If it comes down to an instance where you have a tree or trees that you or your client cares greatly for and the tree/s being threatened by the application of this one size fits all approach then you don't have to challenge the standard you merely have to demand that the evidence is provided. I have yet to encounter a geotech report or soil enginerring report that
1) fits the description of an adequate scientific investigation and written report
2) contains clear unequivical evidence of a tree/s being the single major factor in the building cracking/subsidence.
Now that could be due to the poor standard of reports here in Qld, how they get the money they do get for the rubbish they pass off as scientific reports is beyond me...but thats a different matter
The reports I've seen don't have enough test bores to determine the relative moisture levels across the span of the built structure and the suspect vegetation, well expensive stuff drilling holes eh!!
They don't determine the exact nature of the soil, often I suspect they pull soil type from past geotech surveys done when the particular area was being subdivided.
They don't determine what excavations (cut and fill) were done prior to the building being constructed.
They don't examine/assess the effect the original soil alterations would have had and are continuing to have (differential settlement under foundations increases over time)
They don't deteremine the suction capacity of the soil...and can't since they haven't determined the exact soil type!!
Soil plasticity is rarely mentioned, construction plans and specs are rarely referred to.
So I wouldn't bash my head on their stupid wall, but ratther lead them to the wall and invite them to make a start themselves...
As consultants we constantly have to meet minimum standards in the assessments we make and the reports we write, I expect other professions to at least meet the same performance levels.
If the LGA and the regional/state development courts are making rulings like the Goode one then we do have a hard road to walk no doubt about it, but it doesn't mean we should throw in the towel rather better arm yourself with as much info and research and understanding and challenge the inadequacies when you find them.
As I said before the tree/s may be part of the problem but unless they are almost against the building (and assuming they are healthy) removal is hardly the best solution for our communities given all we know about our environmental state of affairs.
__________________ Sean  Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky,
We fell them down and turn them into paper,
That we may record our emptiness.
- Kahlil Gibran
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