Jerk move to put up a privacy hedge between you and neighbor? (1 Viewer)

[Otis]

If you see the guy often enough bring it up, but don't go out of your way. Hedges obviously. You doing this before it gets cold?

I believe Fall is the time for planting such a hedge. I'll be speaking to our landscaper about it. I'm guessing it will cost around..... $5k.

 

[James Daulton]

This is why my lot if 5 acres, don't have to deal with any of this BS

A 5 acre lot within an hour door to door trip to Manhattan is going to set Oats back mid 7 figures.

Seriously. Potentially 8 figures.

Lose the nanny and you're close.

 

[Otis]

We love our neighbors. Totally awesome people. When we moved in, our house already had a 150' row of white pine trees to provide a privacy row. It's at least 15' tall now. Blocks our view of them completely. If they weren't there, I'd have no problem putting them up myself for privacy. It doesn't mean I don't like them. The shark move is to act odd and get them to put them up and pay for the maintenance. Lol.

A few points

- Not sure how long your border is, but this can get quite expensive. If I had tried to do our white pine "wall" myself, it would've cost at least $4K in trees and planting. The previous owner owned a nursery, so it was cheap for him.

-Keep in mind that hedges start small (ineffective as screens), and eventually can get quite large (intrude on your yard). I'll have to eventually start cutting down some of those pines as they'll get HUGE. White pines are a horrible screen tree.

I did privacy trees at my prior house, so I know the drill. I could do something like leyland cypress and get some 6-8 foot trees for instant privacy, or those "soldiers" (I forget what that other popular privacy bush is called).

 

[fantasycurse42]

This is why my lot if 5 acres, don't have to deal with any of this BS

A 5 acre lot within an hour door to door trip to Manhattan is going to set Oats back mid 7 figures.

Seriously. Potentially 8 figures.

Plus annual taxes over 6 figures.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

If you see the guy often enough bring it up, but don't go out of your way. Hedges obviously. You doing this before it gets cold?

I believe Fall is the time for planting such a hedge. I'll be speaking to our landscaper about it. I'm guessing it will cost around..... $5k.

they are getting a free upgrade to their lot, why would they care? I do think it would be a decent move to let them know ahead of time though.

 

[jamny]

We have a small Queens backyard (think wedding scene in Easy Money) that had small 3 foot fences on both sides. New neighbors moved in over the years and both put up the 6 foot privacy fence. One told us in advance, one didn't. While it did cut down the breeze a bit and our view across the other yards are now blocked and it did feel a little closed in at first, we have never used our yard as much as we have now once they did it. We love the privacy. I would have done it myself but I didn't want to insult my neighbors.

 

[BroadwayG]

Go with some Bamboo

 

[AcerFC]

I have lived in my house for 9 years. I have made it my business to not say one word to my neighbors. I would put up a 100 foot barrier if I could

** I do say hello to the elderly lady because she needs help sometimes with garbage. Im not a total ****

You sound fun.

No, Im not fun. Im straight edge. Basically means I have no fun

 

[Fat Nick]

This is why my lot if 5 acres, don't have to deal with any of this BS

A 5 acre lot within an hour door to door trip to Manhattan is going to set Oats back mid 7 figures.

Seriously. Potentially 8 figures.

Plus annual taxes over 6 figures.

You'd be surprised how fast prices come down if you go straight west out I-78. I'm a little over an hour from the city (made it through the tunnel at non-rushhour in 50 minutes before), and 5 acre lots with nice houses are below 7 figures. If you're trying to be near NJT or along the I-95 corridor, forget it though.

 

[[icon]]

Red Tip Photinia if they'll grow up there.

2 years and you'll have a solid 10' wall. And they're cheap to drop in.

 

[fantasycurse42]

This is why my lot if 5 acres, don't have to deal with any of this BS

A 5 acre lot within an hour door to door trip to Manhattan is going to set Oats back mid 7 figures.

Seriously. Potentially 8 figures.

Plus annual taxes over 6 figures.

