Compensatory value of an urban forest: an application of the tree-value formula

David J. Nowak

Treesearch

Compensatory value of an urban forest: an application of the tree-value formula

Informally Refereed

Authors:

David J. Nowak

Year:

1993

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Journal of Arboriculture. 19(3): 173-177.

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Abstract

Understanding the value of an urban forest can give decisionmakers a better foundation for urban tree management. According to the tree-valuation formula of the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, the estimated compensatory value of the urban forest in Oakland, California, (21% tree cover) is $385.7 million, with residential trees accounting for 58.6% of the total value. Tree compensatory values range from $19,800/acre on institutional lands to $1,400/acre for trees on lands with transportation uses (airports, freeways, etc.). The value of trees in the area of the 1991 Oakland fire was approximately $26.5 million.

Citation

Nowak, David J. 1993. Compensatory value of an urban forest: an application of the tree-value formula. Journal of Arboriculture. 19(3): 173-177.