Does your neighbor's yard make you cringe?

[Quest4fun]

I would LOVE to see pictures!!!!

Believe me I tried. They started shooting at me so I had to flee.

 

[HelenePA]

my neighbors are interesting. They put up a trampoline in the middle of winter (think temps of -10 in PA), they have about 20 cars in their yard, driveway, ect ect, until last year their old oak tree was smashing our upstairs windows, thankfully we finally got them to cut it down, okay who am I kidding? they tied the branches to the back of their pick up truck and tore them down, I didnt care how they got them down as long as they didn't smash another window their lawn gets mowed ONCE a year, last year they towed a car into their yard then it started to rain, but determied they were they cut that sucker in half and put in on their pick up truck to do something with it? what I dont know but yes I do have pictures! does any of that bother me? Nope... the ONE thing that bothers me is the 100's of tires they have in their yard. I'm afraid of a tire fire and POOF goes my house. I did call code enforcement on them last year but instead of getting rid of them they just moved them and "hid" them under a tarp and the branches they tore off their tree...

 

[Quest4fun]

I am "that neighbor" right now. I have a bunch of stuff on my front porch that I unloaded from my van and haven't been able to bring inside because I have a cold and feel lousy.

My neighborhood is older, so we do not have an HOA, but we do have a very strict Code Compliance squad, aided and abetted by people like my crazy neighbor who goes around with a yardstick measuring everyone's grass.

Right now I am having my fence replaced because Code Compliance considered it an eyesore (it's chain-link). I'm pretty annoyed about that, because the definition of "eyesore" is pretty subjective, and because it's my backyard fence, which faces an alley and is not even visible from the street.

Wow! That's pretty insane. My belief is anything that isn't visible from the street is your own business. As much as I hate the smell of dog doo wafting over from the neighbor's ugly yard at least I can put up a fence so I don't have to look at it. Plus the smell tends to stay where it belongs which is also good.

If your yard is a breeding ground for vermin and snakes then I might not be as comfortable with your landscaping habits or lack thereof.

Really, I think people need to chill out. If you don't like your neighbors to have ugly yards then move a neighborhood with an HOA and attend the meetings. If you don't want to put up with that then move far away from people.

Personally, I like to show off my yard. It's a source of pride. A lot of work goes into make a yard look good but it's a labor of love for most people. It's unfortunate that other people don't really care and just consider their house a place to be in when they're not at work but thankfully I live in a place where that isn't allowed.

It's not for everybody but it works for me and makes me happy.

 

[Pigeon]

I'm so grateful not to be living in an "association" with all their "rules" on what a person can or cannot do on their own property.

I just don't understand why people get so bent out of shape over someone else's property. If they don't mow their lawn why should anyone else care? If they leave their garage door up all the time, why should anyone else care? Don't look inside if you don't like to "see the mess." If they want to grill in their driveway, it's their driveway, their grill. Why is it a problem for anyone else? If they paint their house a color you don't like, again it's not your house so why does it matter to you? If they choose to have a lot of "lawn ornaments" it's their lawn, obviously they like them. I could go on and on. I just don't get why people are so concerned about other people's business.

Amen.

Personally, I hate the people who use ChemSpawn. I don't give a hoot what their lawns look like, but I resent them spreading poison all over the neighborhood.

 

[Quest4fun]

Amen.

Personally, I hate the people who use ChemSpawn. I don't give a hoot what their lawns look like, but I resent them spreading poison all over the neighborhood.

Boy you said it. If they'd just tend their lawn during the warm months and seed every Spring they wouldn't have to worry about weeds and everything else that comes with lawn neglect.

I love DDT though. I think it's prime for a comeback.

 

[Keli]

The house itself is pretty nice, but the front yard is packed full of statues, ornaments and fake animals. It kind of reminds me of the It's a Small World ride.

My neighbors love the little statues! It's just too funny

They've got so many I've lost count. All in the front yard too. Well, come to think of it, I don't know that. They may have some in the back yard too but since I'm across the street I've never seen them if they do.

My favorite is the dolphin. It's supposed to be two dolphins but I guess they didn't get that. So they have a head sticking out of the ground, then an arched back with a fin, then a tail sticking out of the ground. All in one line.

 

[Quest4fun]

My favorite is the dolphin. It's supposed to be two dolphins but I guess they didn't get that. So they have a head sticking out of the ground, then an arched back with a fin, then a tail sticking out of the ground. All in one line.

