What is the recommended tree protection zone for a mature tree with moderate tolerance to disturbance?

The recommended tree protection zone for a mature tree with moderate tolerance to disturbance is based on the principle that the area around the tree's trunk, which is critical for its health and stability, should be adequately preserved during construction or other disturbances. The choice of one inch per inch of diameter at breast height (DBH) strikes a balance between ensuring adequate root protection and practical space considerations.

This approach recognizes that the root system often extends well beyond the trunk's immediate area, and protecting this zone helps to minimize stress on the tree while it remains in an environment that may experience disturbances. Protecting an area equivalent to one inch per inch of DBH essentially allows for a radius around the trunk that accommodates the majority of the tree's root structure, which is important for retaining stability, nutrient uptake, and overall tree health.

Other choices, while they suggest protection zones, either exaggerate the protection area unnecessarily or confine it to less relevant parameters, such as height, which may not accurately reflect the critical root zone needed for healthy tree maintenance.