NEW JERSEY SPECIES VALUE RATING GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

The 2nd Edition of the NJ Species Value Rating Guide has been prepared to complement and be used in accord with the 9th Edition of The Guide for Plant Appraisal. These guides base the calculated value of trees on replacement costs plus any remaining value based on factors such as species, size, location, and condition, to name a few. This formula is highly dependent upon established cost figures for the largest and most commonly available tree. The New Jersey Arborists, Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture did this in 1993 and produced this revision in 2002. The NJAISA Executive Board charged the review committees to establish values within regional areas of the state, and they deserve our thanks for all their time and expertise in preparing this valuable guide.

These up-to-date revisions for species valuation ratings are based upon:

• A "rated" list of tree species within defined regions across the state.
• Established average costs for the largest commonly transplantable tree (4 inches), including the replacement tree cost ($500), the plant installation cost ($1000), and the installed tree (final replacement) cost ($1,500). *
• Unit costs for tree appraisals.*

Evaluative species ratings consider many characteristics including climate, adaptability, growth characteristics, soil and site acclimation, elevation, and aesthetics. Structural integrity, resistance to insect and disease, maintenance requirements, allergenic properties, and long-term development are also included. Therefore, species ratings are utilized without regard to location or condition. The experienced plant appraiser will note any microenvironment that may be somewhat uncharacteristic of a geographic region, and adjust the rating accordingly. The guide continues the use of a 20% range to allow some latitude in appraisals. Regional New Jersey "boundaries" as established by the committees are as follows:

NORTHERN REGION: Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Warren, Morris, Essex, Hunterdon, Hudson and Union Counties

CENTRAL REGION: Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties

SOUTHERN REGION**: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May Counties

SHORE REGION**: The tip of Cape May north to Rt. 83, then west and south along Rt. 47 into Maurice; south of Rt. 553 into Fairton, ending at the Cohansey River. Areas east of Rt. 83 and Rt. 9 in Cape May, Atlantic, Burlington, and Ocean Counties up to Toms River; east of Rt. 549 and Rt. 70 into Manasquan; south of Rt. 34 to east Rt. 71 into Belmar. East of the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line into Long Branch, then both sides of Rt. 36 into Sandy Hook, and northeast of Rt. 36 up to Keyport in Monmouth County. East of Rt. 35 up to Laurence Harbor at the Sayreville line.

* Increase from first edition based on 3% inflation over 8 years.

** This is not a definitive description of all areas under the Shore Region category. There may be pockets of shore-influenced communities such as low inland areas, or extended areas into stream and river corridors that would be identified and verified by the individual appraiser.

Published by NJAISA, Inc., September 2002, Nick Polanin, Editor.

Copies available for purchase ($10 for members, $20 for non-members) through NJAISA, 629 Bryant Street, Rahway, NJ 07065-3031. 732-574-9100 / Fax 732-574-9111 / email trees4nj@aol.com .