Regional Plant Appraisal Committee and Guides

Assignment: The 10th edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal emphasizes the importance of establishing a Regional Plant Appraisal Committee (RPAC) to ensure the accuracy and relevance of regional data used in the appraisal process. The committee is tasked with maintaining and regularly updating this information according to current market conditions and nursery availability.

• Deciduous Trees: The largest commonly available nursery-grown deciduous tree in Indiana is characterized by a trunk caliper diameter of 3.5 inches.
• Conifers: The largest commonly available nursery-grown conifer in Indiana features an average trunk caliper measurement of 3 inches on 10 foot trees.
• Determine regional cost information for the wholesale price of the largest commonly available nursery-grown tree.
• Determine average costs for shipping and installation for a single tree.
• Determine an average maintenance cost for that tree for one year which includes mulch, watering and tree support system.
• Determine the Basic Unit Cost for application in the trunk formula technique.
• Define species ratings for common Indiana trees.

Identification of the Largest Commonly Available Nursery-Grown Tree

To fulfill its responsibilities, the RPAC conducted a comprehensive statewide survey of nurseries. This survey was designed to identify the largest commonly available nursery-grown trees offered at wholesale prices. The data collected was thoroughly compiled and analyzed to determine the prevailing standards in Indiana.

Regional Cost Information for Nursery-Grown Trees in Indiana

The Regional Plant Appraisal Committee conducted a detailed review of the costs associated with the largest commonly available nursery-grown tree in Indiana. Their findings are based on a thorough analysis of wholesale pricing, as well as the expenses related to shipping, installation, and one year of post-planting maintenance. The results are organized as follows:

• Wholesale Price: The wholesale price for the largest commonly available nursery-grown tree in Indiana is determined to be $329.
• Planting Cost: The cost associated with planting this tree, including labor and any necessary materials, totals $685.
• Post-Planting Maintenance: Maintenance for one year following installation, which may include watering, fertilization, and other routine care, is estimated at $290.
• Unit Cost for Trunk Formula Technique (TFT): For all tree appraisals utilizing the Trunk Formula Technique in Indiana, the established unit cost is $36.50 per square inch of trunk cross-sectional area.

Identification of the Largest Commonly Available Nursery-Grown Tree

To fulfill its responsibilities, the RPAC conducted a comprehensive statewide survey of nurseries. This survey was designed to identify the largest commonly available nursery-grown trees offered at wholesale prices. The data collected was thoroughly compiled and analyzed to determine the prevailing standards in Indiana.

• Deciduous Tree: The largest commonly available nursery-grown deciduous tree in Indiana is characterized by a trunk caliper diameter of 3.5 inches.
• Conifers: The largest commonly available nursery-grown conifer in Indiana features a trunk caliper diameter of 3 inches on 10 foot trees.

Regional Cost Information for Nursery-Grown Trees in Indiana

The Regional Plant Appraisal Committee conducted a detailed review of the costs associated with the largest commonly available nursery-grown tree in Indiana. Their findings are based on a thorough analysis of wholesale pricing, as well as the expenses related to shipping, installation, and one year of post-planting maintenance. The results are organized as follows:

• Wholesale Price: The wholesale price for the largest commonly available nursery-grown tree in Indiana is determined to be $329.
• Planting Cost: The cost associated with planting this tree, including labor and any necessary materials, totals $685. This price includes excavating the planting pit, watering, mulch and basic tree support system for an individual tree.
• Post-Planting Maintenance: Maintenance for one year following installation, which may include watering, fertilization, and other routine care, is estimated at $290.
• Unit Cost for Trunk Formula Technique (TFT): For all tree appraisals utilizing the Trunk Formula Technique in Indiana, the established unit cost is $36.50 per square inch of trunk cross-sectional area.

These cost components are essential for accurate tree appraisal and provide a standardized reference for professionals applying the Trunk Formula Technique within the state.

This information will be updated as needed by the committee as needed or indicated by the Council on Landscape and Tree Appraisal. The Indiana Arborist Association would like to thank the committee for their time and effort assisting industry professionals.