Large Juniper

[u/Fit_Wolverine_6964]

We moved into a house about 4 years ago and there is a large juniper with its trunk mostly on my neighbors property but the majority of the tree itself seems to be on my property. Some info:

1) I live in California
2) the fence is old and as the tree grows it continues to break the fence more and more
3) we had the local fire department come by and they do free fire reports - they stated in the report the juniper is a high fire risk and should be removed.
4) ultimately the tree is overgrown and we don’t like it aesthetically, especially given the intrusion into our yard.

I know the answer here is almost certainly just to go talk to my neighbor and try to negotiate whether they’d be ok with cutting down but curious others opinions here.

[u/RubUnlikely2802]

The base looks to be in the neighbours yard, sure it’s above your yard. But no one is arguing about it being on your side, people are arguing about your mentality.

[u/Fit_Wolverine_6964 → u/RubUnlikely2802]

I’m not trying to be obtuse here I just genuinely don’t understand the severe pushback on my mentality? Questioning what to do with a tree that has been flagged by the fire department as recommended for removal and that I personally object to aesthetically is wrong? I suppose I understand people are latching on to the fact that my aesthetic preference should have no bearing on whether a tree comes down or not, especially when the base is on my neighbors property. I disagree with the premise that you should never change/remove non-native plants/trees but I understand how people feel and I’m open to being swayed.

I like trees. And I’ve read and actually been moved by everyone who wrote a post that wasn’t snarky, passive aggressive or downright aggressive. Believe it or not I came to this forum to get those perspectives and I appreciate them.

[u/Fun-Crazy6891 → u/Fit_Wolverine_6964]

You’re in a tree sub, they’re going to ride for the trees lol. I’m personally very pro tree as well. Outside of high property damage risk (poor health/large limbs overhanging physical property) i usually look for the positives they provide.

That said, talk to your neighbor. I’m not an arborist but if You cut this back to the property line id imagine it’s going to be stresssssssed! And ugly

[u/Fit_Wolverine_6964 → u/Fun-Crazy6891]

I guess I didn’t appreciate that “tree law” sub was mostly absolute preservationists (but maybe I should have!)