I'm a licensed California arborist, but I've never heard that one before. I suppose if a hive died off and the honey turned into vinegar after a rain or something it could harm a small or weak tree, but I suspect that the neighbors just want him to get rid of the bees and are trying to scare him. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::