You can say no to any of her requests. I would think that what-if shouldn't enter into the equation. If I decided to accommodate a neighbor somehow and the neighbor then pushed for something else, that's when I would start saying no.

Though the flowers are beautiful, it is true the magnolia tree is messy and drops a lot of leaves. It should not be planted anywhere close to the house. I think honesty is the best policy. You checked with professionals, they told you there is no other safe spot in your yard, and therefore the tree should not be moved. Tell her that. You are not even next door. If one tree blocks her 'view' then it must have been a peekaboo view at best. What is the view of? Views are not guaranteed on any lot. Mother Nature has a way of changing things.
If you like your tree, keep your tree. No reason to feel guilty about anything. The neighbor will get over it... or she won't. Her problem.
Not your circus, not your monkeys. Enjoy your home and yard.

Agree with removing/replacing the magnolia. We have one that we thought we loved, but it is now 14 years old, HUGE, and a CONSTANT MESS on our lawn. Put in a sabal palmetto or similar palm tree. Indestructible and not much trouble to maintain and not very messy!

As long as you went through the ARC process to have your additional landscaping approved you have no worries

You asked for advice about The Magnolia Tree and should you choose to ignore it so be it.

Honestly, it's a poor choice.

I agree with many posters who have recommended you tell your neighbor you would be happy to oblige her request if she will pay you for the cost of the Magnolia, the cost of planting it, the removal of the tree and then the cost of a newly planted tree (yet to be decided) which has a high canopy and a trunk that will not obliterate her view.

Kill her with kindness when you speak with her and be saccharine sweet! If she agrees with all this (yeah, right!) I would even up the cost of a new tree when you tell her how much it is with planting!

I'm sorry you have this kind of neighbor. BTW -- there are a number of dwarf, small, mini or whatever adjective you want to use, within the vast Magnolia family. They all are not necessarily huge trees but they all do tend to have a low canopy.

So many people have recommended to remove the Magnolia tree. Will the ARC allow a Magnolia tree to be removed if the trunk is larger than 6" in diameter? I thought trees that size will not be approved for removal unless they were dead.

It’s. 4” .

We got ARC approval to remove ours, but it was not easy because the tree was not dead. We were denied the first attempt where we mailed in the application and could not attend the hearing. I resubmitted the application and attended the next hearing and after pleading my case we were granted approval. We were lucky that one of the ARC members also had an out of control Magnolia and convinced enough other members to allow removal on the condition that we have the stump ground and planted another approved "shade tree". Note that palm trees are not considered shade trees. We planted an "Eastern Palaka Holly" tree, which I prune back three times per year and I will never let it grow out of control.

That will work. Or you can clear a little dirt from the base of the tree and drill a few holes in the sub-turain trunk and roots, pour a bunch of salt in the area including the holes you drilled, and cover it all back up with dirt. The tree will eventually die and you will get ARC approval to remove it. Just don't apply with ARC before doing this or it will raise concerns. Sometimes it is best to not ask.

That is what I was going to say.

If the ARC approved the planting, you have complied with the rule. This problem happens more often with interior lots which is why interior lots cost less. Explain to your neighbor your efforts to find a compromise without cost to you. However, the present situation is the best that can be done unless you want to be unhappy to make your neighbor happy. A recurring problem when living in close quarters.

I have a similar situation actually. I have a "peek a boo" view of Evan's Prairie Marsh from my front Bedroom. 5 years ago when we moved in I asked my neighbor across the street (great people BTW) to just consider this view as they developed their property. I mentioned I of course understood it was well within their rights to do what they wanted, but it was just a neighborly request, and if they did something that blocked it, it would not affect our friendship. Sort of a preemtive strike of sorts. 5 years and they have done a LOT of upgrades and I still have a view. This is how to handle things the best way. Now, If I had not done this and the same situation as the OP posted had happened, I would be more than willing to pay for a change to his yard. I think that the best option here is the work with your neighbors, but make her pay to remove the tree. Personally, I would not replace it with anything, I think that would get you huge brownie points with not only her, but the whole neighborhood! Live the Golden rule here and treat others how you would like to be treated. That is how I feel. Some great advice has been given here. Good people in TV!
Ed

Oh my.....that's even worse!!!