The International Society of Arboriculture recently unveiled the ninth edition to the very useful reference guide The Guide for Plant Appraisal from tree care specialists at the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA).

     Authored by the CTLA, the guide is written especially for the professional plant appraiser and includes amended procedures and simplified terminologies. The most significant change in this edition is in the methods for determining the replacement cost and installation cost of plants, trees and shrubs. The guide also stipulates that these costs be adjusted by a species rating. Tree structure, location, easements and rights of way information are also improved, and as well, the guide looks at a more proactive approach to the importance of appraising the value of plants before they are lost or damaged.

     The steps involved in plant assessment are divided into field observations, regional plant appraisal committee and/or appraiser-developed or modified information, and calculations by an appraiser using field and/or regional information.

     "Plant appraisers rely on this guide to put a value on plants relative to their environment," says John Hendricksen, ISA president-elect. In addition to providing wildlife habitats, ensuring carbon dioxide-oxygen exchange and the filtration of pollution, plants improve a property's real estate value. Plant appraisers help to determine the impact of trees and shrubs can have on insurance claims, tax deductions, real estate assessments and property values.

     The ninth edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal retails for $125 for ISA members and members of any of the CTLA sponsoring organizations. The book can be ordered prepaid, plus shipping and handling from the ISA at P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826, via fax (credit card only) at (217) 355-9516 or via the ISA publication hotline at 888-ISA-TREE.