Question
We have an enormous live coast oak tree covering our entire backyard and have been warned not to install grass or plants that need regular irrigation.  We were thinking that maybe a ground level deck might allow us to make the space more usable but were wondering if the weight of this (10' x 10') might harm the tree.  The tree is about 60 ft high and the deck would start about 10 feet from the trunk.

Thanks!

Answer
If you are talking about a deck made of wood and on beams off the ground it should be ok. The weight will be on the posts and if there are gaps in the flooring the rain water can get under the deck to the roots. The only damage would be digging the post holes and this would be very slight. Sounds like a good plan to me as long as the rain water can reach the roots under the deck. If you covered the deck this maybe a problem.