I'm cutting down my neighbors' trees

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I know some people won't agree with this plan and I respect that opinion. All I ask is that you watch the video to find out the WHY before you comment.

[@slomo1716]

As much as I love trees and get so upset when my Condo Mgt company hires a arborist to take them down, they come down for a reason. One massive pine tree, destroyed the room of a neighbor. Many trees are shaped up so the limbs don't come crashing down on people. Great plan Great idea of two neighbors! Can't wait to see the progress!!

[@MyFocusVaries]

Whenever I see an arbor vitae hedge like that, I think someone bought the wrong tree by accident in the first place.

[@mireillewilson5911]

You are replacing overgrown trees with more manageable trees and shrubs and you're working with your neighbors. Love the way you handled the situation. I can't wait to see the outcome.

[@stephanieurban8]

No need for apologies or explanations! You are replacing them with other plants, not leaving the space bare. Sunlight is a premium in my yard, and I’m constantly limbing up and trimming trees to get more light. Your plan is marvelous!!!

[@emmalavenham]

IMHO Arbs are just not a great choice even for formal hedging simply because they are often out of scale and require a lot of maintenance - requiring tip pruning annually to reduce any thinning.

[@paulacothren3591]

Masters in Forestry weighing in here, and I can't say enough that trees have a lifespan (some much longer than others, obviously). They are organic. They live and die. I am emotionally attached to many of my trees. But when I've accepted the time has come to take them down the only thing I regret is the cost.

[@lindylou3519]

I regret giving up the shade they provide.😥

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I always worry about the birds and their nests. I hope they get to it soon as to not take down nests, being that it's spring and I'm sure the birdies are scoping out nesting areas.

[@paulacothren3591]

@@lindylou3519 Yes, true.

[@LB-vl3qn]

Well said.

[@stevemiller7949]

My theory is that Americans tend to be way to ready to cut down viable trees --- makes them feel they accomplished something.

[@Blchristen]

I can’t wait to see this happen! Erin and Yulia working together…can’t do much better than that. Wish I could hire the two of you.

[@marieannehendrie7423]

Congratulations on working this out with your neighbor. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. But it looks like it will be a lovely improvement.

[@sncmom2000]

I think this is very exciting and I can’t wait to watch it happen.

[@amymerber]

Erin, This plan is gorgeous! Don’t listen to the naysayers…you’re making your yard work for you and there will be much more diversity and support for wildlife once your plan is executed. P.S. I love Yulia’s Y Garden channel too!

[@strngenchantedgirl]

Love the shoutout for Yulia. She’s an amazing designer. ❤️

[@donnanowik7955]

Erin, this whole project is a win-win-win for you, the neighbors and the environment! So nice to hear of collaboration rather than animosity these days. You and Yuliya are my 2 favorite gardeners to follow, so I will surely love watching this transformation. Onward!

[@bethlynch1909]

You said exactly what I was going to say. With Erin and Yuliya teaming up this project will be wonderful. I can hardly wait to see it and watch it mature.

[@jaynemar1]

Seems like the neighbors didn’t put much concern towards you and Mr. Much More Patient when they decided to move Pool Party Central right out your door, complete with parking lot next to your drive. Surely I cannot be the only one thinking this. As always, Erin you have a well thought out considerate plan. It will be magnificent I’m sure!

[@JG-vn5fe]

I thought the same thing, about the neighbors "moving Party Central" ~ Plants don't screen the party music and noise! We had "Pool Party Neighbors" and the loud noise and music was constant ALL summer ~ Even with our densely planted screen, we couldn't enjoy our deck or yard. ~ We finally just moved, :o(

[@susand4230]

And are you paying for it or are they since most of the plantings are on their property?

[@snu3877]

@@JG-vn5fe That's a shame. It's an awful thing when your home is no longer your sanctuary because of neighbors.

[@dees.1686]

"Do I trust the deer? Hell no!" Haha! Seriously, this is going to be gorgeous and support a much wider range of wildlife than a one-specimen hedge does. Nice to have Yuli to provide her expertise. Looking forwarding to watching the progress and getting inspiration. Thanks for sharing the process.

