Urban Forest Metrix now lets arborists and urban foresters use both major methods for tree valuations. All of the math is done for you, and the condition ratings are tabulated via a slick interface, removing the need to tally up a few dozen criteria to get that condition percentage. A report can be instantly saved to PDF or sent right there from the field via email.
Tree valuations are made very easy by employing data already in the system to fill out basic tree data – and, of course, by doing all of the calculations for the arborist. In the picture to the right, the gray boxes are either calculated for you, or come from data generally entered previously.Complete tabulations are stored for later use such as legal submissions.
The system comes with the two most common appraisal methods included: the “trunk formula” and the “replacement cost” methods. Other methods are easily incorporated without additional charge on request.
A simple indication of site factors and the insertion of the relevant tree information and costs produced an immediate appraised value.
A tree valuation report, complete with multiple pages of explanation, methodology, pictures and other boilerplate information, can be created right from the handheld unit in the field and even emailed immediately.
All conditions and ratings can be over-ridden by the arborist to account for personal and regional experience and other intangible factors. The arborist can document those variations if he or she chooses right there at the moment of decision.
As always, this information can be employed as a mapping factor, labeling trees by their assessed values, which – in conjunction with health and hazard information – can be a helpful tool for decision makers.
According to the recently released study showing arborist business conditions, assessments and appraisals are behind only tree risk assessments as a growth category.
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