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Sorry I cant give you any credible research. I came across the approach of lightly pruning root damaged trees through conversation with Dan Smith an employee of 6 years ago. He claimed to have worked for a tree service in Virginia that performed this tip pruning ( dont recall its specific name). He did however mention statistics that clearly indicated a far greater survival rate.
I can understand your dismay as I share it. Removing viable food producing leaves has a questionable ring to it. His comments in pruning where targeted at a very specific area. Construction of new expensive homes on wooded lots. Realize the contractor was concerned about the trees from the start as it was a selling point to his clients. I would suspect that efforts were made so damage (grade disturbance) was limited in the beginning. Which as we know is not the case normally. From the gest of the conversation I understand very little of the canopy was removed, finger sized leading laterals where headed back to sub laterals. Total canopy loss was not greater than 10% to 15%.
I think its possible The success rate may have been augmented by a greater concern with grading practices.
I may have commented in haste. When I think about it, The greater the canopy is over balance, the greater the growth signals would be to stimulate root generation.
My suggestion for grade disturbances are:
1. water thoroughly every 3 to 4 days.
2. mulch as much of the drip line as practical.
3. no fertilizer with nitrogen for the first year.
4. Hope for the best.
If the disturbances were extensive and I thought the tree was in critical jeopardy I might lean to such measures. Believing in could make the difference in survival.
Im glad you pointed that out. It has allowed me to reflect on some thoughts Ive not had a chance to exercise in a while.
Thanks !
George schrader@beaches.net
ISA SO-0448