There are several situations where knowing your tree's value matters. The right calculator depends on what you need the number for.
Storm damage, neighbor disputes, or construction damage require documented tree values for claims
Mature trees add $10,000-$100,000+ to property values and buyers want to know
Valuable trees are real assets that should be included in property assessments and estate plans
We tested and compared every major tree value calculator available in 2026. Here's how they stack up.
ArborValue provides instant, professional-grade tree valuations using the CTLA Trunk Formula Method. Enter your tree's species, trunk diameter, condition, and location to get a detailed replacement cost estimate in under 2 minutes. No signup, no email, no cost.
Best for: Homeowners who want a quick, reliable estimate for insurance, curiosity, or property planning
Developed by the USDA Forest Service, i-Tree is a suite of tools that quantifies ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, air quality improvement, and stormwater management. It focuses on environmental benefits rather than replacement cost or lumber value.
Best for: Municipalities, urban foresters, and researchers quantifying environmental benefits
A certified arborist conducts an on-site inspection and provides a formal written appraisal using ISA-approved methods. This is the gold standard for legal proceedings, insurance claims, and property disputes where a documented professional opinion is required.
Best for: Legal disputes, large insurance claims, property sales involving high-value trees, and tax deductions
The Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) publishes the industry-standard method for tree valuation. You can perform the calculation yourself using their formula, which considers trunk cross-sectional area, species rating, condition, and location. This is the same method professional appraisers and our calculator use.
Best for: Arborists, landscape professionals, and DIY enthusiasts who want to understand the methodology
Davey Tree is one of the largest tree care companies in North America, offering professional appraisal services alongside tree care. They use ISA-certified arborists for on-site evaluations and provide detailed reports suitable for insurance and legal purposes.
Best for: Homeowners who want a one-stop shop for appraisal plus ongoing tree care
For homeowners who want a quick, reliable estimate, ArborValue provides the best combination of accuracy, speed, and ease of use. It uses the professional CTLA Trunk Formula Method, requires no signup, and delivers results in under 2 minutes. For ecosystem-focused analysis (carbon, air quality), i-Tree is the best free option but has a steeper learning curve.
Online calculators using the CTLA method typically produce estimates within 15-25% of a professional appraisal for standard landscape trees. The main sources of variance are condition assessment (which benefits from on-site inspection) and location factors (which vary by neighborhood). For casual planning purposes, calculator estimates are reliable. For legal or insurance purposes exceeding $10,000, consider supplementing with a professional appraisal.
Use a free calculator for general curiosity, rough insurance estimates, property planning, and comparing species values. Get a professional appraisal ($300-1,000+) when you need a legally defensible document for court proceedings, large insurance claims, property tax disputes, or when selling a property where trees represent significant value. Many homeowners start with a free calculator and only hire an arborist if the estimated value justifies the appraisal cost.
The Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) Trunk Formula Method is the industry standard for tree valuation in North America. It calculates value based on the cost of replacing a tree of equivalent size, adjusted for species desirability, condition, and site location. Insurance companies, courts, and appraisers all recognize CTLA as the authoritative methodology, making it the most credible basis for any tree value estimate.
Tree burls are unusual growths valued by woodworkers and artisans, but there is no widely available calculator specifically for burl valuation. Burl value depends heavily on species (walnut and redwood burls are most valuable), size, figure pattern, and current market demand. Individual burls can sell for $50 to $5,000+. For burl-specific appraisals, consult a wood buyer or specialty lumber dealer who can assess the piece in person.
Learn more about tree valuation methods and species-specific calculators
Try our free CTLA calculator now
Deep dive into the industry standard
Complete guide to getting trees appraised
Which species are worth the most
General tree value overview
What it costs to replace a lost tree