Tree Removal

It is through perfect coincidence that my neighbor has decided to remove a big ash tree that stands between our houses. When I have been getting bids for the painting and rot repair of the exterior of my house, each painter I talked to recommended that I trim back the branches of said tree so that they could work. Now, the entire tree will be removed.
I am happy to see the tree leaf, er I mean leave. There's no sunlight on the west side of my house making it difficult to grow anything. Perhaps in 2009, I can put in some new sod or grass or even flowers.
BTW, on the final day of my vacation last week, I trimmed back the bushes on the east side of the house. I had not trimmed the bushes since I moved in seven years ago and they were close to being unmanageable. The clippings produced ten bags of yard waste which will be hauled away be the compost company tomorrow.