Karen attempts to cut down neighbor's large oak tree because it blocks her view of the sunset: 'She got annoyed and said it's a reasonable request'

Author image for Isabella Penn
Isabella Penn
Oct 20, 2024 9:00 AM EDT

You never know what kind of neighbors you're going to get. You might get the ones who feed all the stray cats, turning your street into a constant feline frenzy. Or you might get the Boomers who yell at the neighborhood kids for daring to ride their bikes near their precious sidewalks. But worst of all, you might get the Karens—like this one—who think they're entitled to chop down your tree because it blocks their view of the sunset. This Karen is a new neighbor who just moved across the street. She's decided that the large oak tree on her neighbor's property (which is his favorite part of his property, btw) is "ruining" her evenings spent on her porch. Now, it's one thing to ask if he'd consider trimming it politely, but thinking she's entitled to demand that he cut it down because it bothers her? Classic Karen behavior.

People in the comments jumped in with similar horror stories, warning the original poster (OP) to install security cameras ASAP—because you never know what lengths a Karen might go to when she doesn't get her way.

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  • 01
    AITA for refusing to let my neighbor cut down my tree because it "blocks her view"?
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 02
    I (34M) live in a quiet suburban neighborhood, and my house has a large oak tree in the front yard. It's been there for decades, long before I moved in, and honestly, it's one of the things I love about the property. It gives
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 03
    shade, keeps the yard cool in the summer, and just generally looks great. Recently, my new neighbor (40sF) moved into the house across the street. She seems nice enough, but we don't really talk
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 04
    much, just the occasional wave. A couple of weeks ago, she knocked on my door and asked if I'd consider cutting down my tree. I was confused and asked why, and she said it "blocks her view of the sunset."
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 05
    Now, I've lived here for years, and I've never had any complaints about the tree, from neighbors or otherwise. It's perfectly healthy, and it's not hanging over anyone's property. Plus, I enjoy the view with the
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 06
    tree, and it's part of the charm of my yard. I politely told her that I wasn't interested in removing the tree, especially for something like that. She got annoyed and said it's a "reasonable request"
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 07
    because the tree "ruins" her evening view from her porch. I didn't want to escalate things, so I just said I'd think about it and ended the conversation. A few days later, she came back with pamphlets from a tree
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 08
    removal service and tried again, this time offering to pay for the removal. I declined again, saying that the tree's important to me and I don't want to get rid of it. She got visibly upset and said something like, "It's just a tree, why are you being so difficult?"
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 09
    Since then, she's been giving me the cold shoulder, and I've heard from a couple of neighbors that she's been telling people I'm being unreasonable. I honestly don't think I am, but now I'm wondering if I'm missing something.
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 10
    AITA for refusing to cut down my tree because it blocks her sunset view?
    via u/NoWayJose_690
  • 11
    hokeypokey59 • 3h ago Write her a letter or have an attorney do it, send it Certified Mail, Addressee Signature Required and Return Receipt so you have proof you sent it and she received it.
    via u/hokeypokey59
  • 12
    In the letter make it clear that she requested that you cut down the tree on your property, you declined, she came back with tree removal pamphlets and you told her you would not remove your ("shade") tree and rejected her offer to pay for it.
    via u/hokeypokey59
  • 13
    Install cameras that notify you immediately if anyone comes in your front yard. This person will not stop at your "no". This happened in my area. The neighbors poisoned the trees so they could have a view.
    via u/hokeypokey59
  • 14
    Netflickingthebean • 3h ago • Aficionado [19] NTA and honestly, you need to figure out a way to protect your tree. If you don't have a security camera pointed at it, get one ASAP. Neighbor clearly cannot be reasoned with. Reasonable people never would have asked. I wouldn't put it past her to hire a tree removal service on your behalf,
    via u/Netflickingthebean
  • 15
    or to try to damage it somehow. Mature trees add monetary value to your home, so please take this seriously.
    via u/Netflickingthebean
  • 16
    Lizziefrog • 3h ago Honestly, I would get a camera that lets you know when someone is on your property because I doubt she's going to leave it at that.
    via u/Lizziefrog
  • 17
    Maybe find a lawyer who can write to her to tell her she's not allowed to touch the tree, and consider letting any tree surgeons in the area know that you are never going to want to allow the tree at your property to be felled or changed in any way, and if they do touch it, you'll see them in court.
    via u/Lizziefrog
  • 18
    StAlvis • 3h ago Galasstic Overlord [1980] NTA And go discover the wonder of Reddit tree law, right now, because there's a non-zero chance someone who cares this much about your tree ends up doing something you'll need a tree lawyer to deal with.
    via u/StAlvis
  • 19
    StrangerOnReddit • 3h ago Commander in Cheeks [270] NTA. If she's saying "It's just a tree" then you could say "it's just a sunset". If she wanted a clear view on the sunset on her porch, she should have bought a different house. She is the unreasonable one here.
    via u/StrangerOnReddit
  • 20
    ThsBch 3h ago • • As a former Seattle resident, advice is to contact every tree removal service in the area my with a picture of the tree to tell them you are the owner and under no circumstances are you giving permission to anyone to cut the tree down. We turned away TWO different
    via u/ThsBch
  • 21
    companies that had been contracted and PAID to cut down our trees on our green belt. Trust me, this lady WILL call around and will eventually find someone to cut this tree down for the right amount of money. I'd look into a restraining order or injunction to keep her off and away from your property. BEFORE she cuts it down.
    via u/ThsBch
  • 22
    Cheezburger Image 10417863424
    via Unsplash (Getty Images)

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feud neighbors lawn entitlement drama neighborhood yard neighborhood-drama petty entitled Reddit karen entitled people
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