Tree Appraisals in Tulsa, Oklahoma

When a Tree Appraisal May Be Appropriate

Unauthorized Tree Removal or Cutting

An appraisal may be requested when a tree has allegedly been:

• Removed without permission
• Cut across a property boundary
• Excessively pruned
• Topped
• Poisoned
• Damaged by a neighbor or contractor
• Injured during access or utility work

The appraisal may consider the tree’s pre-loss condition, the type and extent of injury, available evidence, and reasonable restoration or valuation approaches.

Legal ownership, trespass, negligence, and recoverable damages are legal questions that should be addressed by qualified legal counsel.

Construction-Related Tree Damage

Construction may affect trees through:

• Root severance
• Soil compaction
• Grade changes
• Fill placement
• Excavation
• Utility trenching
• Drainage changes
• Pavement installation
• Equipment impacts
• Trunk or branch damage
• Loss of protected rooting space

An appraisal may document tree condition, injury, treatment needs, preservation costs, diminished contribution, or loss where supported by the assignment and evidence.

Whenever possible, important trees should be documented before construction begins.

Vehicle or Equipment Impacts

Vehicle strikes and equipment contact may cause:

• Bark loss
• Cambial injury
• Sapwood damage
• Root injury
• Trunk deformation
• Structural cracking
• Long-term decay potential
• Increased maintenance needs

The visible wound is not always the full measure of the loss. The appraisal may also consider prognosis, restoration, future monitoring, and the tree’s continued contribution to the property.

Storm, Fire, or Casualty Loss

A professional appraisal may be requested after:

• Tornadoes
• Straight-line winds
• Ice storms
• Lightning
• Fire
• Flooding
• Vehicle impacts
• Other sudden events

The appraisal documents arboricultural findings. It does not determine insurance coverage or tax eligibility.

Insurance and tax treatment depend on policy language, laws, regulations, documentation requirements, and professional advice from the applicable insurer, attorney, accountant, or tax professional.

Estate, Probate, and Property Planning

Trees may be relevant to:

• Estate planning
• Probate matters
• Property division
• Conservation planning
• Legacy-property management
• Municipal asset planning
• Real estate negotiations
• Development planning

The appropriate appraisal question should be clearly defined before fieldwork begins.

Municipal and Public-Agency Assignments

Municipalities and public agencies may request appraisal services involving:

• Public trees damaged by vehicles
• Contractor damage
• Construction impacts
• Unauthorized removals
• Utility conflicts
• Public-property losses
• Development mitigation
• Tree-preservation requirements
• Landscape restoration
• Settlement discussions

Public assignments may require specific ordinances, contracts, procurement requirements, schedules, or agency-approved methods.

Common Tree-Appraisal Approaches

The appropriate approach depends on the purpose of the assignment, the tree or plant material involved, the evidence available, and the question the appraisal must answer.

Replacement Cost

Replacement cost may be appropriate when a comparable tree or landscape plant can be reasonably obtained, transported, installed, and established.

Considerations may include:

• Comparable species or cultivar
• Nursery size
• Plant availability
• Purchase price
• Transportation
• Site preparation
• Installation
• Equipment
• Establishment care
• Warranty or replacement risk
• Removal of damaged material
• Landscape restoration

The appraised amount is not necessarily limited to the nursery purchase price.

Trunk Formula Technique

The Trunk Formula Technique may be considered when a tree is too large to replace with a directly comparable nursery specimen.

The technique may consider variables such as:

• Trunk size
• Available replacement-tree information
• Species characteristics
• Tree condition
• Location or functional contribution
• Regional cost information
• Assignment-specific adjustments

The technique produces an appraisal indication rather than an automatic or guaranteed measure of legal damages.

Its use and assumptions should be explained in the written report.

Cost of Cure

Cost of cure considers reasonable costs associated with correcting or mitigating a tree-related injury or landscape loss.

