I have a bit of a situation with a weed tree that's grown on my neighbor's side of the property line. It's right at the edge of their yard, and honestly, they don't seem to care much about their lawn, so they've let it be. I want to tackle this before it gets too tall (it's around 5 ft now) and starts leaning into my yard. I've been trimming it for a couple of summers, but I need a more effective solution. What can I safely pour on this tree to kill it? I'm looking for something non-toxic since I want to avoid any harmful chemicals, but I'm unsure if my usual vinegar method would work on a tree. Any advice on what to do?
3 Answers
It's important to recognize that if it’s a native tree, removing it could actually be harmful to the local ecosystem. I recommend having a friendly conversation with your neighbor to express your concerns. They might not even realize how it's impacting your yard. It’s generally better to work things out amicably instead of resorting to chemicals or removal.
I'd suggest avoiding any drastic measures without talking to your neighbor. Sometimes, just explaining how the tree impacts your space may prompt them to act. If they agree, offer to assist in removing it together; that way, everyone’s on the same page!
Before you do anything drastic, it might be best to have a chat with your neighbor first. Even if the tree is bothersome, it’s still their property. You could offer to help cut it down, and they might appreciate the gesture. Just keep in mind that using herbicides without permission can lead to some legal trouble, so it's best to go the polite route!

I totally get that, and I’m not aiming to be unneighborly. Just trying to balance this with the fact that I really don’t want my yard to look like a jungle!