Compensatory Value of an Urban Forest: An Application of the Tree-Value Formula

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.