Photos please.

 

[grlpwrd]

No but I'm sure ours makes our neighbors cringe!

Our entire front lawn died last fall for some reason, all but dried up and blew away. Then both DH and I were sick just as leaves were in full "fall" mode and we couldn't rake. Finally got better and the weekend we were going to tackle the leaves, it snowed and stayed snowed over until a few weeks ago. Now our dead lawn is covered in leavs from last fall. We want to re-sod but have to wait for warmer weather, and the leaves are still too wet to rake. It looks awefull and I'm so emarassed!

I promise, next month we'll work on it, I swear! Don't call the city on us yet!

I have had the city called on us because of tall grass and weeds in our backyard. I admit it was a wild mess back then, but fortunately we are getting things under control back there.

We do live in a community with a HOA so I have only myself to blame. lol

I really like to guard my privacy, but for the sake of discussion I would like to share some progress. Here are some pictures:

From 2005 ... we had our backyard graded and sprinkler system installed. Previously, we worked with 2 tree companies and then this landscaping company. They were all not easy to work with. Ugh. Anyway...

Then we had grass, but now it is different because I want a more chemically free environment. It's getting to be a cottage garden with an orchard:

I am "one of those neighbors," but it's getting better.

 

[Quest4fun]

From 2005 ... we had our backyard graded and sprinkler system installed. Previously, we worked with 2 tree companies and then this landscaping company. They were all not easy to work with. Ugh. Anyway...

Your backyard rules. Our backyard is tiny. Oh the things I would do with your yard.

**drool**

I would never call the city on a neighbor unless maybe their yard was a breeding ground for vermin that are invading my home. I'd politely ask them to clear some of the overgrowth or even offer to do it for them if they're unable to. I think there are better ways than sicking the HOA on them. That being said they know the rules and shouldn't have to be told to adhere to them.

 

[CrazedDisFan]

Seriously, I think I win. We have some winners on the block. I planted 2 flats impatients last summer and you'd have thought I was having Home & Garden come do a photo shoot. The neighbors actually came over to ask how I got such beautiful flower beds. Now come on, they were impatients. I wasn't starting an orchid farm out there

Across the street:
full on knight's armor suit on the porch, rusted to no end and ridiculous. On light pole out front - a knight's shield and 2 swords affixed with zip-ties. a sweatshirt hanging out a front window since late November (this is a cold climate). 3 cars, 2 operational with NO mufflers. Let us not forget the chainsaw that fires up at all times of the day and night to cut up pallets that we assume they are burning in a fireplace.

Down the street: statue lady. There must be about 11 or 12 stone statues, we are thankful she has yet to discover flourescent paint. She has beautiful (cough, cough) flowers that miraculously lived through 40+ inches of snow this winter. OHHHH...that could be because they are BRIGHT BLUE and FAKE.

Across from statue lady:
one large home recently built. last summer they mowed twice. Aside from the fact that twice wasn't enough, they mowed 1/2 in July and the other 1/2 in late August. 6-8 cars in the YARD at a time plus at least 4 in the driveway.

Also down the street:

$250,000 brick two story with Christmas decorations and pumpkins still outside. Yes, together. The lighted garland is wrapped around a lightpost near their sidewalk and the base of the pole is surrounded by pumpkins.

 

[Quest4fun]

Seriously, I think I win. We have some winners on the block. I planted 2 flats impatients last summer and you'd have thought I was having Home & Garden come do a photo shoot. The neighbors actually came over to ask how I got such beautiful flower beds. Now come on, they were impatients. I wasn't starting an orchid farm out there

Across the street:
full on knight's armor suit on the porch, rusted to no end and ridiculous. On light pole out front - a knight's shield and 2 swords affixed with zip-ties. a sweatshirt hanging out a front window since late November (this is a cold climate). 3 cars, 2 operational with NO mufflers. Let us not forget the chainsaw that fires up at all times of the day and night to cut up pallets that we assume they are burning in a fireplace.

Down the street: statue lady. There must be about 11 or 12 stone statues, we are thankful she has yet to discover flourescent paint. She has beautiful (cough, cough) flowers that miraculously lived through 40+ inches of snow this winter. OHHHH...that could be because they are BRIGHT BLUE and FAKE.

Across from statue lady:
one large home recently built. last summer they mowed twice. Aside from the fact that twice wasn't enough, they mowed 1/2 in July and the other 1/2 in late August. 6-8 cars in the YARD at a time plus at least 4 in the driveway.

