Should trees be appraised individually and counted on the property value appraisal?

Question

MANY of my clients have expressed their disgust at the loss of trees or more often, one specific tree of which they had chosen their property purchase because of. I believe that trees should be counted a "real property" and treated as such! After all, most of us work hard and pay much to keep them healthy and looking good. What do you think?

Appraiser Guy, that is precisely my point! What I mean is that I believe there should be some "industry standards" rather than arbitrary inclusion and grading by one individual's happen-stance opinion. Which tree genus and species ads to value and which ones detract. I know that a properly kept Live Oak that is 25 years or older should count as a specific item of "real property".. after all, large successful transplanting firms like InstantShade.com charge $250,000 and up for transplanting LARGE established trees and the price of these trees are astounding. Can we help property owners and investors )and tax offices) establish a value system of some sort?

Appraiser Guy, that is precisely my point! What I mean is that I believe there should be some "industry standards" rather than arbitrary inclusion and grading by one individual's happen-stance opinion. Which tree genus and species ads to value and which ones detract. I know that a properly kept Live Oak that is 25 years or older should count as a specific item of "real property".. after all, large successful transplanting firms like InstantShade.com charge $250,000 and up for transplanting LARGE established trees and the price of these trees are astounding. Can we help property owners and investors (and tax offices) establish a value system of some sort?

Answer 1

Yes, but read on.

The problem is that property appraisal is a misnomer. It is actually a comparrison of similar properties that hve already been sold. This is how a so-called appraiser comes to the final value of your property.

If you have an unusual property, one that cannot be compared to any other property, most appraisers will not be able to place a true value on it. They also will charge you an arm and a leg to do the appraisal.

As far as trees - most appraisers do not have a clue.

Remember that landscaping (trees included as another answer stated) is governed by personal choice/taste ; very ambiguous.

Good Luck

Answer 2

That is the individual appraiser's judgement call. When I evaluate a property, landscaping is a part of the value. However, I must determine if the landscaping of the subject property is insufficient, typical, extensive or excessive and render a value opinion based on that judgement.

Many times people like to tell me, "I have 10 pecan trees, 5 apple trees and 3 crepe myrtles". That is all fine, and they are proud because of the expense they paid. Remember that an appraisal is an estimate of what someone else is willing to pay for that property. Someone else may not care about all those trees, fallen pecans, and rotten apples. Or, while you may have all that, somebody else may have 10 established 100-year old live oaks that provide shade and shelter.

For the most part, landscaping is judged as insufficient, typical, better than typical or excessive. There is no one final answer to this question. It's all up to the individual appraiser.

Answer 3

Hmmm, I am a little unclear. Are people putting down earnest money or actually buying houses only to move in and find a tree gone? I am thinking about cutting some trees for lumber (I woodwork and have 30+ trees on .87 acres) but I would do so long before I sell my home, not at the last minute. Anyway, as a woodworker, I certainly see value in trees and think they should be counted in the assessment of property value.

Answer 4

definitely. they add value to an estate