[@heatherw.2751]

So exciting!!!! I love Yuliya! She is so talented and this is totally in her wheelhouse. I’m looking forward to seeing the progression on this project for sure!

[@JennJenn9]

Really exciting plan! 👏🏻🌲🌺 I’d say you’re lucky to have nice neighbors, but I hope they realize they are lucky to have YOU!! My only question at the moment- will Yuliya visit? LOVE both your channels- would be amazing to have a ‘Power Hour’ with you two 😀🤞🏻

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

It's such a gift to have neighbors who are willing to work with you. I love a well thought out and mixed hedge/screening! Your designs are beautiful and will provide great habitat for wildlife.

[@ElizabethM824]

Congratulations! Can't wait to see you document this process. I would be freaking out if my neighbor was doing that project and putting a cottage and parking that would destroy any hopes of maintaining privacy. So, glad you were able to work this out with your neighbor. I think it will be beautiful when done.

[@salimorton641]

Erin, it's great that you and your neighbors can agree to this new plan!

[@tammyhoushour8070]

How nice to have neighbors that you can work with to make both neighbors happy ..that doesn't happen every day so happy for you all. 🙌🌷

[@susanhorn3910]

This just kind of sucks. You’re a gem for not being bitter about it. 😢💪🏻

[@joettedignanweir6893]

What an ambitious project - how fortunate you are that everyone involved agrees on what needs to be done. The results will be beautiful and functional for you and your neighbors. Looking forward to seeing videos of how it all comes together. Thank you for taking us along.

[@MyConsideredHome]

Love, love, love the plan. Looking forward to seeing the process. Thank you for sharing!

[@toddwiese7023]

With change comes opportunity

[@johnniekuykendall2696]

You do you! I understand and am looking forward to watching the process!

[@kfrankism]

Erin, sounds like a huge project but exciting. I hope your neighbors are helping with the investment and costs of cutting the trees down and etc. Yes?

[@lindylou3519]

I was wondering about that myself.

[@heidijones1516]

Hi Erin, I feel your pain regarding the potential party pad next door. I have a similar situation in my neighborhood. I'm glad to hear you've been able to work out the privacy screen, next up . . . the sound wall!

[@2prettyfunnythings736]

Thank goodness for a neighbor that is willing to work with you. The end results will look much better. I would be nervous on the extra parking, privacy and noise parts but that’s the price of having neighbors. Good luck I look forward to seeing it come together.

[@sharonmclaughlin2258]

Excited to see this project progress!

[@marybeth4002]

Such an undertaking that will transform your property and landscape, all for the better. I recognize and admire you and your neighbors for working together on this project. We can all hear the excitement in your voice. The ending footage of this video was just stunning.. and the music. I always knew you were on Lake Michigan - just didn't realize you were so close to the shoreline.

[@JaimeGardens]

This is going to be gorgeous! Very well thought out plan and cool that you and your neighbors can collaborate to make it happen and make it work in both of your favors!

[@petefredrick3784]

Wow! I knew you were very close to Lake MI but wow you are close!! I'm across the pond about a mile from Lake MI. Gotta love our lovely lake! So glad your neighbors agreed to this project. Looking forward to the progress.

[@mollypitcher9380]

I agree!!!! I’m surprised she doesn’t have much wind! But oh, sooo beautiful!!!!!

[@CelesMaria]

This is a total upgrade! Can't wait to see how it comes out

[@kandyharris2195]

Wowza, this is quite the undertaking! I will be watching, change is good . Happy Gardening 👩‍🌾

[@MrsTitina]

What a great project! So interesting. I’ve been following Yuliya for a few years and I know her recommendations will be great!

[@ivym.6388]

Erin, I am absolutely _thrilled_ for you and Mr. MMP! What an exciting project and it is sure to be a beautiful improvement. You've handled the planning perfectly and it's going to be fun for all of us to see the process and the outcome. I can certainly understand opinions of people who are averse to cutting down trees, and if you were doing it to asphalt the area, I'd be right there with them. But you are addressing light and privacy issues, which are surely warranted, and you are going to handle them in an aesthetically pleasing way that will also be good for the environment. Kudos to you!

