Typically, yes. The additional soil materials will essentially suffocate the trunk from lack of gas exchange, create a moist habitat for deadly bacteria and fungal infections, and bury feeder roots, limiting the ability to transport oxygen, water and nutrients.However, it appears this grade change happened with primarily rocks and gravel, which formed a porous cover and allowed moisture to get through to the tree's roots. In addition, a lawn and sprinkler system was created around the perimeter of this tree that allowed water to feed the tree even as it was being compromised and struggling to adjust to its new environment. These actions have allowed this tree to survive where in most cases it would have died within a year after the grade change. Oxygen, water and nutrients were provided, though via a somewhat compromised means. Additionally, with this porous fill, the buried feeder roots were able to grow back to the existing surface grade within some degree.