How close should I build to a tree?

There are many factors to consider when planning for development near trees. Assessment of tree tree health, age and size would be the basis for determining a reasonable Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) -- an enclosed "exclusion zone" surrounding the tree in which no soil disturbance or construction activity takes place. For a healthy, mature redwood, consider allowing 0.75 foot of radial distance from the trunk, per 1 inch of trunk diameter. Increase the TPZ radius for over-mature trees, or for those in poor condition.