[@deniseb2571]

Going to be so much better than what is currently there. Yuliya is an awesome lady. Love her channel too 🌷

[@fennerpirie]

Loved the ending music and the sky view of the water and peninsula! You have been hinting at a big project in your last several videos and I've been looking forward to finding out what the project is- and no dissapointment! This is exciting, I hope you will share all the steps with us. Your goals are something we can all relate to as gardeners and homeowners and environmentalists. I'm also in zone 5B but in a higher elevation and drier area (Colorado) so I will be taking notes and considering which plants might work in my area. I'm most interested in finding out how you prep the soil after removing the stumps.

[@guntaweiland3428]

What a beautiful location, Erin. I didn’t realize you were so close to Lake Michigan. Living in Chicago area, we went to WI often. Your love for the location is obvious.

[@Annie-lv8sn]

I'm so sorry for your property, Erin. My neighbors built a pool and it's non-stop hell of partying during the summers. We are also trying to work on developing a screen and invested considerable labor and money, but nothing can help the noise. Good luck to you and to us.

[@j.m.7056]

I feel your pain and sympathize. 😢

[@JG-vn5fe]

We had the same problem with our "Pool Party Neighbors" ~There just aren't enough plants to ever screen the constant LOUD MUSIC and NOISE ALL SUMMER! ~ We finally just moved! :o(

[@karinjohnston6568]

I feel your pain too. Our neighbours had an above ground pool, and now are building a very large in-ground pool. They are super gregarious party people, lots of music etc. additionally, they want to let the hedge between our properties grow taller, increasing shade on our side and limiting what we can grow. They are nice folks but not concerned with how their decisions impact us at all.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

For us it is screaming kids jumping on a trampoline for hours a day (boing!, Boing!, BOING! haunts my dreams!) and nonstop intrusively loud 4 wheeler engines. Oh and sometimes, they get a cow, pig or goat and don't clean up after it so we get to smell its urine and feces in the hot humid months... that's the BEST! So great! 🙄

[@boysrus2]

The people caddy corner to our backyard built a pool, waterfall, outdoor entertainment area. We can’t see them, but we sure do hear them. It sealed our decision to sell and move.

[@kathy5706]

This was very helpful and answered some questions about a corner of 2 “miniature” white pines that have grown to at least 50 feet in the last 30 years, despite being topped off twice. we were told their growth would be 25-30 ft (same nursery that sold us Bradford pears which we replaced). the foliage now starts about 8 feet high, they are not a privacy screen and recently with high winds lost many branches. because our lot is small, I’m concerned about our neighbors fences, playsets, Florida room, etc and while I hate to cut down a live tree, their size is scary and they don’t provide a privacy screen, which was the goal. this was very helpful, Erin, and I get what you are doing. Also liked the detail for the new stuff, gave me some ideas. I’m going to show this to my husband so he doesn’t think I’m nuts for cutting down “perfectly good trees!” great video.

[@threegoodeyes7400]

Somehow I never realized your property was right on a huge lake. I was really surprised when I saw that aerial view of your neighbor’s property and saw waves crashing on a beach.

[@laurieanne2791]

Lake Michigan! Erin’s mentioned the Lake being nearby periodically throughout her videos. Although, I didn’t realize her property was directly connected. Gorgeous!

[@olgak506]

my jaw dropped when I realized Erin's house is right on that huge lake!!! omg! how insanely beautiful and yes im jealous ! I live in Minnesota so we are neighbors , and I think its incredibly lucky to own such a gorgeous peace of property , she is being way to modest not to share that fact :)

[@titosrevenger]

Same here! I've been watching this channel for years and never knew she was waterfront. She does a good job disguising that fact. I wonder why though.

[@kellilangvo]

Same here….I never really understood the layout of the property….kinda still don’t…can’t tell which house is Erin’s🤷🏽‍♀️

[@j.m.7056]

Fabulous! I am also fortunate with my neighbors -- we lost giant Leyland Cypress (16) and collaborated on new plantings! This is so exciting and am glad Yuliya is involved. 😊

[@karysu51]

The trees and shrubs you have chosen will be so much more interesting than those old, overgrown trees. Hurry up and get 'er done! It will be great.

