LEGAL VALUE OF SHADE TREES 237 



figuring the basal area, and allowing $1.00 per square inch, 

 instead of 75 cents as allowed under the Colton plan, the 

 valuation averages $88.52 per tree, which reaches gross 

 figures of $5,869,936; from which, in the absence of precise 

 figures for each tree, a deduction of 10 per cent, is made 

 for defects, including faulty location and insect damage, 

 reducing the average per tree to $79.67 and the total for 

 the city to $5,282,966. 



Guided by these various methods, a plan may be 

 worked out which may be called the Newark method, 

 attained by a combination of the Parker and Colton 

 systems of computation. In this method let us use as a 

 basis of value the square-inch area of the trunk, 4^ feet 

 from the ground, and allow a maximum valuation of $1.00 

 to the square inch of basal area. In the case of a tree 18 

 inches in diameter, with a basal area of 264.7 square inches, 

 the value shown would be $264.70. This, of course, would 

 apply only to a perfect tree with long life prospect, pro 

 perly placed and in ideal condition. Deductions must be 

 made for (i) variation from desirable species; (2) condition 

 of trunk; (3) condition of top; (4) position with reference 

 to curb and other menacing construction, and probability 

 of continuance of life; (5) environment, scenic value and 

 general desirability. For each of these items a perfect 

 tree would score 20 per cent. Proportionate deduction is 

 made for defects or variations. The sum of the five items, 

 after deductions have been made, represents the percentage 

 of the tree's value in relation to the value of the perfect tree. 



To apply this method to trees of various species 

 requires the adoption of a basic value for the several 

 varieties, formulated on a sliding scale which gives the 

 highest mark to species most suitable for a particular 

 community and most permanent as to life, and the lowest 

 mark to those least desirable. As an example of this 



