Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Be a good neighbor, bring over a fruit basket, and talk about the situation. Perhaps the neighbor will be reasonable and see things your way. It's better to do it now than when the palms are fully grown.

As a general, statewide rule, there is no right to a view that can be enforced against a neighbor planting trees, or, for that matter, with respect to natural vegetation. However, a great many counties, cities and homeowner associations have ordinances, regulations, CC&Rs;, etc. that apply to situations like this on a basis that ranges from county-wide to block-by-block. So, the question cannot be fully resolved on a bulletin board service; you'll need to make local inquiry.