Homeowner Accuses Neighbor of Killing 30 Trees in Their Yard: 'They Are Nearly Fried'

If you're a homeowner, you know how much time and dedication it can take to grow and design a landscape you love. Many landscaping decisions depend on location, plant preferences, and the need for privacy. But it can also be tricky to bring your vision to life while dealing with neighbors and HOAs.

One Redditor shared their experience of cutting down some pine trees on their property after neighbors complained about wanting to allow more sunlight to thaw snow and ice during the winter. Unfortunately, the removal didn't solve the problem and instead reduced the homeowner's privacy.

To regain their privacy, the homeowners planted 30 Brodie Juniper trees. These fast-growing trees seemed ideal for the situation, but within a few months, they began to struggle. "We live in the Midwest, it didn't snow a lot and it's been windy, but I just have a hard time believing that all 30 are nearly fried and the grass in between is brown as well," the homeowner wrote.

The homeowner claimed that all 30 of the trees were nearly fried, down to the grass in between each tree. Oddly, the junipers planted at the same time closer to the house showed no signs of damage—not even a speck of brown, says the homeowner. This led the homeowner to question whether the cause was natural or if their neighbor—known for causing trouble—had interfered.

Hundreds of people have commented on the Reddit post, offering their opinions on the situation. "Can't really tell from this pic, but is the whole line of trees and nowhere else? That seems like a pretty good indicator that herbicide may have been used," one person wrote.

Another replied: "I agree, it does look like the grass is also dead in between the trees. I would be very suspicious that someone sprayed herbicide there." Many commenters agreed, suspecting that herbicide had been applied to kill the trees. One professional even added: "As an arborist, this definitely looks herbicide related."

Others advised the homeowners to install cameras if they choose to replant, in case the neighbor attempts to sabotage their landscaping again.

The homeowner wrote they got some fertilizer from their local nursery to see if they could save the trees. "Pray for my trees," they wrote.