How many associations out there are truly properly funded to do proper tree trimming every year? My guess is the percentage is probably less than 50%. Why is that? I can only speculate that associations really don't know the true value in tree replacements and/or they don't know how many trees they have and the proper cost to trim the trees.

Let's try to understand the value trees offer and assocition. Value is determined by the maturity and character fo each tree. Vaue comes in three ways. The first way is the cost of actual replacement with like specie and size. This value is the greatest but least understood or appreciated. The second value is more reflected in resale of homes. Some potential buyers purchase homes because of the woodsy effect trees offer. The third value is in the "feeling" of homeowners in the community. Almost everyone enjoys driving into their association where the streets are lined with mature trees. People also enjoy watching birds build nests outside their windows. The aromas certain trees exude often are tanalizing as well.

To give an idea of how much an association's trees are worth, let's do this simple math. Let's say Generic HOA has 200 mature or well-cared-for trees. Each tree is worth an average of $2000 if they were replaced with the like kind and specie. You can bet most homeowners and boards would want to protect any asset worth $400,000. Yet time and time again, I am seeing associations that under-fund their tree care programs. What I am seeing is that Generic HOA has developed a set figure to do their annual tree trimming. How are these set figures arrived at, I ponder. The answer, so I am told, is that it is what they can afford or that it is what was put in the budget.

Let's go back to the $400,000 worth of trees in Generic HOA. With 200 trees, at an average of $200 per tree to trim them, that's $40,000 to trim all the trees. Every tree does not need to be trimmed every year except for corals, palms, and a few others. This $40,000 tree care program can be spread over three years. That is approximately $13,000 per year. Generic HOA has only budgeted $7,000 every year. What was happening to Generic HOA is that they were creating a terrific amount of deffered tree maintenance. We brought to their attention that, in addition to the $7,000 per year trimming budget, they were spending approximately $2500 in emergency trims or removals. In additon to the removals, they had to buy new trees to replace the ones that blew over or failed in Santa Anas or the winter rains. They soon realized that the total was $11,000 per year. and for only $2,000 more per year they would have a comprehensive tree care program and would reduce that amount of mature trees they lost every year.

As more and more boards become educated about the real value of their trees, perhaps I won't be hearing, "We only have $5,000 in our tree budget. What can we get fo that?"