What is a “critical root zone"?

The critical root zone is the minimum area around a tree that is to be left undisturbed. It is calculated by measuring the tree’s diameter at breast height (dbh). For every 1 inch of a tree’s diameter, 1.5 feet of root zone radius must be protected.

For example, if a tree’s dbh is 10 inches, then its critical root zone is 15 feet.

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1. Why does the City have a tree protection ordinance?
2. How does this ordinance help meet the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan?
3. Who must comply with the tree protection ordinance?
4. When is a tree protection plan and Residential Tree Protection Permit required?
5. What must be included in a tree protection plan?
6. Where do I find a Residential Tree Protection Permit?
7. What is a “protected tree"?
8. What is a “heritage tree"?
9. What is a “critical root zone"?
10. Can a protected tree be removed?
11. Can a heritage tree be removed?
12. What happens if protected or heritage trees were removed before an application is submitted?
13. What is the financial guarantee?
14. When do I get the financial guarantee money refunded?