You'd be surprised how fast prices come down if you go straight west out I-78. I'm a little over an hour from the city (made it through the tunnel at non-rushhour in 50 minutes before), and 5 acre lots with nice houses are below 7 figures. If you're trying to be near NJT or along the I-95 corridor, forget it though.

Rush hour commute door to door in this scenario is 1.5 hours on a good day.

 

[Fat Nick]

We love our neighbors. Totally awesome people. When we moved in, our house already had a 150' row of white pine trees to provide a privacy row. It's at least 15' tall now. Blocks our view of them completely. If they weren't there, I'd have no problem putting them up myself for privacy. It doesn't mean I don't like them. The shark move is to act odd and get them to put them up and pay for the maintenance. Lol.

A few points

- Not sure how long your border is, but this can get quite expensive. If I had tried to do our white pine "wall" myself, it would've cost at least $4K in trees and planting. The previous owner owned a nursery, so it was cheap for him.

-Keep in mind that hedges start small (ineffective as screens), and eventually can get quite large (intrude on your yard). I'll have to eventually start cutting down some of those pines as they'll get HUGE. White pines are a horrible screen tree.

I did privacy trees at my prior house, so I know the drill. I could do something like leyland cypress and get some 6-8 foot trees for instant privacy, or those "soldiers" (I forget what that other popular privacy bush is called).

If I had to do it again, I'd go with some Thuja Green Giants planted in a staggered pattern. I'm dreading the day I have to cut down these white pines. I think within the next 5-10 years they'll be too big to serve as a privacy screen and will start taking over my fire pit and shed. It's going to cost me a fortune to have them taken out.

 

[Fat Nick]

This is why my lot if 5 acres, don't have to deal with any of this BS

A 5 acre lot within an hour door to door trip to Manhattan is going to set Oats back mid 7 figures.

Seriously. Potentially 8 figures.

Plus annual taxes over 6 figures.

You'd be surprised how fast prices come down if you go straight west out I-78. I'm a little over an hour from the city (made it through the tunnel at non-rushhour in 50 minutes before), and 5 acre lots with nice houses are below 7 figures. If you're trying to be near NJT or along the I-95 corridor, forget it though.

Rush hour commute door to door in this scenario is 1.5 hours on a good day.

Fair assessment. I've taken the bus before, but never driven it. Bus was a smidge over an hour, and the stop is 5 minutes from my house. I guess the farthest west on I-78 you can get and still be under an hour is probably east of the I-287 interchange.

 

[bostonfred]

6 ft privacy fence down?

Sounds hideous.

Sit down and ask yourself, 'Oats, are you going to be dumb enough to buy these kids a dog one day?'If the answer is yes, put up the hideous fence

Oh hell no on the dog.

I give it three years tops before Otispuppy arrives.

How will we ever know when it happens?

 

[James Daulton]

Red Tip Photinia if they'll grow up there.

2 years and you'll have a solid 10' wall. And they're cheap to drop in.

Too cold. I had 5 here in Maryland, and last winter killed 3 of them. I do agree that they are awesome trees provided the right climate.

 

[cashman88]

Wanting and planning a privacy wall/hedge is not being a jerk. If it's done tastefully, your neighbor will probably appreciate it. These things are best discussed with neighbors beforehand while bringing over a 6-pack.

 

[glock]

We love our neighbors. Totally awesome people. When we moved in, our house already had a 150' row of white pine trees to provide a privacy row. It's at least 15' tall now. Blocks our view of them completely. If they weren't there, I'd have no problem putting them up myself for privacy. It doesn't mean I don't like them. The shark move is to act odd and get them to put them up and pay for the maintenance. Lol.

A few points

- Not sure how long your border is, but this can get quite expensive. If I had tried to do our white pine "wall" myself, it would've cost at least $4K in trees and planting. The previous owner owned a nursery, so it was cheap for him.

