When people look at planting or retaining big trees, the argument is all too often dominated by the fear that they may fall someday and cause damage. This is a legitimate concern, but it is not the only concern. The benefits of big trees are not given the consideration they deserve. Here's one good effort to do that:
http://cufr.ucdavis.edu/products/cufr_511_large_tree_arguement.pdf
http://cufr.ucdavis.edu/products/cufr_511_large_tree_arguement.pdf
