.
