Well said, Jimmy. Let's get together and discuss the issues, just like w're doing in this forum. By the way, in landscape architecture we try to incorporate both the technical/engineering and the artistry/aethetics. I would think landscape designers would try to do the same, but on a smaller scale.
One other point that I just thought of - those oaks will take thirty years to grow large enough to crack the driveway. By that time, the driveway will likely need to be replaced anyway.
In my city, sidewalks and curbs are often replaced (maybe after some judicious root pruning) after they've been damaged by tree roots. And you know, that's okay. Big tree's are worth it, and we need them. Thank goodness we don't plant small or fastigate trees everywhere to spare the flatwork.
I assume these oaks would be in an urban or suburban setting where land is in short supply and Henry cannot plant them more than 5' away. If it is in the country, by all means plant them further away.
But most of our tree plantings (and our need for trees) occur in denser situations. By necessity, trees will be planted closer to sidewalks, curbs and
