Hi Estreya, BBoy, thomis BBoy - I do agree that someone can do damage to a tree, but it also sounds like Estreya has done a good bit of researching. When I started pruning, I was feeling a lot like Estreya afraid of the pruning, and afraid of doing nothing. IÂm not an expert and have only been doing this for a few years, but so far, IÂm far glad I took that initial plunge rather than doing nothing. IÂm sure my trees would be in very bad shape after 3-4 years with no pruning (some were already 6 tall nursery trees when I bought them). Learning to prune has been tough for me because thereÂs so much conflicting advice on how to do it out there. Eventually I just had to try something and learn from it. Estreya  To head BBoyÂs words of caution, maybe only prune the ones that need it the most, and use them to gain your confidence and understanding? I donÂt think I got brave with the really big cuts until a couple years in. After youÂve done the pruning, go and read some more. It will make more sense. Then, when you can see the new growth resulting from those cuts, read some more and it will make even more sense. I use Deer Out in rotation with Liquid Fence so the deer donÂt get too accustomed to either smell. Both seem to work quite well as long as the deer pressure isnÂt too high. I use the Liquid Fence more when there is no fruit on the tree as the smell is just repulsive. I use the Deer Out as we get closer to harvest because it really doesnÂt smell all that bad and my apples are usually bagged anyway. The biggest lesson IÂve learned with the spray is this It really does seem to work if you remember to spray it. ThatÂs easy to do in spring and summer, but not so easy to remember in the dead of winter. Thomis  Yes, spraying for me has been even more of a challenge. The problem is that there is so much information to sort though that it seems almost impossible. For me, it took me probably a solid year of studying (reading sites, asking questions here) before I understood enough to completely change my spray program away from the crappy all-in-one home sprays. IÂll let you know how I made out in the fall, but now understanding my pests and diseases, and which sprays work on each, IÂm confident that my results can only be better. The key is time. If you try to learn everything in a week or two just before itÂs time to start spraying, youÂll never do it. Lucky for you, your trees are young and you have time. As long as your persistent in your quest for understanding it, I think youÂll do just fine. If not this year, certainly before your trees really get bearing. Good luck! -Glenn

My parents and I laughed and laughed at that photo - it sure enough looks like it is growing in a pot - and wouldn't that be something?! The trick was unintentional and yeah, the satsuma is planted in the ground. Seriously, the peeling is not done carefully. Satsumas have what is called a "zipper skin" because it easily rips right open and the fruit falls out. They are really good and if you know anyone passing up/down I-95, I'll send you some! But they are so darn expensive to ship - last box I sent cost $15 in postage - and that was a flat-rate box. :( If you lived closer, you could come pick all you want. My folks opened their tree to the neighbors and church friends just yesterday after all of the family had left. If you can believe it, there are still lots on the tree. Carol

When I was married my husband was in charge of outdoor decorations. We both were shift workers then at the same plant so it was natural for one of us to come home at 11 pm. I figured it was finally time to take down the front decorations as we were heavy decorators. Nothing left unturned in out yard. So when he was due in at 11 one night I had the whole outdoors lit up. Every light on. Everything moving. He unplugged it. Next night same thing He came home to Vegas lights. He showed me. Removed the extension cord. Ha I am an electrician. After the third night they were down. He is gone now. Kinda miss messing with him. Paula

Yes this is an old thread, but extremely relevant; especially in light of Covid and all the insanity it is breeding. I have two nasty neighbors, so I got the luck of the draw. One on each side. The neighbor to the left was syrupy sweet for a few months, but that turned. The neighbor to the right is anal as all get out but feels as if he is entitled to encroach on our property, move things, dig our fence up because he felt it wasn’t level, take deck tiles he agreed to buy from me, but never made good on, mow over my outdoor area rug, and “accidentally“ destroy various things. The man isn’t crazy, just anal and entitled at 50 plus years old. Worse than a toddler. Never apologies or offers to replace what was damaged. I have felt like retaliating in several occasions, but I always pull myself together. My husband is now seeing things more and more. You are not crazy. Those that are calling you crazy must be “that crazy neighbor” to someone else or just plain evil and nasty. There are so many people in the world like this. A person entitled and miserable is extremely difficult to live by. I pray your situation has improved. We are hoping to move in a year or so. I will be sure to pay extra careful attention to the neighborhood and make certain there is ample distance between property lines. I want peace!