[@emcg9004]

I have been working on a mixed border screen for quite some time. I had to do it in stages as the expense was just too much to do it all at once. Over the last 8 years I've been adding specemin evergreens and shrubs. You are right, Erin, it is low maintenance and looks so much better than a wall of one variety of evergreen. It's so smart to start with bigger plants even though it is expensive. One of my evergreens is a Serbian Spruce. It is finally above my head as it is one of the slowest growing evergreens, but it's beautiful and I could never afford a large one. I know your space will look great and so much fun to have a project for summer. I'll enjoy following your progress.

[@adoster2008]

You go girl. I have no issue with you cutting down those treats. The new privacy plantings will be gorgeous. Love the plan.

[@jefwalte76]

So excited to watch your progress on this project. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@lfc286]

I completely understand your need for light. Light is so important to quality of life. I look forward to seeing your new plan

[@catherinemoran3325]

Most gardeners know when it is time for a change. Me included. Gardens evolve and are better in many ways for the decision to remove the old and begin anew. And, not only will the change bring beauty - but the fact that the increased sun exposure adds to the health of your existing plantings. Seriously - how thrilling that your neighbor is renovating and constructing a wonderful home and outdoor space!

[@lindylou3519]

I miss having nice quiet older neighbors that have a lifestyle like ours. Lol I swear I don’t know if there is enough property to have that peace & quiet anymore. I think your design is going to be gorgeous & fit the area nicely. The noise may be your problem.

[@BS-j1965]

Thank God for real live collaborationI thought I may never see that again in my lifetime. Good for you Erin and good for your neighbors. Can't wait to see the finished product!!!!

[@elleshepherd2506]

I’m excited for you. I think the area will be much more interesting than it is now. Hope you share as much as possible, so we can learn a little more about the plants you’ve chosen.

[@singing-sands]

It doesn't sound terrible at all. Everyone else may have an opinion, but your decisions are well thought out and valid.

[@sivlow264]

Makes total sense as far as I am concerned. Can’t wait to see the progress ❤

[@bettyboop1524]

Sounds exciting. May I ask is the cost for this project a shared cost between you and your neighbor? I've had trees removed and I know what that costs. Thank you for including us in this project.

[@Cherryparfait41]

I LOVE IT!! ❤❤❤ Especially that you’re able to work together and make it work for both home owners. Goodbye to these trees! It’ll be beautiful for many years.

[@michellejames5953]

How are you able to plant these trees, with the roots/stumps of the old? Or did I miss something in the video. Lol

[@Cherryparfait41]

@@michellejames5953 That’s going to be a lot of stump grinding and digging. I haven’t watched this to the end yet. But, the coordination is interesting.

[@j.m.7056]

​@@michellejames5953 She spoke about stump removal.

[@michellejames5953]

@@j.m.7056 I didn’t mean to post my question on her post, but I would think there would be a lot of big roots, even with a stump removal. I have no experience with that.

[@carolinebaranczyk1131]

Hi Erin! Looks like things will work out great. Trees are renewable resources. And the best way to screen for privacy!!

[@susandenniscook9271]

We are Garden Designers in the South, and your plans seem very sound. I especially love the idea of a Hemlock. We use them in shady garden projects ourselves. They are just so graceful and fit in so well to a natural woodland design.

[@deborahgosse1186]

Go for it !! I cant wait to see it come together

[@brandiehuck3381]

So much better!!! I can’t wait to see it. Don’t worry about haters,… if you don’t love it,.. move it,…run with it lady!.. It’s going to be beautiful!

[@Higginsangel]

Are your neighbors helping you with the costs of the new trees?

[@sierramike6626]

You are amazing! Great project, very excited for you. And you gave me very good ideas about building privacy “growth/screen “ in my yard. Thanks. Looking forward watching your project grow! Good luck

[@amberpoynter3303]

Love the collaborative plan you and your neighbor have come up with to address a mutual problem! Excited to see it come together

[@annaz9080]

I'm so happy for you! Nothing more exciting than a new garden!!!

[@karenbergstrand2772]

what a fabulous project -- I'm really looking forward to seeing it all happen!

