We moved into our house last year, which has required a ridiculous amount of renovation (had been empty for months, previously occupied by oddballs with very odd taste, kitchen had been ripped out etc.)
Next door neighbours both sides are nice enough. One one side is a lady of around 70. She has asked me many times to cut down a buddleia that borders our two properties, but is on our side. Now, I love it. Yes it is tall, but shorter than the beech, willow and two massive conifers on her side that block my view. All of these trees are on the border between the properties.
Now, it would appear that the only reason she wants me to chop it down is because "buddleia are supposed to be shrubs, not trees". Not because it is restricting her view, shading her garden or any other practical reason. (The other trees do this already). I love it because it attracts the bees and butterflies. Neighbours on the other side recently cut down their beautiful lilac to maximise their view, so insects will already have been displaced. Also, it is simply not on my priority list, there is still so much to do on the house.
So, am I being unreasonable to not cut it down? It is too big and awkwardly placed to do ourselves, we would need to get a specialist, so I really resent paying for something that I don't want to happen. She came over yesterday with the details of one she has used before.
As far as I can see, our options are:
a) refuse to cut down tree, risk upsetting neighbour
b) agree to have it cut down, if she considers cutting the ridiculously large conifers on her side (we would have an amazing view if they were gone)
c) agree to cut it if she goes half on costs
d) agree to cut it if she pays
e) just cut it, no fuss.
What would you do? Is it worth upsetting her or not?
Thanks :)