Thanks for your reply, Sasha,

Maybe the growing conditions are not as good in my yard, but the Silver Lace
vines only require trimming every 2-3 weeks, as I said.

I disagree with you though about how "patient" these neighbors are. They
have no trees of their own, and two years ago installed a above-ground
swimming pool in their yard. Since then they've complained numerous times
about my trees (mature oaks and elms) blocking the morning sun from their
pool, and the westerly neighbor's trees (oaks) of blocking the the afternoon
sun. They actually asked him if he would cut his oak tree down because of
this!

I only asked about the legality of their complaint out of curiousity. I have
no intention of taking them to court. I'll trim the vines, and if they
persist in being cranky, I'll cut them down and install a privacy fence -
one of my own choosing - and ask nothing of them in way of renumeration.

Thanks,
Michelle