Hi, I would like to try the friendly discussion approach. I already spoke with them about a pile of debris, leaves etc, that was piled against one of the posts of our fence and I was afraid it was going to rot it out. I was very friendly and polite but they basically indicated that they are not very interested in yard work, and they would move it although so far they haven't. They also took the opportunity to complain about all the leaves they end up raking that are from neighbors trees, even though they have two trees in their yard. Left me scratching my head. [g] In the past, they have also acted in other ways that haven't really indicated a high degree of awareness and responsibility. They have a pool and I know the zoning laws are for a 6ft fence surrounding the pool, but on our side of the yard, we have a 4ft high post and rail fence, backed with metal wire fencing to keep a dog in we used to have, and they left it at that when they put a pool in. I had small children and had to constantly watch them. I think I should have complained at the time, but I didn't. So some of my resentment from that is under the surface this time around. They also had a Red Setter dog that was totally hyper and every time they let him out in the yard, he would bark his head off. They would come to the door and yell at him and then leave him out there barking before they would bring him in. Sometimes someone would leave him in the yard and go out for hours. He also barked late at night and early in the morning. The dog's barking was a problem for us for I would say a good 8 years and we tolerated it. Mainly because we didn't want to be a complaining neighbor and create conflict, and because we knew they were crazy about their dog and are basically not good at disciplining him. That dog died and they got a new dog, same breed, and he started doing the same thing, and we thought well here we go again. But finally they got a second dog to keep him company and he is much better. A sweet dog, very friendly. They did ask us to move a leaf pile last year, that was within about 10ft of the lot line. It was just bags of leaves breaking down in a wire bin, but they objected to the smell. To me, I like the smell of leaves breaking down, it smells like the forest floor, but obviously everyone doesn't. We did use some of the bags which eliminated half of them but couldn't move the whole bin until this spring. So it has been relocated and won't be near their yard anymore. But there is no other problem past or present that they could perceive as a problem with us as neighbors. No, I wouldn't go on anyone's property to "fix" a problem. I wouldn't think I legally have the right to do that and could be sued. I also wouldn't want to do something to their pool without their knowing about it and it causes a problem for them with their dogs or something. I would also be furious if someone did that to me. Well, I could think of them taking a simple suggestion about putting a mosquito dunk in their pool or barley, but if there is more that they would have to do, I suspect they will let it go. I guess the first step is to talk to them and see what their response is going to be. If that doesn't go well, will there be a point that I should get the board of health involved? I guess I feel we have bent over backwards to be good neighbors and are tired of being so tolerant and reasonable, but we have managed to stay on good terms with all our neighbors in the 20 years we have lived here and don't want that to change. Adam

tdub4, your pool is beautiful and the landscaping. The trio of trees caught my eye. I have three savannah hollies that look very similar and make the red berries. I have had them for about 8 years. I looked up your East Palatka Patio Holly tree and you might want to check into this before they get too big. They seem to be really close to your pool. The information that found shows them gettng 35-40 feet high. I don't know if you want anything that tall right by your pool or not. I do love my savannah hollies, but they are atleast 20' from my pool. They do drop some amount of leaves and red berries. Just thought you might want to check into this. I am putting in a link to one site I found with information on this tree. Notice the 15' spread too. Here is a link that might be useful: East Palatka Holly Tree

terrier96... The septic SHOULDN'T have been a big deal for us. I read your post last week because the word "septic" peaked my curiosity. Basically, we (for some reason) didn't have a map of our layout. We have a dripline system because the way our lot is situated it wasn't big enough for spray...anyway, I digress. So...we had our septic installer come out to flag the places he thought our lines were located. We were told when we bought the house that they had left PLENTY of space for a pool. He put ONE flag in and said, "You'll probably hit one line here, but it won't be a big deal. Here's my card...call me." Well, dig day comes and we hit 6 lines and a main return line (or something like that). I called the man as soon as we saw what happened. He couldn't get out there that day or anytime soon so he called his cousin (who does our mainenance) who replied that he was busy, too. Out of the "kindness of their hearts" they called a friend who came out and tied it up for us (for $75). He didn't touch the big white pipe that was cut because he didn't think it was septic...ummm...later we were SURE it was. Anyway...we called them again that day when it started gushing water into our pool. Nothing. "We'll try to come out next week." I was frustrated with their lack of motivation, so I called a different company. At this point, I hear that I need a permit from the county and a new design from an engineer. ARGH. So...I call the engineer and he comes out...EVENTUALLY...to see the situation. After two weeks of waiting for him to come up with a plan, he comes back...I pay him...we call the original septic guy back who then FREAKS out that we DIDN'T need a permit or a design and calls the county. We then WAIT...again...for everyone to argue with each other. FINALLY...we find out...YES...we need a permit...which requires a design...which requires another $600. We pay that...get the permit and design...call the septic guy to schedule a time...he proceeds to yell at our pool guy and us that we didn't NEED a pool and that we would just have to be patient!!!! Patient?!?!?! We have been calling him since DAY 1!!!! He is the one who flagged it incorrectly!!!!! Heaven forbid he feel grateful for the business! I assumed that since he made his livelyhood in this way that he would like the business. Instead, he is completely put out! ARGH. Anyway...the story is that he is going to "try to get out here today." We'll see. I guess our $700+ to fix it isn't good enough. Sorry terrier...You got me started on this rant. The answer to your question is...We don't know what this will cost in the end. Because we had more than double the linear feet of line that we needed, all they have to do is go in and cap off the lost lines and tie the rest back together. We don't have to add lines. We are lucky we are on a drip system because we can be closer to the pool this way. We only have to observe a five foot boundary. ...

Well thank y'all for that. BAMA - I've been wondering if we'd ever see you post again - missing you a lot. I forgot to mention that the flowers standing on the right are a gift from BAMA. They cover the electric cord nicely. Yeah, CALAM - my back yard is very small. Ever since I put the path of rocks in to the grotto, Toby does his business on it every day. It's as if he is kneeling at the altar. Bratty dawg! The blower takes care of that little cleaning problem - no breaking him of that habit.