I'm an urban planner & urban forestry/green infrastructure specialist. There are a few places that have solar access laws. The rest of the places in this country rely on nuisance law. Many areas recognize that canopy decline is an issue and are trying to reverse the decline. In general most people and places are on board with it, and want trees in general.

So, in this country trees cross boundary lines all the time, and 'good neighbor' laws/dicta are appropriate for general tree canopies, and most rational people (except where there are views) prioritize shade over other things. Generally not an issue.

Dan

You can always ask your new neighbor about your tree choice and what it means regarding shading his/her property. Who knows, maybe he/she would love to have a duo of beautiful American Elms shading the property.

From what I read, the DED resistant cultivar 'Valley Forge' is supposed to have the best/most classic American elm vase shape at maturity. It also showed the highest resistance to DED in controlled screenings compared to other resistant cultivars.

Thanks for the input, Dan & Treeguy! I appreciate it.

I am leaning to the Princeton, only b/c the Valley Forge looks like it needs a lot of specialized pruning to keep it in a healthy (& even in a vase) shape, whereas the Princeton more naturally takes on the form. And I'm just getting comfortable forcing myself to prune trees. lol I don't trust myself that much yet.

I agree with Treeguy, asking would be a good idea if you anticipate the tree's mature canopy reaching into your neighbor's yard, but especially if you are wanting to plant it reasonably close to the property line. I would never plant a tree very near a property line without asking, but, the further back I planted, the less obligated I would feel about asking. In 50 years, what's the chances of your neighbor even being there?

The shape of your tree will also be a positive. A tree that was going to weep down into his yard would potentially be more annoying.

I wish all neighbors were as thoughtful as you when planting trees! These days, it's extremely common for neighbors to have issues because of trees infringing on their yards and various pruning issues related to trees and shrubs straddling boundaries. I've read way too many complaints on this very forum to think that everyone values shade over light for their garden or nice green lawn.

I wish all neighbors were as thoughtful as you when planting trees! These days, it's extremely common for neighbors to have issues because of trees infringing on their yards and various pruning issues related to trees and shrubs straddling boundaries

Too true. I second what brandon wrote.

One of my staff where I used to practice had her back neighbor plant a large tree right on the fence, perfectly in view of the house's view plane to a key visual resource - one of the most outstanding in the country IOHO. Just because the guy wanted to be an idiot.

Nonetheless, the incidence of nuisance issues 25' from property line is very low.

Dan

I also agree with Brandon about it's nice to see someone thoughtful enough to think about the mature size of the tree and its potential effects on the neighbors down the road.

At least where I live the law is very simple. If it hangs over the property line, you can cut it back to the property line, but once you cut it off, it's yours to dispose of. The cut off part that is. I always let my neighbors know if I'm going to be cutting something back that's hanging over the property line that is ornamental(not wild grown) and ask if they prefer me to make healthier better cuts, which may be on their side of the property line or just to make the best cuts I can at the property line. I've found most people want the healthier, better cuts to be made no matter which side of the property line they may be. Anyways, it just shows that good communication when possible is the best recourse.

I don't think anyone who lives in a climate with warm or hot summer temperatures dislikes shade. It's good that you are planning ahead for the mature size of the tree.

You didn't mention any above ground or buried power lines, gas lines, sanitary sewer lines, or septic lines. Such infrastructure often runs between lots and needs to be planned for with trees.

Thanks for the input! I will ask around about it next time we're chit-chatting. The only thing is, as Brandon mentions, odds are only a few of them will still be here in 15 years, let alone 20. Actually-- I guess there'd only be 2 neighbors to worry about, and one rents. Still, good discussion to have. (Plus, with elms, that shade will come sooner rather than later lol).

Thank you!