The original plan called for all the trees on this lot to be removed. Discussions between the builder and Arlington County Urban Forestry resulted in 2 of the largest (oldest) trees on the lot to remain during construction. Sekas homes agreed to adjust the angle of the driveway, slightly, to keep the large willow oak in front. The new owners greatly appreciate the large trees (and so do the neighbors).

Two large oak trees and a mature willow oak were recommended to be removed by the builder's arborist (because they would not survive during construction).  After the property owners asked for a second opinion, they put in tree protection during construction, and the trees remained.  Three years after the fact, the trees appear to be going strong and provide invaluable shade and flood control for these owners. 

“More than 18 feet in circumference, the Willdenow’s oak (a natural hybrid between a black oak and southern red oak) escaped the widespread felling of Arlington’s trees during the Civil War for fuel and building materials and is listed among Arlington’s 100 designated “champion” trees. Thought to be the largest Willdenow’s oak in the state, with its acorns in the Smithsonian…”  Washington Post article here