Also down the street:

$250,000 brick two story with Christmas decorations and pumpkins still outside. Yes, together. The lighted garland is wrapped around a lightpost near their sidewalk and the base of the pole is surrounded by pumpkins.

How often does the General Lee drive through town while being chased by Sherriff Roscoe and Boss Hogg?

 

[CrazedDisFan]

How often does the General Lee drive through town while being chased by Sherriff Roscoe and Boss Hogg?

Don't forget Cletus. Seriously, it's a sight to behold.

The big kicker is my husband is seriously ridiulous about the lawn. I am not 'allowed' to mow because I don't get the LINES IN THE LAWN straight when I mow. It apparantly never occured to him that I did that whole wavy path thing on purpose. IT cracks me up that he thinks people notice straight lines in the lawn with the chaos in the yards around us.

 

[Quest4fun]

Don't forget Cletus. Seriously, it's a sight to behold.

The big kicker is my husband is seriously ridiulous about the lawn. I am not 'allowed' to mow because I don't get the LINES IN THE LAWN straight when I mow. It apparantly never occured to him that I did that whole wavy path thing on purpose. IT cracks me up that he thinks people notice straight lines in the lawn with the chaos in the yards around us.

I'm totally with your hubby on this. I notice people's neatly mowed lawns. My wife is not allowed to mow the lawn or vaccuum for that matter because she doesn't leave the pleasing patterns that I require.

 

[CrazedDisFan]

I'm totally with your hubby on this. I notice people's neatly mowed lawns. My wife is not allowed to mow the lawn or vaccuum for that matter because she doesn't leave the pleasing patterns that I require.

Trust me, your wife's heart is not breaking over not being allowed to mow or vacuum.

 

[Stacerita]

I live in a cul de sac and thankfully everyone keeps their yards up looking great.

 

[Quest4fun]

Trust me, your wife's heart is not breaking over not being allowed to mow or vacuum.

I don't vacuum often enough and I get mad when she does it wrong.

 

[Jack-Jack]

The following are a list of things that get under my skin. I'm probably the only person who believes these things make the neighborhood look shoddy but I'm still going to bring it up at every association meeting. It's all about keeping property values up.
1. Driveway/Garage Grilling - First of all it's illegal and dangerous to grill in your garage. My thoughts on driveway grilling is that it's tacky unless you're having a block party. Take it out back. If you must grill in the driveway at least have the decency to put your grill away.
2. Garage Doors - This always brings about an angry debate. I have no problem with an open garage door. My gripe is people who never close their garage door. NEVER. There is a house around the corner from me who never closes their garage door so everybody gets to look at their mess. I'm glad I don't live across the street.
3. Lawn Care - I'm very glad we have a rule regarding lawn care. That being said, there are still people who mow their lawn maybe once a month. If you're not going to do any landscaping at least mow your lawn.
4. Mr. Johnson's Used Cars - I know some people can't help having 5 cars parked out front of their house. IMHO you should clean out that garage so you can at least fit two of your cars in your garage. It's not fair to your neighbors that you are always parked out front of their house.
5. Newspapers - Pick it up already.
6. Christmas Lights - I know it was snowing this weekend but come on! It's April. Time to take down the Christmas decor. I know you removed the snowman last month but that's not enough. If you don't want to take them down then don't put them up.
7. Automotive Upgrades - I'll tolerate the stupid exhaust you put on your vehicle. As long as you're not speeding it's not that loud. What is loud is your car stereo. Nobody wants to listen to the bass line of whatever song you're listening to. Turn it down. People live here.

Do your neieghborhood's covenants address each of your concerns?

 

[Quest4fun]

Do your neieghborhood's covenants address each of your concerns?

Most of them are covered. Leaving the trash cans and grills out in the front yard are not clearly stated though we're required to maintain our front yard. There's nothing about keeping the garage door shut and I don't really mind the person around the corner since I avoid their street. The people who just moved in next door and those who will be moving in across the street may not be as fond of their practices.

The guy next door who grills in his garage doesn't bother me all that much. I actually like that I'll never see him in his back yard.

Christmas lights must be taken down in a timely manner and people are not allowed to store non-functional cars in their driveways plus the campers and boats must be stored elsewhere as well so all in all it's a very tidy neighborhood albeit a little stuffy.