Eli and Don:
This is a nice story--you don't this level of care very often.
But I am a long time observer of tree root compaction, walkway
construction, etc and the effect on trees. I applaud everyone who is
concerned and takes special steps to avoid unnecessary impacts.
But there is not always, even if steps are not taken, a severe
impact. I have a lot of stories I could tell about situations where I
thought there would be some dire consequences from careless and ill
advised "activity" very near trees, and ultimately, didn't see any. I
will just cite the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwood State
Park. The redwoods seem, at least so far, to have not been adversely
affected by having the road constructed, in some cases literally right
up against the bases of these great trees.
Not all trees have the same tolerance of such
activity/disruption--just one example: tuliptrees--one of my favorite
species--are very, very sensitive and one should stay away from them
as much as possible with any such activities.
--Gaines
