Neighbors walking through my backyard

[Anonymous]

I would just kindly tell them that you don't want them to use your property to walk through. Explain about the grass and the safety issues. I think it is very weird that they use your property without asking. I grew up out west though and trespassing was frowned upon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. No we haven't discussed with them. We aren't confrontational and they are extremely confrontational. Any reasonable person wouldn't cause this much damage to their neighbor's lawn, so now we're pretty upset.

How are they extremely confrontational?

Doesn’t sound like you’re friends. Don’t be a doormat. Tell them to stay away.

[Anonymous]

Split the cost to cut down the trees, they're ugly and bad anyways

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Split the cost to cut down the trees, they're ugly and bad anyways

Why should OP pay anything for the tree removal?? She doesn't mind the trees and they're not her trees either. They aren't blocking her trail access.

[Anonymous]

Once you seed it again, but up a string barrier blocking access while the grass grows.

Ask them to seek an alternate route, or start paying for the damages done.

[Anonymous]

Just put up a cheap tape barrier. Bright orange. All around the edge of your property on that corner. If they go over that, you need to have a serious discussion with them.

They’re being outrageous already, so I’d expect a confrontation.

I’d even put up cameras.

Hard to believe people could be that obnoxious.

And be careful about letting them on your propert any longer, or they might be able to claim one day that they have a legal right to use it now due to having used it for so long with your knowledge.

[Anonymous]

You've got to get a feel for what their reaction will be - so you need to talk to them. I'd start with telling them that you're going to reseed that area to get the grass to grow because it's so torn up, so could they avoid it for a while. Then they'll react and your future actions will be based on that. If they say sure, no problem, we'll use the sidewalk than you're worrying for nothing. If they say no way, it's our property show them the survey. If they say there's no other way to get to the trail, maybe say we can talk about you paying to put in a path (with pavers or something) instead of reseeding. If they freak out or act irrationally build a fence through the tree if you have to.

[Anonymous]

OP, is there a way they can create trail access from their own backyard? Can they get a little path put in somewhere other than where the trees are? If this is 4 times a day that would bug me, too. I think you need to confront them.

[Anonymous]

You may also need an attorney to advise you about easements. How long has this been going on? You need to speak up.

[Anonymous]

OP, they need to stop using your land as a path or they will at some point become legally entitled to do so. And consult with a lawyer before putting up any sign that gives permission to use your land in any circumstances (for example "do not walk when wet" basically means "feel free to walk when dry"). If I were you, I'd put up a fence.

[Anonymous]

Put up a fence and work around the tree. This is done all the time.

[Anonymous]

Where I grew up a friendly chat with my dad's rifle in hand would have taken care of this.

[Anonymous]

Reseed and tell the neighbors to avoid the area. This is not confrontational at all. Hopefully they will start a new routine.

[Anonymous]

Ain't Vienna lots of fun, OP?

Agree you should re-seed, but start now! Today! I'd go so far as to cordon off your "work area" with wood garden stakes, string...expand the area...make it larger than you need. Perhaps a pile of stacked bricks (don't put them down, because your neighbors will think you are placing stepping stones!) and flexible fencing. You are setting the stage/visual reminder that the area's inaccessible.

Don't make it easy for them to traverse. Make it impossible and inaccessible. Bonus if you can be out there today and tell them your plans to get grass growing and that it will have to be closed to all pedestrians. It's dangerous.( I'm worried that you'll be liable if they hurt themselves on your property.)

Can you consult w your homeowners insurance? Town of Vienna public works? Who maintains the trail...is it DPW? Take pics. Condoning off will buy you some time.thinking that if you patch this area up, neighbors will continue cutting thru, like you've done this work so they can resume their obnoxious routine!

-A very nice and reasonable neighbor a little further down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reseed and tell the neighbors to avoid the area. This is not confrontational at all. Hopefully they will start a new routine.

Yes, this. Let the neighbours know you are going to re-seed and ask that they not walk there for the time being.