# Is it okay to step on neighbor's property while mowing my own? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 29, 2009, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212 "2009-08-29T23:32:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/41 "2009-08-30T16:25:35Z")
Bamboo spikes and land mines. Make sure that neighbor keeps his end of the bargain. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/42 "2009-08-30T17:09:56Z")
umm…I’m a little confused about this fence…where is it exactly? Why not move it 6 inches? Build a new fence that sits exactly on the property boundary, and serves as a Berlin Wall: high and solid,( but decorative enough to meet local regulations.) Hire a professional land suryeyor to mark the property line, with stakes every 3 or 4 feet if necessary. Surveyors use stakes which have an official stamp with the surveyors license number embossed on the top, and which are accepted as legal proof where the boundary line is (–more official than just a fence line). The space between your fence and your driveway is your land–you can fill it with whatever ground cover, ivy, wood chips or decorative stones you find attractive. What part of the problem am I not understanding? ---
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/43 "2009-08-30T17:22:16Z")
Let me just add that in many states, it _is_ legal for a surveyor to step on someone else’s land while surveying. Just so you know. ---
**Author:** ![Brainiac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8797f3/32.png) [@Brainiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brainiac)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/44 "2009-08-30T17:32:21Z")
My wife once shamed me into cutting part of my neighbor’s lawn. We shared a strip of sod six foot wide between our long driveways. She said “Don’t be so miserly! Why did you cut only your three feet? Go back and cut the full swath of grass so it looks even” He, of course, was of the opposite opinion. When he next mowed his grass he also mowed the entire swath, plus 3 feet beyond my driveway on my side of it. My wife still didn’t get it, and now claimed we were both fools. ---
**Author:** ![Hakuna\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/45 "2009-08-30T17:50:36Z")
Stories like this make me thank my lucky stars I have always had good neighbors. My current neighbor if he is out there first will mow up to my house (we have no fences between the yards), and if I get there first I usually mow about 10’ into his yard, etc. That is what being a good neighbor is all about in my opinion. My previous neighbor at my old house was great too. I used to joke with him because the plantings between our houses was NOT on the property line, and I actually had a 6" strip of his property on my lawn and thus I mowed it all the time. I used to mow it and joke with him that he owed me for mowing his lawn. I can’t imagine getting my panties in a twist of any of this stuff. In your situation, I would likely put in a 6" strip of concrete or other paver like material and call it good. If you try and use a weekwhacker he is going to claim that you got grass clippings from your property on his lawn, etc. Screw all that, just put something down there that you don’t have to maintain and then don’t interact with the fool unless you have to. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/46 "2009-08-30T17:53:09Z")
Time to plant some mint. It doesn’t grow very high, and it encroaches into EVERYTHING. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/47 "2009-08-30T17:54:06Z")
> [@NinetyWt](#): > > Let me just add that in many states, it _is_ legal for a surveyor to step on someone else’s land while surveying. Just so you know. The crabby neighbor took a surveyor to court for stepping on his land. He lost, but he did harass the surveyor by requiring a lawyer and time spent defending this bogus suite. This is the same neighbor that cut down a gorgeous giant old tree so another neighbor didn’t have the shade. This is the same neighbor that was stopped from cutting trees out of the adjoining property. The surveyor’s services were used by a group putting in a trail after the different tree issues, and he sued because he’s that kind of guy. Better yet he hasn’t lived there for 30 years, so he does this on the times he shows up at the property. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/48 "2009-08-30T18:02:20Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Time to plant some mint. It doesn’t grow very high, and it encroaches into EVERYTHING. oh yeah mint is the bamboo/kudzu of ground cover, particularly if it gets much water. A word to the wise. Never put mint into anything other a pot. And even then keep an eye on it to keep it from escaping. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/49 "2009-08-30T18:03:08Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > You guys are fucking weird, man. You guys are fucking stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/50 "2009-08-30T18:15:38Z")
I don’t know if this is an option, but could you sell him that 6" strip of land? > [@filmore](#): > > Unfortunately, we have a set of neighborhood covenants which specifies that the lawn must be properly maintained. And I have no doubt that my neighbor would be more than happy to submit a complaint if I didn’t mow. Then why don’t you contact whoever is in charge of these things, explain the situation, and ask what you should do? Tell them that you’re trying to abide by the terms of the covenant, but are being effectively prevented from doing so. 1. They might be able to help you negotiate a solution. 2. If the guy won’t budge, they might be willing to grant you a variance if needed to put down some hardscaping or whatever. 3. Most importantly–if the neighbor does submit a complaint about you, you will have established that you are trying to solve the problem in good faith. It might be best if you can ask a board member (or whatever) casually for advice before contacting them formally. If the neighbor is the one in charge of these things…well good luck. ---
