While we were on vacation, our neighbor cut the growing tips…

Douglas Firs are a straight growing, large coniferous tree. The neighbor used a 15 foot pruning lopper to cut about two feet of the the leading, upright branch (growing tip) from the tree. The growth of the tree is stunted by this action; in about two years, it may establish a new growing tip using one of the horizontal branches. It will never regain the elegance it has lost as a result of the leading branch being cut. Do you know Douglas Firs? In order to cut the tops from our trees, he stood on the top of the rock wall that separates our properties. No, our trees are not overhanging his property.

Thanks, Debra. I have a call in to the police. Replacement of 30 foot Douglas Firs is difficult; the surrounding vegetation would have to be ruined as well. We will probably have to live with the trees being marred. Mostly, we want him to stop trespassing and doing any more damage. If the police cannot stop him, we may have to follow up with suing him for damages. What a shame! We cannot imagine touching anyone else's vegetation, especially mature evergreens! Consequently, we are mystified as to how to deal with such an individual. You gave us a dose of reality about the impossibility of settling in a friendly way. Thank you, again.