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Can Money Really Grow On Trees?

Northern Virginia homeowners spend a great deal of time, money and energy improving their lawns and gardens. And while you know how much you spend buying flowers and shrubs, have you ever considered how much your trees are worth? Most likely it's more than you think. According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a tree's value is based on four factors: tree size, tree type, tree condition, and overall tree location based on its functional and aesthetic purposes. A professional tree and landscape appraiser can determine where your trees or plants fall under these categories.

Just as you would with any other valuable asset, document your investment in landscaping to help establish its worth. The ISA suggests taking pictures of trees and plants while they are healthy to make insurance processing simpler with "before and after" examples.

• Contact your homeowner's insurance company.
• Ask your insurance company send a professional tree and landscaping appraiser out to your property immediately after the damage has occurred.
• Have the appraiser determine your financial loss, including the cost of removal and repair.
• Contact a professional arborist (Second Nature can help!) if repair or replacement is needed.