I just might be, but the law states that if a neighbor's tree grows over into the neighbor's, then the neighbor has the right to trim it up to the property line.

Forget about the neighbor. He either is an Ahole or he is broke, or both. I would work this from my side as much as possible - not going on his side of the property. Cut back the brush, put new fence, prune back tree some (don't cut it in half!) and live with more frequent gutter cleans. Ok - you will spend $5k, but isn't that worth your sanity? I have paid for fences before that were shared with the neighbor. I don't want to have a fallen over fence and see who can wait it out longer ...

What I would NOT do is offer to pay for full tree service. But that's about all I'd avoid. And if the lady there is nice - get her to move to your house. ::D

Just my two cents.

G

I had a spiteful neighbour plant a very large tree right next to the property line with branches in my way. I promptly cut the limbs back to the trunk from ground to about 10 feet up.

She squawked saying that she planted it so close because she was irritated by one of my bushes growing into her yard.

"Then cut it" I responded. What you do on your side of the property line is none of my business. Thats what bylaw told her too when they arrived to investigate her complaint.

Later the gas company had to inform her husband that no, they could not run his new gas line up my yard instead of his. Sheesh!

( I had no idea about the gas situation but I know this because the amused gas guy called me from his driveway telling me about the situation and the words he was going to use, and not to worry. ;)

Other neighbour planted a fast growing hedge that grows 4 feet wide each season.

I now guard the permitter of my large mature lot with a machete every second saturday before anything gets big, and just scoop up the mess with my riding lawn mower.