-Keep in mind that hedges start small (ineffective as screens), and eventually can get quite large (intrude on your yard). I'll have to eventually start cutting down some of those pines as they'll get HUGE. White pines are a horrible screen tree.

I did privacy trees at my prior house, so I know the drill. I could do something like leyland cypress and get some 6-8 foot trees for instant privacy, or those "soldiers" (I forget what that other popular privacy bush is called).

Don't do the Leylands- they go nuts and are a beech to prune. We did 40' of 4' skip laurels in our yard makeover last year. Here you can see some where we have attempted to hide/soften our neighbors WHITE PLASTIC FENCE! (that thread lost in The PurgeTM)

 

[The General]

Go with some Bamboo

People in my hood have that. It is crazy out of control. Be careful with that stuff.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Go with some Bamboo

People in my hood have that. It is crazy out of control. Be careful with that stuff.

Introducing bamboo is quite possible the most unneighborly thing you can do, next to killing their family pet and staking it's head in the front lawn.

 

[Jobber]

6 ft privacy fence down?

Sounds hideous.

Sit down and ask yourself, 'Oats, are you going to be dumb enough to buy these kids a dog one day?'

If the answer is yes, put up the hideous fence

Oh hell no on the dog.

I'd go with the plants as well. Fences are costly, and require a decent amount of upkeep. If by chance you get a dog some day, you can always have an invisible fence put in.

 

[Foosball God]

6 ft privacy fence down?

Sounds hideous.

Sit down and ask yourself, 'Oats, are you going to be dumb enough to buy these kids a dog one day?'

If the answer is yes, put up the hideous fence

Oh hell no on the dog.

:notebook: for later

 

[El Floppo]

I don't get to do a lot of houses- but when I do I tell my clients to ALWAYS discuss any move to their lot-line that is visual: fences, planting, landscaping, goal-posts, etc.

People are ####### crazy- and especially so over their property and perceived property (views, etc). Even the most minor things create fire-works, like trimming dead/infected branches on a tree on your lot without asking them first, because it casts shade or creates privacy to their property.

Don't be my gb who built this amazingly cool fence/wall between him and his neighbor when he moved in- replacing a crumbling fence. This new wall was fantastic- highly designed- until you went to the neighbor's side and just saw a giant blank wall. 15 years later, they are still distant and cold to him and report anything involving his house or cars to the local officials. My gb is a complete moron.

 

[glock]

I don't get to do a lot of houses- but when I do I tell my clients to ALWAYS discuss any move to their lot-line that is visual: fences, planting, landscaping, goal-posts, etc.

People are ####### crazy- and especially so over their property and perceived property (views, etc). Even the most minor things create fire-works, like trimming dead/infected branches on a tree on your lot without asking them first, because it casts shade or creates privacy to their property.

Don't be my gb who built this amazingly cool fence/wall between him and his neighbor when he moved in- replacing a crumbling fence. This new wall was fantastic- highly designed- until you went to the neighbor's side and just saw a giant blank wall. 15 years later, they are still distant and cold to him and report anything involving his house or cars to the local officials. My gb is a complete moron.

That was our neighbor (White Plastic Fence Thread pruned during The PurgeTM) who leveled her yard, took out 15' of natural divider and planted a 5' fence. White. The sun reflecting off of this fence lit up my covered patio and was/is blinding from noon through sunset. I have had to invest to correct it...

 

[Fat Nick]

Go with some Bamboo

People in my hood have that. It is crazy out of control. Be careful with that stuff.

Introducing bamboo is quite possible the most unneighborly thing you can do, next to killing their family pet and staking it's head in the front lawn.

It's actually illegal in some places. Without proper retaining walls (which go at least 3' deep and are solid block), it'll quickly overtake everything. I've got a buddy who bought a house with a 10' x 10' patch in his yard. It's now easily 30' x 30' and spreading. The new shoots are sharp enough to pierce his mower tires and quickly dull his blades. He's basically got to get a backhoe in to dig it out if he wants to get rid of it.

