The digging exposed roots, which were documented by an urban forestry agent with a camera. Arborist Brion Capo told the local media that construction permits for the $221 million expansion project addressed safeguarding the trees, but those plans were not effectively communicated to the guys in the bulldozers. Capo believes the trees can survive if the hospital follows his fertilizing and pruning instructions.

The hospital hired an arborist and landscape architect early in the project to balance construction needs with retaining as many trees as possible. Thirty-two trees were cut down. Plans call for 450 new trees and extensive landscaping after construction is complete.