If the Ailanthus altissima tree is in your yard, you definitely want to get rid of that. Just google the name and the word "invasive" and you'll see why.

If you can get, and keep, the crepe myrtle to a single trunk, it won't be as wide as a multi-trunked tree. The flowering branches do extend pretty far out, and can hang down/droop gracefully as the blooms open, possibly as wide as tall, but I haven't measured any big ones that were single trunk. That's why I suggested planting further from the sidewalk, so it doesn't block the walk. You could trim any branches that overhung the walkway back to the trunk, although the CM as a whole might look lop-sided. I am not sure you WANT to prune a 20 foot tree to keep it lower, unless you have access to a cherry picker, as it's rather hard to be safe that high up and reaching to prune? (if you are an aerialist, line-man, or professional arborist, then never mind) And CM's don't look good pruned shorter, IMO. Look up "crepe murder" on this forum or Google for it, and find photos of each, and you can see the differences in "murdered" treees and trees left to grow naturally. Trimming for shape is one thing, trimming for height is much harder to do and keep the tree looking natural. Try to find a CM cultivar that won't get taller than you want the ultimate height to be, and be aware that it will take some years for it to grow to that height. While I love lamb's ears, unless you get a non-flowering variety, be aware that it might not be the best for next to a public walkway. The bumble bees LOVE the flowers, and while you do have to work pretty hard to get a bumble bee to sting, it might upset the neighbors and passers-by to hear and see them buzzing happily. Not many people are aware of the differences between bb's and honey bees, and can react badly to any buzzing, bee-like insect.

OP said: "The largest tree has grown 2' into my property (I offered to cut it down when it was small, but she wouldn't let me)." Brickeye said: "And how can your neighbor refuse you access to your own yard to trim?" ---Where exactly did I say that the neighbor was refusing access to their own yard? Layman's terms: Neighbor A plants a tree. That tree grows onto neighbor B's property. Neighbor B wants to trim that portion of the tree which has encroached onto their property. Neighbor A refuses their right to do that. Note that, Neighbor B doesn't need to access neighbor A's property to trim it. It is legally neighbor B's right to trim the tree that crosses the property boundary. Neighbor A is attempting to infringe on Neighbor B's rights. This was the example I gave. I shared my situation, and I compared it to OP's situation. These are two different situations, with similarities. I shared the legal advice we were given by a reputable attorney. We're all here to share our opinions. I'm unclear what the problem is with sharing my viewpoints and opinions in the matter. "if you built in such a way you cannot get a bucket truck into your own yard that would be your problem" First, we didn't build. Second, I don't need a bucket truck as that's irrelevant to a neighbor refusing someone's homeowners rights. Third, Brickeye, why are you attacking me for sharing my opinions and sharing my own similar experiences? The Op asked for suggestions from others who have lived next to a person like this. I shared my experience with the OP. If you don't like the opinions I'm sharing with the OP, and can't respect Gardenweb's user policy, get off the thread.

Thanks, I will stick with the single varieties then. Yes, they are going by a fence. How close I plant them to the fence I will need to decide. I need to leave room for veggies, so I can't go too far from the fence. I do plan on keeping them short... I love being out in the garden, so happy to prune away. I have about a 80' of property line I can plant. I don't really want to mess with espalier... the fence is too short anyway (and I don't really like apples that much) . Right now I am thinking about 5' or 6' apart and about 5' away from the fence for the stone fruit. Anyway, I have read all about chill hours and pollinators... I have most of the varieties decided although struggling to pick a second apricot or aprium in addition to the Blenheim I want to plant (apricots are my favorite and they all sound good). Also all the figs and pomegranates sound yummy. Dave Wilsons site is dangerous... so many delicious sounding fruit. It is hard to pick just a few!