property line plantings--correct rules?
yborgal
16 years ago
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rena911
16 years agoyborgal
16 years agoRelated Discussions
One more time with pics, property line landscape ideas...
Comments (24)Hi! I read your post and it sounds somewhat like our situation (though no accusations about affairs or anything--just unsupervised children!) Anyway, since we moved to our home with a 2 year old, and another on the way, I insisted that if we did nothing else to our landscaping, we needed to install a fence! Since our neighborhood was somewhat established, and none of our bordering neighbors had fences, we opted for a split rail fence with a green mesh exterior--which is nearly invisible against the grass and landscaping. This design allowed us to "pen" our child(ren) in, keep the neighbors kids and dogs out, and it was subtle enough so as not to look like a "spite" fence. Once the fence was up, we then planted a mixed row of Rose of Sharon, smallish arborvitaes, along with roses, and barberries (the thorns are also helpful in the fight against would-be entruders!!! LOL!) The other nice thing about this kind of fence is that is CAN be temporary and removed after other plantings fill in, and it is one of the least expensive fencing designs, and both the mesh and individual timbers can easily be replaced if needed. We were able to fence in a relatively large 1/2 acre back yard for about $4000--it may sound a bit expensive, but it was WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! Just something to consider! Good luck!...See MoreProperty line issue
Comments (21)carie too, your original post was issued way back on May 30. Over the last two months how have you managed to handle the issue with your neighbor? It does seem that your town should have restrictive laws concerning right of way distances, between properties, including limitations on how closely driveways can be installed to property lines. on a positive note: This offensive neighbor might just turn out to be the motivation you need to take advantage of an opportunity to create a nice landscape feature along that property line. The new landscape feature could include, installing a privacy fence, along the property line, which will shield your view of any neighbor's vehicles that might begin to be parked on such a driveway. Just make certain to obey any local laws concerning the permited composition materials, and heights of such fencing in the area of concern. Also, it would be good to make certain that the fence you plan to install will be the kind that needs an at least two feet deep foundation to first be installed, on which the fence needs to be installed, in order for it to remain secure and stabalized. This type of foundation could serve as a sort of root barrier type feature. If you keep your trees, then you'd will need to stake them until their roots have time to spread again enough to stabalize the trees on the side where the fence foundation has been installed. Then if your trees begin to decline due to the root disturbance that the fence installation will create, or if the city has not allowed you to install as tall of a fence as you think will be needed to screen your view from the offensive neighbor; than additionally, you could simply remove the present trees and plant potential, taller growers than the fence. That is if you make certain you have chosen ones which will grow to be narrow, columnar, and evergreen trees that you could plant in drifts just far enough from your fence for them to spread appropriately, while maturing, without the fence you installed crowding them too much. By creating this kind of new landscaping feature, you can ensure that your angry neighbor never has the opportunity to hatchet your newly planted trees. Also, the fence foundation should serve to protect your new trees' roots from being exposed to or damaged by any tree and shrub killer sprays, pours or ganulars, that the neighbor uses to protect his investment in his new driveway....See MoreWillow tree near property line
Comments (27)Are there any city ordances about tree planting that might help you? The rules can differ from town to town. Where I live, I'm told there is a city ordance against planting a tree closer than 10' from the neighbors property line. Many people are unaware of this rule or they ignore it, but in the case of a dispute it can be enforced. As far as roots growing into your yard, here it's O.K. to remove these. Otherwise, planting or construction on your own property would be impossible! However, dousing the 'foreign' root with poison that will travel back to the tree in someone else's yard and kill it is not allowed. My only experience with willows is with the globe willow: huge canopy with far reaching agressive roots searching out water sources. We lost many roses and other bushes to a scary onslaught of feeder roots coming from the neighbor's gobe willow (at least 15' from the property line). Trial and error to find tough bushes that could withstand root competition and planting some roses in protective root bags or pots was our solution. Besides the trunk eventually crossing the line, there will be many branches hanging on your side, and a formidable root system extending beyond. (Here, you have the right to cut branches hanging over your property too.) If the willow stays, it may affect your landscaping plans. Who knows, you may even end up liking it. Good luck!...See Morewhat's happening at my property line
Comments (32)Hey Granite, Happy Birthday "To You" on Friday Sept. 30th!!! I just looked at your pictures again. Brought back allot of memories for me with a shopping center going in behind the rear of my previous house in PA. One of my "many"..... big concerns was the view I would see. You are good to go at.......... "Ground Level"........ with a privacy fence, (ground level....while you are out working in the yard). The windows in your house, visualize your view when inside looking out. The height of whatever you plant should be a consideration when it comes to the views from inside of the house. I always think "Resale Value". I understand your plight. Everything you knew.........has just changed in the name of progress! Depending on your area and the zoning laws...(purchase their book of rules ....for a $$........fee). You may be able to request extra buffer zone coverage from the developer. Don't stand back quietly. No one can read your mind! They ,(The Powers That Be) expect everyone to accept their decisions. Be an ever present "friendly" reminder to the local government that your quality of life has been severely altered. I have many stories about the development that went in behind my house..... "Do Not Roll Over"... speak up, loud, factually, (use their own rules) and often....carry before and after pictures in the car. Speak to a lawyer, if you feel that you have been cheated from the "Conditions of Law" (that the local government wrote in regards to this particular development). I still have the blueprints to the shopping center ...that the local government had to provide to me ....at my request. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease! It worked for me!!!........Keep us posted........Dianne...See Morelucy
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