toward my backyard.
“We need to discuss your tree.”
“The apple tree?” I asked. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s messy,” he replied. “Its branches cross the fence, and fruit falls into my garden.”
I offered to trim the branches and collect anything that dropped onto his property.
Ryan shook his head.
“I don’t want it trimmed. I want it removed.”
“That is not happening.”
He began lecturing me about property values, insects and appearances. I reminded him that the tree stood entirely on my land.
His expression hardened.
“You may not like