Examples may include:

• Prescription pruning
• Root-zone management
• Soil improvement
• Supplemental support
• Irrigation changes
• Monitoring
• Plant health care
• Replacement planting
• Landscape restoration
• Professional consulting
• Follow-up inspections

The proposed cure should be:

• Arboriculturally reasonable
• Related to the documented injury
• Proportionate to the loss
• Supported by an appropriate management objective

Cost of cure does not guarantee restoration of the tree to its pre-damage condition.

Cost of Repair or Restoration

Where a tree remains viable, the assignment may focus on the reasonable cost of managing the injury rather than treating the tree as a total loss.

Potential costs may include:

• Corrective pruning
• Root investigation
• Soil or root-zone remediation
• Supplemental support
• Advanced diagnostics
• Increased monitoring
• Future maintenance
• Replacement of associated landscape plants
• Site repair

The report should distinguish observed injury from speculative future costs.

Diminution or Change in Contribution

Some assignments may involve evaluating whether damage has reduced the tree’s condition, function, landscape contribution, or expected useful life.

This can be complex and should not be reduced to an unsupported percentage.

The analysis may consider:

• Pre-damage condition
• Post-damage condition
• Functional loss
• Aesthetic contribution
• Site prominence
• Remaining useful life
• Restoration potential
• Increased management needs
• Replacement feasibility
• Available market or property evidence where appropriate

Real-property diminution is not automatically the same as tree-appraisal value and may require a qualified real estate appraiser.

Choosing the Appropriate Appraisal Method

No single appraisal method is appropriate for every assignment.

Method selection may depend on:

• Purpose of the appraisal
• Intended use
• Effective date
• Tree size
• Tree condition
• Species
• Whether the tree remains standing
• Whether comparable replacement material exists
• Extent of damage
• Restoration feasibility
• Available records
• Legal or insurance requirements
• Applicable ordinances
• Client instructions
• Assignment limitations

More than one approach may be considered when necessary to test the reasonableness of the conclusion.

The report should explain:

• Why a method was selected
• Why other methods were not selected
• Which evidence was relied upon
• Which assumptions were necessary
• What limitations affect the opinion

Appraising a Tree That Has Already Been Removed

A post-loss appraisal may be possible when the tree is no longer standing, but the reliability of the opinion depends on the quality of the remaining evidence.

Useful evidence may include:

• Pre-loss photographs
• Videos
• Aerial imagery
• Street-view imagery
• Tree inventories
• Arborist reports
• Maintenance records
• Nursery or planting records
• Stump measurements
• Remaining roots
• Site plans
• Surveys
• Witness information
• Prior inspection records
• Construction documents
• Neighboring-tree comparisons
• Landscape plans

A post-loss appraisal may require assumptions about:

• Species
• Trunk diameter
• Condition
• Crown size
• Location
• Functional contribution
• Prior defects
• Maintenance history

Those assumptions should be clearly identified.

When a dispute is reasonably anticipated, preserve the stump, photographs, wood sections, site evidence, records, and measurements until qualified professionals have had an opportunity to review them.

Documenting Tree Condition

Tree condition may materially affect an appraisal.

Depending on the assignment, the condition evaluation may consider:

• Crown density
• Foliage condition
• Annual growth
• Dead branches
• Branch architecture
• Trunk condition
• Cavities
• Cracks
• Decay
• Root flare
• Visible roots
• Soil conditions
• Pest or disease indicators
• Previous pruning
• Mechanical injury
• Construction impacts
• Expected longevity
• Management needs

A condition rating should be supported by documented observations rather than selected solely to produce a desired value.

A tree with defects may still provide substantial benefits and retain value. Conversely, a large tree in severe decline may not reasonably support the same conclusion as a healthy tree of similar size.

Species Identification and Appraisal

Accurate species identification may affect:

• Expected mature size
• Longevity
• Site suitability
• Nursery availability
• Replacement options
• Regional performance
• Common defects
• Pest and disease susceptibility
• Management costs
• Functional contribution

Identification should be made to the most reliable taxonomic level supported by the available evidence.

