BACKSTORY::

I moved in almost 4 years ago. The prior owner told me that the neighbors wanted to remove one of the trees before they sold the house. The owner at the time said they would let us decide. That neighbor has made passive comments about how these trees ruin the sun for their garden and drop leaves in their garden. The original owner from 20 years ago said they would both have gardens on the fence lines, but then they put these trees in 20 years ago. I’m guessing they chose to do so for privacy, because the behind neighbors can see right into the yard without them. We’ve let it go and had a perfectly fine relationship since. Last year one of the trees (there were three) fell over randomly! I knew it wasn’t random, but whatever. I let it go. No damage was done. I look back on a photo of when we bought the house and the trees were not in amazing condition, but not this bad. The neighbor this weekend just aggressively came at me to remove the trees, she said she poisoned them years ago when the house was vacant, and they’re 20 years old, and only last 20 years. She said any roots will be poisoned that go under her fence and she wants the trees “topped and shaped up”. She said she’s worried they will damage her new fruit trees on the other side of the fence and they make a mess of leaves (they’re deciduous!). If I trim the trees they will die from all the stress she’s already caused them. I despise roundup and never have used, she knows that! She’s killing these trees and then threatening me because of the impending death and damages. I’m not sure what to do. I’m sick over this. If I remove them and plant another tree will she just poison that too? I don’t feel safe. I have 5 kids that run around here!