Question
We have gotten mixed opinions on whether to cut down an oak tree near our building site.  We have around a 150 year old white oak tree, we are building a slab on grade with the corner of the house footings being approximately 6' away and the wood deck being about 5' away.  We have to severely trim the tree to allow for a second floor and between the pruning of 2 or 3 major branches and building so close we are seeking an opinion on whether the tree could even survive all of this.  Your thoughts sight unseen would be appreciated, as well as your readers experiences.  Thank you,
Stephanie

Answer
Without seeing this tree and the situation it would be next to impossible to say whether the tree would survive. It will be heavily damaged by both the root and pruning damage. The crown of the tree with major pruning will be out of balance. Building that close to the tree may involve the roots over time damaging the slab. All these areas can not be really addressed without looking at the tree and the area. I would suggest if you are in the US to contact the State Forestry agency and ask one of their Foresters to come out and take a look. Their number should be in your phone book.