Can you have too many trees?

[Anonymous]

Five years ago my brother moved into one of those cookie cutter subdivisions created from farmland - so, no trees. He and his wife immediately a few dozen on their 3/4 acre lot. Their neighbors did not, and five years later, their house sticks out a lot. Nothing they violated the HOA rules, but the neighbors have complain that the house doesn't "fit in." I agree that it sticks out, but also...I can't imagine living with no trees. Curious what others think about this situation!

[Anonymous]

*planted a few dozen, sorry.

[Anonymous]

We have more trees than our neighbor would like. I love trees and don't think you can have too many but I think your basic suburban HOA dweller often views them as something that has to be maintained and might fall on something.

[Anonymous]

Six trees is not too many, IMO. I love an established tree lined neighborhood. The important part is caring for your trees as they grow. The neighbors should be planting their own trees. In my town we require developers (and individual home builders) to have a landscape plan, that includes trees. You cannot just level 50 acres and put up 100 homes without a thought about trees, canopy cover and drainage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Six trees is not too many, IMO. I love an established tree lined neighborhood. The important part is caring for your trees as they grow. The neighbors should be planting their own trees. In my town we require developers (and individual home builders) to have a landscape plan, that includes trees. You cannot just level 50 acres and put up 100 homes without a thought about trees, canopy cover and drainage.

Six?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Six trees is not too many, IMO. I love an established tree lined neighborhood. The important part is caring for your trees as they grow. The neighbors should be planting their own trees. In my town we require developers (and individual home builders) to have a landscape plan, that includes trees. You cannot just level 50 acres and put up 100 homes without a thought about trees, canopy cover and drainage.

Six?

Oh, I read half dozen, rather than a few dozen. Apologies dear soul.

[Anonymous]

Well maintained trees add tree-mendous value to the property and surrounding area. Your neighbors should thank your brother. They sound jealous.

[Anonymous]

The tree haters should go pound sand. There is nothing wrong with trees, as long as they are well chosen for the lot.

[Anonymous]

Trees are so much better than plain boring ass lawn. And a 3/4 acre lot is pretty large, its not like there is a crowded forest on a postage stamp lawn.

I'd tell the neighbors to kick rocks, and then enjoy the shade and nature in my yard.

[Anonymous]

24-36 trees on a 3/4 acre lot with a home on it is a lot. Are they maintaining the trees with pruning and raking leaves or just letting them grow over their neighbors’ property, dropping a lot of debris that their neighbors have to dispose of?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well maintained trees add tree-mendous value to the property and surrounding area. Your neighbors should thank your brother. They sound jealous.

Are they well-maintained OP?

[Anonymous]

Yes, there is such a thing as too many trees if there are too many for the space or they are too large but that impacts the tree more than anyone else unless you've planted them too close to the house or sidewalk. One invasive trees is too many.

But, I agree with PPs that better trees than the sterile, boring lawns so many people have. It's not just boring and ugle but they're missing a real opportunity to sustain wildlife.

[Anonymous]

What type of trees?
We have a half-acre and there are about 4 very large trees and about 4 smaller trees and that feels like plenty. I can’t imagine several dozen on 0.75 acre unless they’re dwarf varieties. If the trees were only planted 5 years ago have they accounted for the mature sizes?

[Anonymous]

Yes. If they're Bradford Pears then exterminate with extreme prejudice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:24-36 trees on a 3/4 acre lot with a home on it is a lot. Are they maintaining the trees with pruning and raking leaves or just letting them grow over their neighbors’ property, dropping a lot of debris that their neighbors have to dispose of?

+1 it’s really going to depend on the type of trees. 24 maples because they wanted to recreate a New England fall? That’s going to look ridiculous and be an absolute pain for neighbors during fall cleanup. 12 evergreens planted as a privacy screen, a couple of large foundation trees in the front and back plus smaller flowering/ornamental/fruit? That’s completely fine and will add tremendous value to their property.