A Forumla for Assessing the Ecological Value of Trees    (View PDF)

Edwin C. Franks and John W. Reeves

Abstract: Formulas have been in general use to establish the dollar value of a tree when used in landscaping, or when used for pulp or timber. But none has been developed that recognizes that trees have a real value to the functioning of an ecosystem, unrelated to their value for landscaping or to the lumber or pulp industries. This paper suggests a way to establish a dollar value for any given tree based on the significance of its effects on soil, nutrient, and water conservation, animal usage, and habitat characteristics. Judgements of ecological effects are converted to simple arithmetic steps to produce a numeric dollar value for the ecological contributions of the tree.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1988.060