Professional Tree Appraisal Services  in Seattle, Tacoma, & The Puget Sound Region

As Registered Consulting Arborists working in Western Washington, tree appraisal is one of the key professional services we provide when questions of value arise—financial, functional, or legal. Our role is to quantify the value of trees in a clear, defensible way, using accepted methods and standards that hold up with insurers, attorneys, municipalities, and property owners alike.

In Western Washington, tree appraisals most often come into play in situations such as:

• Trees damaged or removed during construction
• Neighbor disputes over unauthorized pruning or removal
• Insurance claims following storms, accidents, or vandalism
• Eminent domain and right-of-way projects
• Real estate transactions and due diligence
• Municipal and commercial asset management (parks, campuses, streets)

We begin every appraisal by clarifying the purpose of the appraisal and the definition of value required. That might be replacement cost, cost of cure, market value contribution, or another recognized measure. As RCAs, we follow industry standards such as the Guide for Plant Appraisal (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, CTLA) and align our work with ISA and ASCA best practices.

Next, we gather site- and tree-specific data. In Western Washington, this means accounting for species commonly found here—Douglas-fir, western redcedar, hemlock, bigleaf maple, red alder, ornamental cherries, Japanese maples, dogwoods, and many others. We document:

• Species and cultivar
• Size (trunk diameter, height, crown spread)
• Condition (health, structure, maintenance history)
• Location (visibility, contribution to the site, proximity to structures)
• Function (shade, screening, aesthetics, environmental benefits)

We also evaluate site context: neighborhood character, presence of other trees, development intensity, zoning, and any local regulations or protections that may influence value. A mature Douglas-fir in an established, forested neighborhood may be valued differently than a rare specimen tree in a highly urban setting with minimal canopy.

For many assignments, we use the CTLA trunk formula method, especially when dealing with large, established trees that cannot reasonably be replaced at their current size. This method considers:

• A base value per square inch of trunk area (derived from regional data)
• Species rating (how suitable and desirable that species is in our area)
• Condition rating (health, structure, and maintenance)
• Location rating (site contribution and functional benefit)

As Registered Consulting Arborists, our responsibility is to apply these factors objectively and transparently. In Western Washington, species ratings reflect both performance in our climate and local acceptance. Condition ratings must account for regional issues such as root rot, saturated soils, past topping, and storm damage. Location ratings reflect how the tree contributes to property use, aesthetics, and ecosystem services within the specific neighborhood.

When trees are part of a group or stand—such as a buffer, windbreak, or forested open space—we may appraise them as a collective resource rather than as isolated individuals. In these cases, we consider how the loss of part of the stand affects the function and value of the remainder, an important factor in Western Washington where groups of trees often provide slope stability, privacy, and neighborhood character.

Documentation is central to our work as RCAs. A tree appraisal is not just a number; it is a documented opinion of value. Our reports typically include:

• Purpose and scope of the appraisal
• Methods and reference standards used
• Site and tree descriptions with photos
• Measurements, ratings, and assumptions
• Calculations leading to the value conclusion
• Limitations and conditions of the appraisal

Because many appraisals end up in legal, insurance, or regulatory contexts, we write in clear, precise language and maintain a defensible chain of reasoning from data to conclusion. Our designation as Registered Consulting Arborists reflects training not only in arboriculture, but also in report writing, ethics, and expert-level analysis.

We also understand that tree value has both tangible and intangible components. While our primary task is to express value in monetary terms, we recognize the emotional, historic, and environmental significance that trees can hold in Western Washington communities. When appropriate, we highlight those aspects within the narrative of our reports, even though they may not fully translate into dollar figures.

Ultimately, when we perform tree appraisals as Registered Consulting Arborists in Western Washington, our goal is to provide objective, well-reasoned values that help resolve disputes, guide fair compensation, inform planning, and support sound decision-making. In a region where trees are integral to property value, neighborhood identity, and quality of life, a credible tree appraisal helps ensure that these living assets are recognized and treated as the significant resources they are.