What's the best way to tell my neighbor to clean up his trash filled yard?

Question

He's got trash everywhere. He hardly mows.

How do I deal with it?

Most of these are great ideas. Thank you.

Answer 1

Ask them what the inside of their house looks like.

Answer 2

Calling the city is a great idea however, if you live out of city limits (as I do) the ordinance doesn't apply. I had this same problem with my past neighbors...their garbage exploded into my yard and that is when I addressed the issue. I cleaned up my yard of their belongings and threw them away. I then started on their yard bit by bit. When they saw me cleaning up their mess and mowing only half of their yard, I guess it embarrassed them because they first apologized, second thanked me, and third finished up the mess. I also didn't have to mow my yard for some time because I always did mine on Sundays and they did theirs on Saturdays so they just kept mowing.! Good Luck to you!

Answer 3

Take this into consideration:

Is your neighbor old or disabled?
Mental? So, you can't reason with him/her?
Depressed therefore physically unable?
Or just plain mean, ornery, and not a neatnick by any means?

If one of these above apply, I wouldn't talk to them as they already have a problem in the making. Call the city, have them deal with it or best bet, say I have friends who can offer to help clean up the yard when they are not there. And surprise, they just might like it.

Note: One thing for certain, don't get upset or say anything impolite as you will face them everyday for life.

Answer 4

If you are in a neighborhood with restrictions (like most sub-divisions now have), then there is likely a provision for this. Typically, you could file a complaint with your homeowners association. Typically, the homeowners association then has the power to hire someone to mow his yard and clean up the trash, AND send him the bill.

Answer 5

let your neighbor know that the neighborhood is going to have a "clean our streets & backyard" day. ask the city department if they would donate large trash bags and when they are filled, if they would come and pick them up.
make the day fun by having contests like who collects the most trash, most trash outside his/her home etc. also have folks make snacks and drinks to make it more festive and pray for good weather. good luck...

Answer 6

There is no best way of saying it, because his being inconsiderate towards you and the people that live in your neighborhood, Just be upfront and honest not confrontational as not to cause an argument, but why should you have to live in his mess, Just tell him/her to clean up their act if this doesn't work then you might want to get the council involved as this is unacceptable behavior

Answer 7

Call the police. Where I live, there is a city ordinance on how high grass can be, etc. I used to have the same problem, but finally the lady died and some decent people moved in.

Answer 8

Maybe write a note and stick it in the mailbox saying something like...
Dear Johnnie...

I have really enjoyed being your neighbor and I think we are good enough neighbors to speak frankly, I am asking very nicely if you could straighten up your yard a bit, Its a sore eye and I would like to keep the neighborhood looking as great as can be, we love it here! Im sorry to have to ask this but Can you please honor my request.

Thanks again, neighbor

Answer 9

In the interests of keeping good neighbor relations, I would approach him one on one and just tell him of yoiur concerns and ask him politely if he would clean up his property. Perhaps even offer to help, like a "clean-up party!" If he is a renter, you could appeal to the landlord if your approach doesn't work. Otherwise, check with the local government to se if he is violating any codes.

Answer 10

I would tell him nicely that you would like him to clean up his yard b/c it makes the neighborhood look bad and tell him that you are willing to help him if he would like the help. The only reason I would help is so it would get done

Answer 11

Call the city