Would you be annoyed if neighbors copied your entire landscaping design?

[Anonymous]

I noticed a house a few doors down was having landscaping work done. At first, I was happy because it means enhancement to the neighborhood. BUT... as the work progressed, it's obvious that they basically copied our ENTIRE design. This includes the plants (same trees and bushes), paver color, paver style, layout -- pretty much EVERYTHING.

I am beyond annoyed at their audacity. I'm waiting for the other neighbors to mention it as I'm sure they've noticed the "resemblance." To make things worse, I'm sure that they had to come onto my property to get a closer look at the details of the borders, angles and curves.

We redid our entire landscape and driveway a few years ago because it was sorely needed, and we want to make sure we are investing in the overall appeal of our neighborhood. It took us a lot of time and money to hire a reputable team and execute the design. I admit that I've looked at other homes for inspiration, but took pains to NOT blatantly copy. I believe it is intellecutally lazy and disrespectful that they would lift our design.

I've never spoken to these neighbors and going forward may just keep it that way. Curious to hear from others on whether you've had a similar situation? What was your reaction? Any advice on how to respond... or not respond?

[Anonymous]

Nope, wouldn't be annoyed.

[Anonymous]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

[Anonymous]

Haha of course not. You're being ridiculous

[Anonymous]

I don't think I'd particularly care either way, but I think it depends in part on what your landscaping looks like. If it's crepe myrtles, skip laurels and one of the very trendy paver patterns that everyone and their brother has put in, I think it's hard to assume they were just copying you.

[Anonymous]

It's great. We have a nicely landscaped yard and worked with a landscape architect and a number of neighbors have taken photos of it, asked about specific plants, etc. I wish more people in the neighborhood invested in decent landscaping.

[Anonymous]

Frankly, if the landscaping of two neighboring houses are similar, same or complementary, it makes both houses and yards look larger. It also improves the curb appeal of the neighborhood.

The worst thing is to have a landscaped and gorgeous house but with Pig Pen as your neighbor. This is all good. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[Anonymous]

Would you rather have a neighbor with a junkyard for a front yard?

[Anonymous]

So, your house is so nice someone has copied (which will increase the value of your house) and you are mad? Um, ok crazy.

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

OP, are you asking because you were planning on presenting them with a bill? I think that you should take the approach suggested above and just be appreciative that someone else thought so much of your landscaping design that they used similar elements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I noticed a house a few doors down was having landscaping work done. At first, I was happy because it means enhancement to the neighborhood. BUT... as the work progressed, it's obvious that they basically copied our ENTIRE design. This includes the plants (same trees and bushes), paver color, paver style, layout -- pretty much EVERYTHING.

I am beyond annoyed at their audacity. I'm waiting for the other neighbors to mention it as I'm sure they've noticed the "resemblance." To make things worse, I'm sure that they had to come onto my property to get a closer look at the details of the borders, angles and curves.

We redid our entire landscape and driveway a few years ago because it was sorely needed, and we want to make sure we are investing in the overall appeal of our neighborhood. It took us a lot of time and money to hire a reputable team and execute the design. I admit that I've looked at other homes for inspiration, but took pains to NOT blatantly copy. I believe it is intellecutally lazy and disrespectful that they would lift our design.

I've never spoken to these neighbors and going forward may just keep it that way. Curious to hear from others on whether you've had a similar situation? What was your reaction? Any advice on how to respond... or not respond?

Jesus. You need something to really be concerned about

[Anonymous]

You're unhinged, seek help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're unhinged, seek help.

OP here. Appreciate the constructive feedback and agree that it is better to have neighbors that invest in their property than the other extreme. I'll leave it at imitation is a form of flattery.

To the weirdo above, if this is your cry for help, recommend you go find some.

[Anonymous]

You are not unhinged. Go away crazy poster. Going forward, you can make some subtle changes. For example, switch out the annuals, etc. It is flattery.