 

[Otis]

We love our neighbors. Totally awesome people. When we moved in, our house already had a 150' row of white pine trees to provide a privacy row. It's at least 15' tall now. Blocks our view of them completely. If they weren't there, I'd have no problem putting them up myself for privacy. It doesn't mean I don't like them. The shark move is to act odd and get them to put them up and pay for the maintenance. Lol.

A few points

- Not sure how long your border is, but this can get quite expensive. If I had tried to do our white pine "wall" myself, it would've cost at least $4K in trees and planting. The previous owner owned a nursery, so it was cheap for him.

-Keep in mind that hedges start small (ineffective as screens), and eventually can get quite large (intrude on your yard). I'll have to eventually start cutting down some of those pines as they'll get HUGE. White pines are a horrible screen tree.

I did privacy trees at my prior house, so I know the drill. I could do something like leyland cypress and get some 6-8 foot trees for instant privacy, or those "soldiers" (I forget what that other popular privacy bush is called).

Don't do the Leylands- they go nuts and are a beech to prune. We did 40' of 4' skip laurels in our yard makeover last year. Here you can see some where we have attempted to hide/soften our neighbors WHITE PLASTIC FENCE! (that thread lost in The PurgeTM)

Looks great. Those are a good choice, Planted some laurels (cherry laurels maybe) at our old house and liked them quite a bit.

 

[OC Zed]

I can't believe more people in here haven't proposed asking the neighbor to split the cost of a fence. Maybe he'd like it too...

Property fence preferences/customs can be very different based on the location/community, but I just replaced fences on both sides of my property and had my neighbors on each split the cost without any issues.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have lived in my house for 9 years. I have made it my business to not say one word to my neighbors. I would put up a 100 foot barrier if I could

** I do say hello to the elderly lady because she needs help sometimes with garbage. Im not a total ****

You sound fun.

No, Im not fun. Im straight edge. Basically means I have no fun

I have lived in my home for 19+ years now.

Same neighbors on both sides for all 19 years.

I wave to them when passing and know their last names but I only know the first name of one of the 4 and that is because I get his mail sometimes.

They all seem like nice people though.

 

[Henry Ford]

Talk to the neighbor. Tell him you want to put up a hedge at the border of your properties and don't know anything at all about trees/shrubs but don't want to mess up his amazing yard. See if he has any thoughts/things he doesn't want.

 

[Otis]

I can't believe more people in here haven't proposed asking the neighbor to split the cost of a fence. Maybe he'd like it too...

Property fence preferences/customs can be very different based on the location/community, but I just replaced fences on both sides of my property and had my neighbors on each split the cost without any issues.

I should have noted - -there is a fence there. Nice enough looking white picket vinyl thing, about 4 feet tall maybe? I prefer a green barrier to a fence in any event.

 

[El Floppo]

I can't believe more people in here haven't proposed asking the neighbor to split the cost of a fence. Maybe he'd like it too...

Property fence preferences/customs can be very different based on the location/community, but I just replaced fences on both sides of my property and had my neighbors on each split the cost without any issues.

I like this idea too.

Downside- them paying for half means they have equal say over... everything. Unless you have the cool- or lazy- neighbor who sees a design/idea and says, 'great- I'll split it with you', without wanting input.

 

[El Floppo]

Talk to the neighbor. Tell him you want to put up a hedge at the border of your properties and don't know anything at all about trees/shrubs but don't want to mess up his amazing yard. See if he has any thoughts/things he doesn't want.

this is a terrible idea.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

It's your effing yard, do whatever the efff you want.

Be Alpha, there can be only one.

 

[Henry Ford]

Talk to the neighbor. Tell him you want to put up a hedge at the border of your properties and don't know anything at all about trees/shrubs but don't want to mess up his amazing yard. See if he has any thoughts/things he doesn't want.

this is a terrible idea.

Otis said he was afraid that the last people didn't do it because it would screw up the guy's trees. If that's not actually a concern of his, then he should just plant and not worry about it.

