White pine normally grow in areas where soil depth is not all that great. They have adapted to that by spreading roots further for water/nutrients, and rely on these roots that you are considering shaving for both support and transport of good stuff.
I wouldn't shave or remove these roots - unless you want to weaken the tree. A weak tree is more susceptible to other pathogens. I recommend leaving them as is, and tell everyone that along with the beautiful for of the top of the tree, the roots are serving a purpose too. If you insist on doing something, add a top dressing of no more than 3" to cover the roots. Make it with good soil, not sand.