Trivial problem

You need to lay down the law and have a strong word with him or ban him from visiting until he obeys your rules. Like a naughty child springs to mind.

put your foot down , if that was my son I would say jokingly f you persist in trimming my trees which I don't want I will be lopping off a certain part of your anatomy ,..., that should cure him ..

Your his mother ....remind him of his manners!!

Thank him for "trimming" the trees, tell him you think they have been trimmed enough and would he please now start on the ivy

Jalima

Has he got a woodburning stove?

It sounds like he's a very nice man and he thinks he's being helpful but it is rather insensitive and patronising to, in effect, dictate what happens in your own house and garden.

Tell him more firmly that you want him to leave the trees alone. And you are right, little mats at doors are not a good idea for people who have mobility issues (of for anyone really as it's easy to trip on them). Just put them away somewhere.

Lemongrove, I have wondered why he does this. He also placed little mats at front and back door although I explained they are a hazard for my walking frame. This son is very sympathetic and affectionate and has been literally a life saver during my recent back injury. Everybody loves him.

Is he a tree surgeon - or a wood butcher as DH would call him?

Good idea stree you really need to be firm on this one Alexa I don't think resorting to hiding the tools should be necessary. I have perfected ' the look ' which my children and grandchildren know means business.

He needs a right rollicking. Any offspring of mine that did something like that would certainly get one. I like stree's idea.

Make a bargain with him: For every cut he makes, you are allowed one on something of his........T- shirt in half, mouse cable, page from a book.etc.
But honestly, just exert your authority! Your property not his!

Why would you let anyone in your garden to decimate your shrubs? Does he live with you ?
None of my children would dream of walking into my house or garden and start doing something that hadn’t been asked
Where are your boundaries ?

Why is he doing this if you have asked him not to?
Say it again, a bit more forcefully, they are your trees after all.