 

[El Floppo]

Talk to the neighbor. Tell him you want to put up a hedge at the border of your properties and don't know anything at all about trees/shrubs but don't want to mess up his amazing yard. See if he has any thoughts/things he doesn't want.

this is a terrible idea.

Otis said he was afraid that the last people didn't do it because it would screw up the guy's trees. If that's not actually a concern of his, then he should just plant and not worry about it.

oh, I'm not saying it's an "actual" terrible idea.

 

[Harry Manback]

If they are the type to be offended at this type of gesture, then you likely aren't missing out on any potential friendships/relationships anyways.

Put it up, they should appreciate it just as much as you.

If you are legitimately concerned about their trees/shrubs, ask them their thoughts regarding that, not regarding how they feel about putting up a privacy barrier of some kind in general.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Leyland Cypress

Do not go with the standard Long Island issue arborvitae

You'll thank me later

 

[B-Deep]

moat, stone wall, drawbridge

 

[glock]

Leyland Cypress

Do not go with the standard Long Island issue arborvitae

You'll thank me later

You'll be coming over to prune those Leylands, right?

 

[pantagrapher]

It's your effing yard, do whatever the efff you want.

Be Alpha, there can be only one.

When he waves at you over the fence, grunt loudly and then leave your scent around the perimeter.

 

[El Floppo]

Asked and answered, really.

 

[OC Zed]

I can't believe more people in here haven't proposed asking the neighbor to split the cost of a fence. Maybe he'd like it too...

Property fence preferences/customs can be very different based on the location/community, but I just replaced fences on both sides of my property and had my neighbors on each split the cost without any issues.

I should have noted - -there is a fence there. Nice enough looking white picket vinyl thing, about 4 feet tall maybe? I prefer a green barrier to a fence in any event.

A 6' privacy fence is a completely different animal altogether from short picket fence and would give you the closure that you want.

But if you are definitely going hedges, then I wouldn't even bother asking for his input... a simple, friendly heads-up is more than sufficient.

 

[El Floppo]

I can't believe more people in here haven't proposed asking the neighbor to split the cost of a fence. Maybe he'd like it too...

Property fence preferences/customs can be very different based on the location/community, but I just replaced fences on both sides of my property and had my neighbors on each split the cost without any issues.

I should have noted - -there is a fence there. Nice enough looking white picket vinyl thing, about 4 feet tall maybe? I prefer a green barrier to a fence in any event.

A 6' privacy fence is a completely different animal altogether from short picket fence and would give you the closure that you want.

But if you are definitely going hedges, then I wouldn't even bother asking for his input... a simple, friendly heads-up is more than sufficient.

Yeah- I'd definitely give him the heads up. But considering this guy will be looking at the other side of whatever Otis puts there- and so is equally impacted- I'd fully expect the neighbor to want to have a say in what it is. If O ignores that, well... that should be fun- especially considering this is the long-term house for the O family, IIRC.

 

[bostonfred]

It's your effing yard, do whatever the efff you want.

Be Alpha, there can be only one.

JESUS EFFIN' CHRIST TOMMY......I TOOK A PICTURE OF MY DAUGHTER EATING SOME FRIGGIN' CORN BECAUSE SHE LOOKED CUTE.......THEN.......THE JESUS CHRIST EFFIN' WEINER DOG TOOK THE FRIGGIN' CORN FROM MY DAUGHTER AND I TOOK A PICTURE OF SAID JESUS CHRIST EFFIN' WEINER DOG EATING THE FRIGGIN' CORN. WHY IN THE JESUS EFFIN' CHRIST IS THAT SO ABSOLUTELY SO MOTHER EFFIN' HARD TO BELIEVE YOU FRIGGIN' DOOOOOOSH. I KNOW IT'S SO GOD FRIGGIN' DAMN UNBELIEVABLE THAT I WOULD HAVE A JESUS EFFIN' CHRIST DIGITAL FRIGGIN' CAMERA AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY'RE SO ABSOLUTELY MOTHER EFFIN' RARE THESE DAYS..........WHY THE EFFIN' EFF DO YOU NEED TO TAUNT ME YOU DUMB CHRIST JESUS EFFER......ISN'T MY GOD FRIGGIN' JESUS CHRIST LIFE BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT YOU PILING THE EFFIN' EFF ON?OH WAIT.......YOU GOT ME YOU STUPID CHRIST GOD JESUS EFFER......I MADE THE WHOLE MOTHER EFFIN' THING UP BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO FRIGGIN' EFFIN' TO DO THAN TO STAGE JESUS GOD CHRIST EFFIN' PICTURES OF MY DAUGHTER AND MY EFFIN' CRAPASS WEINER DOG EATING MOFO EFFIN' CORN JUST SO I CAN ENTERTAIN A BUNCH OF JESUS GOD FRIGGIN' CHRIST MOFO DOUCHEBAGS ON A SCUM EFF MESSAGE BOARD...........

