Economic Analysis of Urban Tree Replacement Decisions

Urban forest managers often are required to make decisions about whether to retain or replace an existing tree. In part, this decision relies on an economic analysis of the benefits and costs of the alternatives. This paper presents an economic methodology that helps address the tree replacement problem. The procedures apply to analyzing the benefits and costs of existing trees as well as future replacement trees. A case study, involving a diseased American elm (Ulmus americana) is used to illustrate an application of the methodology. The procedures should prove useful in developing economic guides for tree replacement/retention decisions.

Keywords: Arboriculture; Economics

Publisher: Journal of Arboriculture 26(2) : March 2000

Category: Legal Issues