Help me save this historic burr oak

[WillyStDruid]

New sidewalk project in my area. I was sent out to bid on the removal of this tree. The locals in the neighborhood and the homeowner are asking if there's anyway to put the sidewalk in and keep the tree. I know pictures can only tell so much. The tree is pretty massive. I'd say 45 dbh. Most of the limb weight is over the street. I imagine that cutting the root system on the opposite site would make for a hazardous stew.

Any advice, techniques, equipment, technology to keep the tree and put in the sidewalk? I know there's a type of saw that can be used to make clean root cuts as opposed to an excavator just ripping them away.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Edit- I know it's bur oak, not burr oak. It was a little drafty in here.

 

[ATH]

Any chance the homeowner and city will OK the sidewalk having a slight curve a little deeper into the yard? If you can talk them into that, it will go a long way in protecting the tree.

Also, no matter what, minimize construction equipment on the root zone. Just permit digging for the sidewalk width and no more.

 

[WillyStDruid]

Any chance the homeowner and city will OK the sidewalk having a slight curve a little deeper into the yard? If you can talk them into that, it will go a long way in protecting the tree.

Also, no matter what, minimize construction equipment on the root zone. Just permit digging for the sidewalk width and no more.

The homeowner would be willing to negotiate some on that. Not sure about the city. She basically doesn't want the sidewalk in period. She doesn't mind the foot path made from kids walking home from school. She just doesn't want the sidewalk running close to her deck. I'd say she'd tolerate the sidewalk curving in a foot or two.

 

[kmfriel]

How about elevating the sidewalk a little. It wouldn't take much engineering to design something to go over the root area.

 

[Zale]

Why don't you look and see what roots are there. Start digging. Ideally, use a air spade to remove the soil to expose the roots. What is the total depth of the side walk? Take the guess work out of it. Will the city care about roots lifting the sidewalk in the future? How far off the base of the tree will the sidewalk be?

 

[Jed1124]

That's a pretty tree. I hope you guys can save it.