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Not a jerk move at all. Using hedges for privacy is much more appealing and acceptable to neighbors than a tall privacy fence.

Yeah, this.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

6 ft privacy fence down?

Sounds hideous.

Sit down and ask yourself, 'Oats, are you going to be dumb enough to buy these kids a dog one day?'

If the answer is yes, put up the hideous fence

Oh hell no on the dog.

Oh sure. Heh, heh ...try and live with that 8-10 years from now - or sooner.

 

[Otis]

I can't believe more people in here haven't proposed asking the neighbor to split the cost of a fence. Maybe he'd like it too...

Property fence preferences/customs can be very different based on the location/community, but I just replaced fences on both sides of my property and had my neighbors on each split the cost without any issues.

I should have noted - -there is a fence there. Nice enough looking white picket vinyl thing, about 4 feet tall maybe? I prefer a green barrier to a fence in any event.

A 6' privacy fence is a completely different animal altogether from short picket fence and would give you the closure that you want.

But if you are definitely going hedges, then I wouldn't even bother asking for his input... a simple, friendly heads-up is more than sufficient.

Yeah- I'd definitely give him the heads up. But considering this guy will be looking at the other side of whatever Otis puts there- and so is equally impacted- I'd fully expect the neighbor to want to have a say in what it is. If O ignores that, well... that should be fun- especially considering this is the long-term house for the O family, IIRC.

Correct. A long term, forever house, which is why I'm particularly sensitive to not being the new guy who comes in and effs everything up and pisses everyone off.

This seems fair.

And yes, greenery for privacy is about a zillion times better than a fence imo.

 

[Bri]

Doesn't really matter as long as you invite them to the other side of the fence, like come on over for a BBQ.

Matters more when you're that guy dumping leaves and sticks in their yard and really distant yet next door.

Once you get your pool, you'll need a fence anyways

 

[weevil]

Doubt they would be offended in anyway, even if they are does it really matter. Shark move would be to put up a fence and ask them to split the cost.

 

[NutterButter]

Do the right thing Otis

 

[Righetti]

This is why my lot if 5 acres, don't have to deal with any of this BS

A 5 acre lot within an hour door to door trip to Manhattan is going to set Oats back mid 7 figures.

Seriously. Potentially 8 figures.

Plus annual taxes over 6 figures.

You'd be surprised how fast prices come down if you go straight west out I-78. I'm a little over an hour from the city (made it through the tunnel at non-rushhour in 50 minutes before), and 5 acre lots with nice houses are below 7 figures. If you're trying to be near NJT or along the I-95 corridor, forget it though.

Rush hour commute door to door in this scenario is 1.5 hours on a good day.

Fair assessment. I've taken the bus before, but never driven it. Bus was a smidge over an hour, and the stop is 5 minutes from my house. I guess the farthest west on I-78 you can get and still be under an hour is probably east of the I-287 interchange.

The commute into NYC from NJ on the bus is an hour and a half from almost any place that needs to use route3 at this point. That entire 5 mile stretch from the turnpike is one huge parking lot