dzejna: I keep seeing this word next to the name of the tree, "firewise"...does anyone knows what that means?

Means some edu/gov/org gave it a low flammability rating.... though I never would have guessed it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Firewise Landscaping

I will be facing a similar situation very soon, as my neighbors have a Chinese Pistache that is so close to our fence, half the canopy hangs about 6 feet into our yard. It isn't hanging on the fence YET but it will be very soon. My husband said that we have every right to trim back whatever is over the property line and in our yard. To me, it's apparent that when we do trim it back, it will probably shear off about 1/3 of the canopy. My suggestion was to wait until fall to do that so the radical pruning wont hurt the tree or the neighbors feelings.

Personally, I don't think you should sacrifice your own plantings for someone else's tree. As I said, I've always been told that whatever hangs over the property line is ours to deal with how we choose. I would trim back those branches. Maybe not so radically that you can't enjoy the tree yourself since you said you like the shade. But controlling the size on your end would be perfectly within your right. Especially considering it's causing/will cause damage to your property.

Bostedo, thank you for that explanation, it's very helpful. :) Paradisecircus, I am sorry to hear you are facing a similar challenge but yes, sounds like we will both need to be firm and stand our ground to have some of the branches cut at least. I agree with you on waiting for fall though, maybe even winter since I don't want to kill the tree by cutting in this heat.

I doubt you could kill it if you tried. We just cut one down that was 20+ feet, multitrunked. Then we ground down the stumps at least 2 feet and 12 foot diameter circle. It looked like the previous owners cut it down and tried to burn the stumps when they lived here.

That sucker is trying to come back. I've hit it with round up about 4 times so far and need to go after some new sprouts.

Attractive- yes. Nice shade- yes. Invasive every way you can think- heck yes.

Lisa

Wow, now that is called tough. :P The only other tree I know of being so invasive is the mimosa, killed it last year to the ground and it popped sprouts from roots everywhere in the front yard! I will have to try the killer stump thing next. Maybe it would work for you too Lisa?