thane, I think you need to have someone from code compliance come and look at the wall. Just go ahead and make the complaint that you "believe the wall is in violation." When the person comes out, show them the sheet and ask for an interpretation. I usually find that at least the first wave of people you ever talk to on the phone at the City of Bellevue are more confused than you are. I called to report that a campaign sign had been NAILED to a tree on a public right-of-way. I have been told that the parks department is responsible for all public trees. So I called the parks department. The woman there transferred me to transportation as soon as I said "sign". The the woman at transportation said, you need to talk to parks and transferred me back. Then the woman I first talked to decided to transfer me to her supervisor because she didn't understand what I meant by "a tree in city-maintained property along a street" ("you mean a tree in a park???"). If you need a yard or so of arborist wood chips and have some way to transport them, send me an e-mail (click on my user name here, then select "send me an e-mail"). I have a pile in my front yard and I'd be happy to give you some to help protect your plantings.

I was just reading this thread, and noted someone suggested an electric fence rather than a chain. I'd like to agree with the electric fence... but sometimes even if they've been trained to stay inside, some times something will call them to go out. My sister in law lost her dog that way. He'd been let out to do his business, but something must have attracted him enough to bounce past that fence. He went missing. My brother found him a day later, hit by the train that runs nearby. That dog was an amazing dog - also a pit bull mix. I'm wondering if a run would be a good solution, give the dog a chance to move around more without getting into a situation like the wonderful one I just wrote about. (That dog had been indoors about 95% of the time.)

I've been out of town at a conference, where I've had plenty of opportunity to observe people's dress and what looks good and not so good on certain body types. Some people just have the ability to look really well put together regardless of their age or size. OTOH, there were people with rockin' bodies, some who have to be sure to wear everything tight to show it off. I don't care for that either. This one lady with fabulous arms was only wearing Athleta dresses from what they looked like to me. I do think it's easier for men than for women. Men's clothes are also more standard sizing, but I've known big and tall men who looked great. Saw a comedy show last night where the classic comedian George Wallace joked: "Ladies, animal prints are great, but if you are larger than the the animal it represents, maybe it's not for you."

Sounds like an urban nightmare. What can you do?? First I would look for 2 or 3 trees of the variety you like best, 3 year old trees; and plant them in a part of the garden where you are in control. In a couple of years the new trees will begin to produce; and when they are big enough, you can let go of the older trees. Second, I would definitely prune back any limbs touching the new fence; after that you can reduce the height and let in more light at the same time using a method called "drop crotch pruning"... you can google that and easily learn how to do it. Personally, for oranges and grapefruits of that size, I would not lower the height by more than maybe 5-7 feet. You can repeat the procedure in subsequent years, if you wish more change. Next, give your trees a big shot of a good citrus fertilizer applied at the drip line/fence line and watered in deeply. Lastly, being in Florida, I would treat your trees with imidacloprid foliar application and/or soil drench 3 times per year; ask your local nurseryman or home supply store for the best product to use. Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that is also topically active; but enters the plant tissues, killing any insect that sucks on or chews the leaves, without killing the beneficials. Unfortunately, it will not affect your seemingly obnoxious or uncaring neighbor.