[@juliafiore120]

Erin, I think your plan looks magnificent! If something doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it! Cut them non-privacy trees down. I cannot wait to see this project come together. Have a Blessed Day 😊

[@danakenoyer106]

This is so exciting. I am eager to see how the project progresses. I have a similar need for a privacy screening planting coming soon. I appreciate these thoughtful design ideas.

[@sweetmommyof5763]

You are way too kind to do this for your neighbors. It sounds like an amazing plan, hopefully your neighbors will respect your peace and space and are appreciative of everything you're doing.

[@dianebateman6808]

Erin, it will be beautiful when you're all done. Your plan to incorporate evergreens with shrubs is a fantastic way to add privacy and beauty, frankly that area needed a little sprucing up. Don't feel bad, it's not like you are tearing these trees down and not replacing with other trees. In the end, it will be better forage for wildlife and privacy for both you an your neighbors. Looking forward to the new look.

[@sharonperry8978]

So looking forward to seeing the transformation

[@ShirleyJDavis]

I am excited for you and looking forward to seeing it come to being. I hope you will keep us updated as it moves along. Congratulations to you and your husband for coming up with the project .

[@carolfield8803]

I cannot believe you're not upset about the neighbors plans. The invasion, the noise, more people? OMG I'd be nuts!! I can see the excitement about the new look but I'd be moaning if not pulling my hair out imaging this change. I'm freaking out for you. I think I need a glass of wine 🍷.

[@katedorman7042]

I’m planning to have a glass of wine FOR Erin. Even though the neighbors are on board with the privacy screening I would be heartbroken at the loss of privacy and all the noise these changes are bringing…especially after almost 20 years of living there. Diplomacy at its best. Well done.

[@kmarch6630]

It could be worse. My neighbors cut down trees and made a dirt track for their kids motorcycles.

[@JG-vn5fe]

There are not enough plants to ever screen out the "Party Noise", which is surly coming at ALL hours ALL summer!! I know, because we lived with it and finally had to move!! SO SORRY Erin! ~ Forget about enjoying your glass of wine, on your deck, :o(

[@lauradahdouh]

@@kmarch6630 OMGOSH! The worst!!!

[@vanessajohanson-witt5570]

So exciting! Thanks for sharing this plan. Don’t worry about people that may not agree with you - that’s not the point of you sharing. You are awesome, I love your videos and I appreciate you.

[@bonniejoberg388]

Sounds like a great project for all the reasons you gave. I think it will also be so much more attractive to look at from both sides. Great plan, cant wait to see it come together!

[@sheristephens4608]

Your plan looks wonderful! Thank you for the reminder that trees are not the only ecological wonders in our gardens!

[@koltonhewlett]

Love this design. Beautiful plants with great ecological benefits and will fit in perfectly with your natural landscape. Can't wait to watch your plans come to fruition.

[@adz5bneweng589]

I'm going to enjoy watching this as the project moves forward. So exciting!

[@laurahiggins4712]

Sounds like a great plan! Looking forward to watching the progress of your project!

[@CindDJo]

Huge project. I love your bravery. You help me to be brave enough to make some much needed big changes in you garden too.

[@tpdoolin8445]

Really looking forward to this new project!! Your neighbors have seen the light and now you and your garden can too. I vote for more drone shots! I knew Lake Michigan was behind you somewhere but had no idea it was that close.. I think it'd be great to see your gardens from that aerial perspective in each of the seasons if privacy concerns allow.

[@martihurford]

Best of luck to you, Mr Inpatient and your neighbors. I will be an Intriguing bystander watching and learning. ♥️

[@gilliandawson6567]

Its going to be great. Cant wait to see the plan come to life.

[@ljenkins7317]

You don't owe anyone an explanation of what you want to do in your (and in this case, your neighbor's) yard. Having said that, I really appreciate how much thought went into your new design. I love how you worked closely with your neighbor. This space is going to be stunning and I can't wait to see it!

[@graylagran7443]

This is awesome and y’all are so fortunate for the collaboration of your neighbor and your resources. Can’t wait to see the transformation. ❤️

[@GMD1984]

I think your reasoning is totally on point. Go for it! I look forward to seeing the progress.

