When you plant a tree in your yard, think about all of the ways it will affect your neighbors. Will it shade their garden? Will it push on fences? Will it shade their solar collectors? Of course to assess this, you will need to know how large the tree gets (crown height and width), its crown shape, and how fast it grows. Ask for this information at the nursery where you purchase the tree, or call your local Cooperative Extension office.
You can prevent trees from causing problems for your neighbors by planting the right tree species in the right location and by properly caring for the tree over its lifetime. This may include mulching, watering, fertilizing, pruning to maintain structure and reduce risk, and cabling and bracing.