The Linear Index of Tree Appraisal (LITA) Model for Economic Valuation of Large Urban Trees in Sweden

Abstract

Economic valuation of urban trees is important for their management and to ensure that such trees are maintained and protected. However, numerous models for valuing urban trees are currently available, which has led to great variation in the final price. It has also resulted in multiple models being used within the same country, thus confusing the courts. Against this background, researchers examined whether the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tree should be used as the basis for extrapolating tree replacement cost in a linear fashion. Researchers also developed a model, the Linear Index of Tree Appraisal (LITA) model, which uses tree cross-sectional area to extrapolate from a band of known prices to a base price for any desired tree size, which can then be adjusted using an appropriate factor depending on tree vitality/damage. The LITA model is easy to use and to update, does not have any limitations concerning tree species or sizes, and does not rely on subjective judgments except in assessment of tree damage. It provides a simple method for determining the replacement cost of urban trees and is thus designed to work where ‘soft’ values are sometimes difficult to justify.