[@quailhollow7955]

Thank you for sharing this amazing plan. And I ADORE Yulia.

[@MyFocusVaries]

What a big project! 🎉 I can't imagine anyone having a problem with replacing monoculture with such a diverse planting. Good luck with it all!

[@ElizabethA87]

What an intelligently well thought out plan for the mixed screen! It is going to be beautiful. Wishing you all the best with this new project. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out. 🌿🦌

[@karenbrewer3362]

You have a beautiful plan, and respect for all things involved. Can’t wait to see it progress!

[@renejohnson37]

I think it’s exciting. A mixed hedge is exactly what I would want.

[@fiercegirldesign1]

So exciting, Erin! Thanks for spending so much time sharing the details of what you’re planning. Glad to hear you were able to work with Yulia on this. I follow both of you on YT. 😊❤

[@zoreslavazinczenko1060]

WOW!!! That's going to look FABULOUS!!! OMG!!! CAN'T WAIT to watch it develop and grow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sarahjines7791]

Privacy is so important! I think your neighbors will be so grateful to you for this plan, although they may not know it yet!!

[@kathygunderson2204]

Excellent resolution. Winter light is needed.

[@fraukeg.facchini2691]

That's a great plan! Lots of work coming your way, and I hope that you find the chameopteris (sp?)! Good luck!

[@julesdavis1845]

Great news! Finally getting to do this and do it well. You’ve had to live with someone else’s choices for so long. Really happy for you.

[@janetschuchter238]

This is so helpful, not necessarily the specific trees, but dealing with this kind of issue. Thank you

[@sylvierossignol9757]

Wow! What a great plan! Can’t wait to see it develop! This very situation is happening to my daughter, that hedge was made of trees that we overgrown and were then causing interference with electrical wires. They were just cut down so she’s looking for some ideas. I will show her this video! I am looking for privacy screen too but my neighbour is much higher up and we can see right into his kitchen when we are on our deck and they also have a hot tub! Nothing can grow fast enough! Lol I have planted a dogwood kousa because of its colouring, shape and size. Will be adding more but it got expensive real quick!

[@patsygardiner8999]

My home had a privacy screen of pines when I moved in. After 5 yrs they began to uproot, I was always trimming the branches hanging over. Had them removed & put in smaller bushes. Love it.

[@kimjapinga6550]

I am so excited for you. I am sure your efforts along with Yulia’s will make it just spectacular.

[@wynandrutten3461]

Hi Erin, Been following you for a while now and really enjoy your input. Just watched what you're planning on doing and I think its great. Looking forward to seeing you implement your plans. Word of warning! Deer LOVE Chamaecyparis. And Cornus. A few years ago I spent a lot of money on a big beautiful weeping Chamaecyparis and planted it out in my garden as a focal point. One winter morning I looked out the window and found that the whole thing had been eaten right down to the trunk. The deer had a mega-feast on my tree over night. If your deer pressure is as bad as mine (I'm in southern Quebec, not to far from the Vermont border) you could be in for a nasty surprise. I don't have too much trouble with the Cornus; they only seem to graze on the tips. The upside to that is that my Cornus always have a nice shape... To make a long story short, I've since put up a deer fence around my property and solved that problem. Now I have groundhogs to deal with. Sigh... Gardening is not for the feint of heart! LOL.

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

Oh that sounds heartbreaking! We went with fences around individual trees because such a tall fence would be needed (they can jump surprisingly high!) and also would have to go across the driveway (or be much more expensive to go around it to exclude it!) and if they were able to try to jump it on occasion, they can be seriously injured/killed or their fawns left outside it. It just wouldn't be worth it to us. It's a pain having to trim and mow around individual fences, but I don't know what else to do! I do have good luck with junipers, great for my zone 4 climate, sandy soil, and they are very bird friendly and native, which is important to me. I'll probably go with more of those.

[@jenniferspoor2402]

Love the plan and I’m looking forward to watch it all come together.

[@pamelacarroll]

So exciting!! I think it will be a wonderful change. Can’t wait to see the transformation!!

[@krisnugent1250]

I think it's fantastic that you can work with the neighbors on this and make it better. This will be nice to see it grow.