Deb: I am so sorry for that! I am one of those who loves "untended" areas. Not areas with single species where invasives have run amok but wild areas, screens or otherwise that are left alone. My husband is always happy to use his electric saw and clippers but I keep him out of "my" wild areas. I used to tend the areas, make them neat and manicured but in this area that is like putting a bullseye on your favourite plant because the deer population is so high. In order to keep plants, trees safe it is better for them to grow among dense patches of more aggressive species and this leads to an untidier presentation but you know what? I have never seen so many insects and birds as I've seen this year with everything overgrown!
If it were me, I'd probably mention what you're doing with the area because what if your neighbour, thinking he's doing you a favour, clears ever more of your screen? I have a neighbour that is clearing the woods on his property so he can run his atv thing all over the place...luckily a bunch of large trees have fallen between our properties.....or I'd be worry about him clearing even more....very different set of values...I would mention your intention to your neighbour!
