I've noticed that my neighbor has a tree of heaven in their yard and because of that, saplings are starting to pop up next to my garden, which is a real problem. These things are invasive and I've already dealt with a couple in my yard by cutting them down and using a systemic herbicide. I'm worried that if my neighbor doesn't take care of the ones on their side, it's going to get worse. Would it be rude for me to ask if I can cut down and apply herbicide to the saplings in their yard? Also, is using herbicide the best way to handle this situation? Thanks for any advice!
3 Answers
You’re definitely not out of line here. Many folks don’t understand how invasive trees like this can be and your neighbor might just need a little nudge! They could even welcome your help, especially if it's clear that the situation is getting out of hand.
Talking to your neighbor about this shouldn’t be an issue! I had a similar thing happen with my neighbor and they were grateful when I brought up removing a small tree they didn’t even realize was invasive. Just be friendly about it and explain the situation, they might appreciate your help.
Exactly! It’s all about communication. Just approach them in a casual way, and they may even want to work together on a solution.
Before you do anything, check your local laws about using herbicides. In my area, it’s illegal to apply them on someone else’s property without a license. Plus, cutting down the tree isn’t always the best option since it can lead to more growth.

For sure! You might open the door to a friendly conversation and maybe even a gardening partnership.