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, \]/2 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 (1) 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 
