For many years, 15 atleast, the same gardener has been trimming the 10 ft. hedge between mine & my neighbor's house, it's on her property. Many times both my husband and I have asked him to please clean up on our side when he trims. He does not trim our side, he trims hers and then leaves a big mess on our side. We have mentioned it to her and to him, doesn't matter, the mess is always there. Should we just deal with it or what? I am sick of it because when I go out to my side gate, there's the mess, all over my cement walkway. Living with others isn't always easy, is it? What do you think?
2006-10-17 07:57:03 · 14 answers · asked by Forever 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Ahh yes, revenge is my thing.
I only suggest the following because you have already made attempts to communicate the problem in a neighborly fashion to no avail. Unfortunately, throwing the clippings on the other side of the hedge is still requiring YOU to pick it up. If you are going to do that - might as well bag it and put it out with the trash.
Now is the time for action.
A. Get a sprayer. It can be a cheap hand spray bottle or backpack sprayer. Doesn't matter - depends on your budget. Spray the offending hedge with salty water. Put 1/2 cup salt in 2 cups of water. Spray the hedge. Hedge will die. Or, you can use straight vinegar. Hedge will die.
B. Buy extra boxes of salt. Throw handfuls of salt toward the roots of the hedge. Hedge will die.
C. Throw handfuls of wild bird seed on their lawn as you walk or drive by. Weeds will grow.
D. Throw handfuls of salt on their lawn as you walk or drive by. Grass will die.
You tried to be nice about it, but these people don't listen to reason. They'll be sorry now!
2006-10-17 08:42:19 · answer #1 · answered by north79004487 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pick up the trimmings and throw it over the hedge back onto your neighbor's side AFTER the gardener leaves. It may take a few times but they'll get the hint.
2006-10-17 15:08:16 · answer #2 · answered by betsymaemae 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well this is a very well thought out well presented question and my answer in no whay suguess which way one should turn in this situation. However, i would do my best to get out on my side at the same time as the gardener and trim my hedge tah way the entire hedge receives a beutiful UNIFORM trim.
I hope this helps Tom, Fr. Al. USA
2006-10-17 15:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by whizbang 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Whose hedge is it?
I suggest you put a fence there that doesn't let the branches of the hedge through.... that way you don't have to deal with the trimmings at all.
Our neighbor used to have a hedge, but she never ever trimmed it (widow).... the hedge at one point looked like lined-up trees. Finally my husband called the landlord of the house and asked if it was ok to remove the hedge. It was a lot of work for my husband taking everything off- including the roots. Afterwards we put up a chain linked fence.
2006-10-17 15:15:08 · answer #4 · answered by justmemimi 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would suggest asking him again, nicely. I would also tell him during the same conversation that if he doesn't clean up his mess and you are forced to do it again, you will be charging him for your time and effort. Tell him you value your time at a certain amount (say $20 an hour or so). If he doesn't clean up the mess, present him with a bill the next time for the amount of time you cleaned. Then tell him you expect payment within 15 days. At that time you will add a late fee of 10% per month. I'll bet he starts cleaning up his side.
2006-10-17 15:07:49 · answer #5 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
That is really rude of him. I would simply ask him one more time (nicely) and if he still insists on leaving a mess. I would present my neighbor with a bill for the clean up. what is going on in the world today, you would think this is common sense on his part. you make a mess you clean it up. Good luck on this one. If it really is bothering you, I would take pictures and sue her in small claims court for her lack of taking responsibility. They are both lacking common curiosity the neighbor and the gardener. Good luck and God bless
2006-10-17 22:29:44 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd speak to the homeowner personally and let her know what's going on. Ask her to direct her gardener to clean up the trimmings left on your property. If nothing is done, dump the trimmings on her neatly manicured lawn and let her deal with it.
2006-10-17 15:22:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have several alternatives:
1. Clean it up and stop complaining.
2. Hire him to do your side as well.
3. Sue them.
4. Bill them for having it cleaned up.
5. Take the mess and dump it on their lawn.
Personally, I'd go with #5.
2006-10-17 15:09:40 · answer #8 · answered by Ranto 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is what beer and wine are for. Or if you want coffee or chocolates. Meet with and munch with your neighbors. schmooze a little. You don't mention ever even talking to them. That will make it a lot easier to chat with them about problems like this. Ask them what they would do in your situation.
2006-10-17 15:30:43 · answer #9 · answered by dan_in_la 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would call your city and ask for the city ordinance department and ask a code inspector if they can help you.
Believe me, your neighbor will be more responsive when an inspector gives them a visit or a notice on their door.
2006-10-17 15:36:41 · answer #10 · answered by The It Girl ∆☻乐 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