[CANUFNET] Ash tree appraisal - do you discount?

[Anita Schill]

Alex,
"should we start discounting the species ratings because ‘all ash are doomed’? Or should we still consider each tree on its individual merits and outwardly-visible condition"

Species rating is separate from condition rating. Both are depreciating factors. We must be careful not to double depreciate as we try to account for the effects or potential effects of EAB or DED etc.

Anita Schill
RCA #421
Calgary, Alberta



________________________________________
From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Alex Satel [asatel at ufis.ca]
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2012 11:59 AM
To: canufnet at list.web.net
Subject: [CANUFNET] Ash tree appraisal - do you discount?

Hi all,

A question for anyone who is involved in preparing/reviewing CTLA-based appraisals (e.g., trunk formula method) of ash trees: How have you considered Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in your valuations of healthy looking ash?

It would be interesting to see if there is some consensus about how to proceed; should we start discounting the species ratings because ‘all ash are doomed’? Or should we still consider each tree on its individual merits and outwardly-visible condition, even though it may already be infested and not yet showing symptoms? How do we account for the fact that many (if not most) ash trees will become liabilities once infested/dead?

Personally, I am somewhat hesitant to start discounting still-healthy trees because of susceptibility to a pest (after all, many elms have survived), but it is generally accepted that we will lose most of our urban ash trees, and this may be fair to consider that when assessing value.

Any thoughts and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Alex

Alex Satel, MFC
ISA Certified Arborist ON-1353A
Urban Forest Innovations Inc.
1248 Minnewaska Trail
Mississauga, ON  L5G 3S5
T: (905) 274-1022
asatel at ufis.ca<mailto:asatel at ufis.ca>
www.urbanforestinnovations.com<http://www.urbanforestinnovations.com/>
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