Contractor damage and fees

[Sylvanus Green]

As a municipality we charge contractors for damaging trees, this usually results in the tree being removed. We normally charge $100 per diameter inch for the value of the tree. My question is if the tree remains and roots were damaged, what is the appropriate fee associated with the root damage ?

 

[JD3000]

10th edition of CTLA valuation methods should be released sometime this year.

It would depend on what tree, how big, what it's setting is, environmental benefits, aesthetics, market pricing and values, etc.

The classic example is a large specimen tree being appraised at 50K, but the property value is only 40K. Method of appraisal chosen should really look at real estate valuation as well.

 

[cerviarborist]

Damage enough roots, and the tree will die. It may not be immediately obvious, as the canopy may take years to finally decline and die from damage inflicted to the roots, but trees are killed from construction damage inflicted to their roots all the time.

 

[Merle Nelson]

In answer to the original post, I have no solid answer. I do notice however that people wince and complain at just about any price that is arrived at.

The first place I go is that most people I deal with don't want the money. They want their beautiful tree back in the condition it was. So after neglectful damage....how much would it cost to have a tree of similar condition installed and nursed along till in great shape on its own?

Whatever someone has to pay for neglectful damage, they are getting off cheap.