When the tree has already been removed or identifying features are unavailable, species uncertainty should be disclosed rather than concealed.

Tree Location and Functional Contribution

A tree’s contribution depends partly on where it is growing and how it functions within the property.

Relevant considerations may include:

• Shade
• Screening
• Privacy
• Architectural framing
• Wind reduction
• Stormwater interception
• Wildlife habitat
• Neighborhood character
• Historic significance
• Public use
• Streetscape contribution
• Relationship to other trees
• Compatibility with the site
• Conflicts with structures or infrastructure

These benefits should be evaluated carefully and should not be converted into unsupported financial claims.

Different appraisal purposes may require different treatment of functional and location-related factors.

Tree Appraisal and Tree Risk Assessment

A tree appraisal and a tree risk assessment answer different questions.

Tree Appraisal

A tree appraisal addresses value, cost, loss, restoration, or financial contribution for a defined purpose.

Tree Risk Assessment

A tree risk assessment evaluates:

• Potential failure scenarios
• Likelihood of failure
• Likelihood of impact
• Consequences
• Overall risk
• Mitigation options

Tree condition and structural risk may influence value, but a TRAQ risk rating is not itself an appraisal method.

The two services may be combined when the assignment requires both a risk opinion and a value opinion.

Tree Appraisal and Advanced Diagnostics

Advanced diagnostic methods may be appropriate when internal or below-ground conditions could materially affect tree condition, prognosis, restoration options, or value.

Available methods may include:

• Arbotom® Sonic Tomography
• Resistograph® Resistance Drilling
• ArboRadix® Root Detection
• AirSpade Root Investigation
• Root Collar Excavation (RCX)
• Aerial inspection
• Laboratory testing
• Soil testing
• Detailed photographic documentation

Advanced testing should be used when the expected information is reasonably likely to affect the appraisal conclusion.

It is not automatically required for every tree appraisal.

Tree Appraisal for Construction and Development

Tree appraisal may support construction projects by helping stakeholders:

• Identify important trees before design decisions are finalized
• Compare preservation and removal alternatives
• Document pre-construction condition
• Establish a baseline before nearby work begins
• Evaluate construction-related injury
• Evaluate reasonable restoration or replacement costs
• Support mitigation planning
• Prioritize preservation investment
• Document losses after unauthorized incursions

Appraisal does not replace:

• Tree inventory
• Tree Protection Zone planning
• Construction specifications
• Contractor monitoring
• Tree risk assessment
• Legal review
• Municipal approval

These services may be coordinated as part of a broader construction-tree-preservation assignment.

Tree Appraisal for Legal and Insurance Matters

Appraisal reports may be used by:

• Attorneys
• Insurance professionals
• Property owners
• Municipalities
• Public agencies
• Contractors
• Developers
• HOAs
• Commercial clients

Potential assignments may involve:

• Unauthorized removal
• Boundary-tree disputes
• Contractor damage
• Construction impacts
• Vehicle strikes
• Storm or casualty losses
• Landscape damage
• Settlement discussions
• Expert review
• Litigation support

A tree appraisal provides an arboricultural opinion within the agreed scope.

It does not independently determine:

• Legal ownership
• Negligence
• Liability
• Trespass
• Insurance coverage
• Tax deductibility
• Statutory damages
• Admissibility
• The amount a court will award

Those determinations belong to the appropriate legal, insurance, tax, or judicial professionals.

Tree Appraisal for Municipalities and Public Agencies

Davis Family Arbor Services provides appraisal consulting for:

• Municipalities
• Public agencies
• Parks
• Schools
• Campuses
• Streetscapes
• Public facilities
• Utility projects
• Development projects
• Publicly managed landscapes

Assignments may include:

• Vehicle damage to public trees
• Contractor damage
• Unauthorized removals
• Construction impacts
• Landscape restoration
• Development mitigation
• Public-tree replacement costs
• Settlement support
• Documentation for agency records
• Expert consulting

Appraisal methods may need to be coordinated with:

• Municipal ordinances
• Contract specifications
• Agency policies
• Development agreements
• Permit conditions
• Procurement requirements
• Applicable laws

The written proposal should identify which requirements are included in the assignment.

