Thought I'd update an earlier discussion on this topic. In summary, the appraisal of 80 trees and shrubs was requested for a portion of an arboretum being taken to make way for the expansion of an existing highway. Trees were appraised and the value turned out to be about 4 times the amount the state was going to provide to the Arboretum Foundation. Replacement plants that most nurseries had of the largest size comparable tree or shrub alone totalled twice the amount the state was going to give. A cost of cure for similar size plants as those being removed was given and this was about 4.5 times higher than what the state was originally offering. Real estate appraisers, Foundation members and the tree appraiser all met to review the appraisal. All agreed that the appraisal was reasonable. As of now, I don't know what the states position is on the appraisal but will keep you posted.

Reply to post by Terry Flatley, on May 12, 2000 at 21:36:04:

Terry I think when all's said and done you have an interesting article or case capsule here. The key issue is REASONABLE in relation to what? Is it in relation to land value? To absolute replacement cost of trees? Depreciated replacement cost? In relation to use and lost benefits?