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Key Takeaways
- Bright security lights, smoky fire pits, and dying trees can disrupt the peace and should be managed with neighborly care.
- Overgrown hedges, invasive plants, and poorly maintained ponds can spill trouble over the fence line if not properly contained.
- Backyard additions like parking pads, compost piles, and chickens need thoughtful planning to prevent critters, flooding, or property disputes.
The backyard is our private domain. This is where we can hide the weeds and garden hoses, experiment with landscaping projects, and generally not worry about what the neighbors think. That's especially true if you have a good privacy fence or a thick hedge screening. Your neighbors probably won't be bothered by your weedy flower beds or rusty lawn furniture. Except—not always.
There are certain landscaping features that can get your neighbors' feathers in a ruffle no matter hidden your backyard is. If you have one of these features in your backyard, take extra care so you don't annoy the neighbors.
Security Lighting
A softly lit landscape can look downright magical. Security lighting is another matter. Most security lights are extra bright, harsh, and mounted high in the air where they end up shining into the neighbors' windows. If they stay on all night, you could end up with some very grumpy people next door. Consider moving security lighting to a more sheltered location so you don't light up everyone else's yards.
Wood Fire Pits
A night around the fire pit is great for family bonding. You'll make lots of memories swapping stories and roasting marshmallows around a wood fire. But fire pits also generate a lot of smoke if you aren't careful about what you burn, and that smoke heads whichever direction the wind is blowing. Look into a smokeless fire pit and avoid burning trash, wet leaves, and green wood, unless you really want to annoy the neighbors.
Overgrown Hedges
Good fences make good neighbors, as they say. That goes for a well-maintained privacy hedge, too. But if you have an overgrown hedge that encroaches on your neighbor's land, they are less likely to appreciate it. Pick shrubs and trees that fit the space and place them far enough from the property line that they have space to grow. Prune your hedges regularly to keep them looking neat and tidy.
Invasive Plants
Speaking of privacy screens, invasive plants like bamboo are a no-no. You'll create a problem for yourself while making it everyone else's problem, too. Invasive vines also irritate neighbors when they scramble over fences and trees. Do your research when picking new plants to make sure they won't take over the neighborhood. Remove existing invasive plants on your property or chop them back regularly out of consideration for the neighbors.
Parking Pads
Backyard parking is a nice feature to have, but it can also cause issues for your neighbors. If you're thinking of turning a significant portion of your yard into a concrete pad, consider the ramifications of water runoff before you get started. How much water will your parking pad produce and where will it go? Talk with your contractor about adding drainage so you aren't flooding the neighbor's basement.
Dying Trees
If you live on a wooded property, a tree in the middle of the forest isn't likely to annoy the neighbors. But a dying tree that is near the fence line or leaning toward your neighbor's house is going to cause them stress. Take care of tree problems before you end up in a dispute over who has to pay for damage caused by a fallen tree or branches.
Poorly Maintained Ponds
Relaxing by a garden pond while listening to the soothing sound of trickling water is pure bliss. That is, until you are subjected to the relentless whine of mosquitoes. Ponds must be maintained or they will become mucky, overgrown with algae, and full of biting insects. Make sure you have a plan to keep the water clean and circulating so your neighbors don't have to wonder where that cloud of mosquitoes is coming from.
Compost Piles
Home composting is a great way to have a ready supply of organic fertilizer for your garden. But before you start building a compost pile, do your research and find a bin that will keep pests out. Compost piles can house wasps and rodents while also attracting every stray dog and raccoon in the neighborhood.
Backyard Chickens
Unfortunately, the feed in chicken coops will attract vermin. And if an enclosure isn't tightly secured, your chickens will escape and wander off without any regards for property lines. Chickens become a lot less charming when they invade your neighbor's backyard. Worse, they could become lunch for someone's dog.
Read the original article on Southern Living
