Assessing the value of your landscaping for insurance purposes after a fire requires documentation, expert evaluations, and a clear understanding of what was lost. Here’s how you can approach it:
Call: (818) 952-5300
Text:(818)-796-3085
1. Assessing Landscaping Value for Insurance
Insurance companies may cover landscaping, but policies vary. To determine the value:
A. Gather Pre-Fire Documentation
- Photos & Videos – If you have pre-fire pictures, they help establish the condition and layout of your landscaping.
- Landscaping Invoices & Receipts – Any records of plant purchases, tree installations, irrigation systems, or hardscaping improvements help prove costs.
- Property Appraisals & Reports – If you had a home appraisal that included landscaping, this could provide a baseline value.
B. Professional Evaluation
- Arborist Report – A certified arborist can assess damaged trees and provide a replacement value.
- Landscaper or Nursery Estimate – They can estimate the cost of restoring plants, sod, or shrubs.
- Contractor Estimate – For irrigation systems, fencing, or other structures lost.
C. Determining Tree Value
- Size & Species Matter – Mature trees add property value, shade, and curb appeal. Some species (e.g., oaks, redwoods) have higher replacement values.
- Formula for Tree Value – Arborists use formulas considering trunk size, species rarity, health, and location impact. The Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) provides industry standards.
- Average Tree Replacement Costs
- Small tree (6–10 feet): $500–$2,500
- Medium tree (20–30 feet): $2,500–$7,000
- Large tree (30+ feet): $7,000–$50,000+
D. Hardscape & Other Landscaping Features
- Irrigation System Loss – Most insurance companies do not cover underground irrigation, but you may be able to claim the cost of reinstalling it. Reasons it may not be salvageable:
- Melted or cracked pipes from extreme heat.
- Destroyed sprinkler heads and valves due to impact and heat.
- Broken lines from heavy equipment clearing debris.
- Other Features That May Be Covered
- Retaining walls, fences, patios
- Outdoor lighting
- Walkways, stone paths
- Ponds, decorative elements
2. Filing an Insurance Claim for Landscaping Loss
- Check your policy – Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover landscaping loss up to a percentage of the home’s insured value.
- Document damage after the fire – Take new photos and notes on destroyed trees, plants, and hardscape.
- Request an adjuster review – They may offer compensation based on replacement cost or actual cash value (accounting for depreciation).
Call: (818) 952-5300
Text:(818)-796-3085
Would you like help estimating values based on specific trees or landscaping features please contract us!
