One homeowner recently took to Reddit after discovering that their neighbor had trimmed trees on their property without permission and now refuses to stop.
In the post, the homeowner explained that the trees, which had provided a small amount of privacy in their garden, were suddenly cut down by the neighbor, who later defended the move by saying they were blocking sunlight. "He said that he doesn't like them that tall and that if we grow them again he'll keep cutting them," the homeowner wrote. "No discussion, no warning."
When confronted, the neighbor reportedly became "defensive" and "confrontational," insisting that they would continue to cut down the trees as they grew. The situation prompted Redditors to urge the poster to document the damage and contact authorities if it happens again. "It's criminal damage, so report it to the police," one commenter wrote.
While disputes like this may seem personal, they're more common than you think. Neighborhood conflicts can not only interfere with your gardening choices, but they can also stand in the way of making more sustainable lifestyle choices.
Experts say the best bet for tackling such disputes early is by openly communicating your intentions — and, if necessary, referring to local ordinances that protect private property and green space. As more communities embrace eco-friendly living, building mutual respect and awareness can prevent these tensions from derailing progress toward greener neighborhoods.
One user summed up the frustration best: "Honestly, call the police. Report it as criminal damage, which it is. He's entitled to cut back anything that overhangs his property, but if it's on your property, he's not."
Another said: "Erect a 2m high fence between the trees and the property boundary. You get the trees and additional privacy, he gets nothing. Cheaper than lawyers and more satisfying."
A third commented: "A qualified tree surgeon might be able to manage them back to a natural shape. I think you should call one out for a survey."
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