What the Written Tree-Appraisal Report May Include

Depending on the agreed scope, the report may include:

• Client information
• Intended users
• Assignment purpose
• Intended use
• Effective appraisal date
• Inspection date
• Property information
• Tree location
• Tree identification
• Species
• Trunk diameter
• Approximate height and crown spread
• Tree condition
• Site and landscape context
• Photographs
• Damage documentation
• Available historical evidence
• Assignment assumptions
• Appraisal approach
• Method-selection rationale
• Calculations
• Cost information
• Replacement information
• Restoration recommendations
• Value or cost conclusion
• Important limitations
• Arborist qualifications
• Signature

Not every report requires every listed item.

The written proposal identifies the scope, trees, intended use, deliverables, fees, and anticipated schedule before work begins.

Evidence and Record Preservation

Tree-related evidence can be lost quickly.

When damage, unauthorized removal, or litigation is reasonably anticipated:

• Photograph the entire tree and site
• Photograph the injury from multiple angles
• Record the date the damage was discovered
• Preserve pre-damage photographs
• Measure the stump before grinding
• Do not discard wood sections without discussing the matter with counsel or the retained expert
• Preserve contracts, proposals, emails, and text messages
• Save construction plans and surveys
• Record names of witnesses
• Preserve maintenance and inspection records
• Avoid altering the site beyond what is necessary for safety

Life safety and emergency mitigation take priority. Evidence should never be preserved by leaving an immediate hazard uncontrolled.

Professional Qualifications

Tree-appraisal services are led by Brad Davis, whose qualifications include:

• ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® MW-6328B
• Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• ISA Florida Chapter Prescription Pruning Qualified
• Member, International Society of Arboriculture
• Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists

Appraisal work is informed by:

• Current professional tree- and plant-appraisal guidance
• Applicable appraisal methods
• ISA Best Management Practices
• Applicable ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards
• Current arboricultural research
• Site-specific observations
• Regional tree and nursery information
• Advanced diagnostics when appropriate
• Professional field experience

Credentials support the assignment, but they do not replace careful evidence collection, transparent assumptions, appropriate method selection, and clearly explained limitations.

Fees, Scheduling, and Deliverables

Tree appraisals are professional consulting engagements.

Fees depend on:

• Number of trees
• Purpose of the appraisal
• Intended use
• Whether the tree remains standing
• Quality of available evidence
• Site complexity
• Measurements
• Research requirements
• Nursery and cost research
• Advanced diagnostics
• Mapping
• Report detail
• Legal or insurance requirements
• Travel
• Deadlines
• Deposition or testimony needs

A written proposal or engagement agreement may specify:

• Included trees
• Assignment purpose
• Intended users
• Effective date
• Inspection scope
• Appraisal approach
• Deliverables
• Fees
• Retainer
• Payment terms
• Anticipated delivery schedule
• Optional services
• Assumptions and limitations

Expedited service may be available for agreed legal, insurance, municipal, construction, probate, or real estate deadlines.

Legal testimony, depositions, meetings, supplemental analysis, rebuttal work, and court appearances are separately billed unless included in the engagement agreement.

Service Area

Davis Family Arbor Services provides tree-appraisal consulting throughout:

• Tulsa
• South Tulsa
• Broken Arrow
• Jenks
• Bixby
• Sapulpa
• Glenpool
• Sand Springs
• Tulsa County
• Wagoner County
• Surrounding northeastern Oklahoma communities

Statewide assignments may be considered for:

• Attorneys
• Insurance professionals
• Municipalities
• Public agencies
• Developers
• Commercial properties
• Estates
• Institutions
• Technically complex or significant tree-related matters