Would you say something or let it go?

[Anonymous]

I own an end-unit townhouse. I do not have my backyard fenced in yet. My adjoining neighbors have a fence around their yard which means their kids can't really throw a ball or play cricket in their yard. So every week they set up in my yard and play for hours. They never asked if that was ok with me. Their dad is often with them throwing the ball/playing.

Initially, I was only irked that they didn't ask me to use my space. There is some history of my neighbors just helping themselves to things I own (I only have one car so one of my spots is virtually never used, so various neighbors just assumed I would be ok with them using it. I was not, and said something). So I've had to establish some boundaries in the past. But now they are literally killing my grass. They play in certain sports over and over again and it's going bald. I've taken a lot of time to seed my lawn and water it so it looks better than most of the other houses. They could do the same, they just choose not to.

We all get along ok. I'm a fan of getting along with people you live next to. I don't want to be petty. But it's bothering me. Do I tell them not to play in my yard without my permission? Do I throw some seed down and put flags up and be passive-aggressive about it?

[Anonymous]

I don't think throwing down seeds and putting up flags is passive aggressive, it's the basis to have a polite conversation.

If they're not doing any harm, it's not unreasonable to let them continue, but if it's creating wear on the lawn, take the time to fix it and point it out. They'll find a new place to play and by the time your grass is in the shape you want it (and you can milk the flags), they'll be moved on.

[Anonymous]

I do not have my backyard fenced in yet.

you have the answer in your OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think throwing down seeds and putting up flags is passive aggressive, it's the basis to have a polite conversation.

If they're not doing any harm, it's not unreasonable to let them continue, but if it's creating wear on the lawn, take the time to fix it and point it out. They'll find a new place to play and by the time your grass is in the shape you want it (and you can milk the flags), they'll be moved on.

Thanks. There is a huge park less than a 1 min walk from our houses so they definitely have other places where they can throw the ball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I do not have my backyard fenced in yet.

you have the answer in your OP.

I don't have 10-15 grand to throw down at the moment.

[Anonymous]

I would set up a big snow fence over compensating the area that needs work. I might say something if I saw them out and about "please avoid this area, the grass got ruined so I'm trying to re-seed it."

But really, just make the snow fence as big as you can. Hopefully they will get the point that a, they are ruining the grass and b, you dont want them on your property anymore.

The only thing that will actually solve this is the fence. I'm surprised you were quoted $15k but maybe your townhome has a giant yard

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would set up a big snow fence over compensating the area that needs work. I might say something if I saw them out and about "please avoid this area, the grass got ruined so I'm trying to re-seed it."

But really, just make the snow fence as big as you can. Hopefully they will get the point that a, they are ruining the grass and b, you dont want them on your property anymore.

The only thing that will actually solve this is the fence. I'm surprised you were quoted $15k but maybe your townhome has a giant yard

OK thank you. I will work on something like that this weekend.

It doesn't have a big yard but it's in a very strict HOA so only one kind of fence is allowed and only a few contractors are approved.

[Anonymous]

Put up those lawn treatment flags and tell the neighbors to beat it.

[Anonymous]

I’d say something.

[Anonymous]

Since YOU pay the mortgage, you need to say something. Tell them your grass is getting ruined so you need them to stay off of it. The grass may come back without seeding unless they have totally destroyed it. Make sure the father is aware of your decision too. You don’t need to be confrontational, just tell them your yard is off limits. People are either rude or dumb.

[Anonymous]

Land mines. I got a guy. Call me.

[Anonymous]

You can buy a pack of signs on Amazon that say something like "Caution this grass was treated with pesticide. Children & Pets Keep Off!"

These have been wonderful at keeping dogs from pooping in my front yard.

[Anonymous]

My parents have the same set up as you. However, they refused to fence it in but complain about people using their yard. (That’s another story) What they did, though, it was plant some bushes to define their yard, and it has helped some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can buy a pack of signs on Amazon that say something like "Caution this grass was treated with pesticide. Children & Pets Keep Off!"

These have been wonderful at keeping dogs from pooping in my front yard.

I love this!

[Anonymous]

I have seen people use plants/bushes to define the end of thier yard when it backs up to public space. It would still cost money. But you could add some over time. It might make sense to tell the family you are working on landscaping your yard but plan to zero it in stages and would appreciate them staying off it due to both safety concerns and the fact they could trample new plants.

Pesticides signs may work as well.