256 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 170. 



with others of large size, and seldom even with small ones. Not infre- 

 quently the destruction of a tree is considered in the light of a blessing, 

 although damages are alwaj^s insisted on. It is almost invariably true 

 that real estate owners who allow horses to disfigure their trees j'ear after 

 year, not showing enough interest to expend 75 cents or so for wire pro- 

 tection, usually insist on the heaviest damages when these same trees are 

 destroyed by public-service corporations. 



Another method of estimating the value of trees is by obtaining the 

 cross-section area. Cross-section areas of trees are often obtained at a 

 certain distance from the ground and the value computed at so much per 

 square inch. The a'sthetic features, location, species, imperfections, 

 etc., are also taken into consideration in determuiing the value of the 

 tree. This method may be used in deciding the value of trees too large to 

 transplant, but even here some allowance should be made, since their 

 utility, shade value, etc., do not increase proportionately with their 

 increase in size. 



There are many factors underlying the valuation of trees which should 

 be, but seldom are, taken into consideration, and a short discussion of 

 these follows : — 



A tree may be valuable in more than one way. It may possess a species 

 or varietal value, i.e., it may be of a type possessing horticultural value 

 for propagating purposes; it may possess historic value, such as the 

 Washington elm and others; it may have merely a sentimental value, in 

 being associated with some family event; or it may possess asthetic value, 

 from its landscape effect and intrinsic beauty; again, it may possess 

 only a timber value, which in most cases is insignificant; and finally, it has 

 a utilitarian or -property value, which naturally includes many factors. 



Other features which help to determine the value of a tree are as 

 follows : — 



Size. — Size is of importance in determining the value of a tree. 



Form. — A tree may be of good size and of very poor shape. Unfor- 

 tunately there are many trees which, on account of their poor shape, 

 should never have been planted. 



Vigor. — Shown by the rate of growth, size of leaves, color of foliage 

 and condition of bark. 



Susceptibility to Various Troubles, to Specific Diseases, etc. — These 

 may follow as a result of the environment or may be peculiar to individuals. 



Physical Condition. — Sho^vn by freedom from cavities and wounds, 

 caused by unscientific pruning and other mechanical agencies, • — • borers, 

 various animals, etc. 



Species. — The species is important also, not only from the standpoint 

 of beauty but from its conformity to the environment, its longevity and 

 susceptibility to disease. There are many species wliich were formerly 

 of much greater value than they are to-day, owing to the increased number 

 of troubles affecting them now, e.g., the elm-leaf beetle, leopard moth, 

 winter injury and drought. 