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/51 "2009-08-30T18:18:37Z")
> [@Harmonious\_Discord](#): > > The crabby neighbor took a surveyor to court for stepping on his land. He lost, but he did harass the surveyor by requiring a lawyer and time spent defending this bogus suite. This is the same neighbor that cut down a gorgeous giant old tree so another neighbor didn’t have the shade. This is the same neighbor that was stopped from cutting trees out of the adjoining property. The surveyor’s services were used by a group putting in a trail after the different tree issues, and he sued because he’s that kind of guy. Better yet he hasn’t lived there for 30 years, so he does this on the times he shows up at the property. Jeezum. Sounds like the guy’s heart was several sizes too small. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/52 "2009-08-30T19:46:54Z")
I think you should erect (heh heh) a dildo fence, exactly along your property line. That way you don’t run your mower over it, and you can tell your neighbor that it serves as a constant reminder of who has the bigger dick. ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2009, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/53 "2009-08-30T20:45:38Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > How about [Klaus Gnomi](http://www.flickr.com/photos/27492458@N05/3869651530/)? Wow. Too funny. I guess I am not the only one who likes him. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2009, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/54 "2009-08-31T05:02:24Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > Then why don’t you contact whoever is in charge of these things, explain the situation, and ask what you should do? Tell them that you’re trying to abide by the terms of the covenant, but are being effectively prevented from doing so. > > 1. They might be able to help you negotiate a solution. > > 2. If the guy won’t budge, they might be willing to grant you a variance if needed to put down some hardscaping or whatever. > > 3. Most importantly–if the neighbor does submit a complaint about you, you will have established that you are trying to solve the problem in good faith. > > It might be best if you can ask a board member (or whatever) casually for advice before contacting them formally. > > . This is pretty a pretty good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2009, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/55 "2009-08-31T05:28:43Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > I don’t know if this is an option, but could you sell him that 6" strip of land? > > Then why don’t you contact whoever is in charge of these things, explain the situation, and ask what you should do? Tell them that you’re trying to abide by the terms of the covenant, but are being effectively prevented from doing so. > > 1. They might be able to help you negotiate a solution. > > 2. If the guy won’t budge, they might be willing to grant you a variance if needed to put down some hardscaping or whatever. > > 3. Most importantly–if the neighbor does submit a complaint about you, you will have established that you are trying to solve the problem in good faith. > > It might be best if you can ask a board member (or whatever) casually for advice before contacting them formally. > > If the neighbor is the one in charge of these things…well good luck. These are all excellent, reasonable ideas. I would add one tho: record your conversations with your neighbor. Video if you can manage it, a pocket digital recorder if not. Having records will help you later, especially if it’s his own voice, his own words. Check the legality in your state; if it isn’t illegal I’d highly suggest you having a recording of any (all if possible) conversations, just in case you need it (IANAL but I believe it’s perfectly legal to do this in most states. I know it is here in Nevada.) ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2009, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/56 "2009-08-31T05:42:30Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I am completely dumbfounded by you folks in the U.S. I have responded to 2 or 3 previous posts here about neighbours and how to handle them. You folks have a MUCH more protective idea about personal property than anyone else in the known Universe. If the OP’s neighbor represented a typical American attitude towards property, the OP wouldn’t need to ask for advice, would he? **Filmore** , this is the sort of neighbor Robert Frost [had in mind](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mending_Wall). Take the poet’s advice and errect a nice 6" wide stone wall along your driveway. ---
**Author:** ![cornflakes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@cornflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2009, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/57 "2009-08-31T13:44:30Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > I don’t know if this is an option, but could you sell him that 6" strip of land? > > Then why don’t you contact whoever is in charge of these things, explain the situation, and ask what you should do? Tell them that you’re trying to abide by the terms of the covenant, but are being effectively prevented from doing so. > > 1. They might be able to help you negotiate a solution. > > 2. If the guy won’t budge, they might be willing to grant you a variance if needed to put down some hardscaping or whatever. > > 3. Most importantly–if the neighbor does submit a complaint about you, you will have established that you are trying to solve the problem in good faith. > > It might be best if you can ask a board member (or whatever) casually for advice before contacting them formally. > > If the neighbor is the one in charge of these things…well good luck. This is what I was going to say, only not as well. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2009, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/58 "2009-08-31T13:51:21Z")
IM ever-so HO, first thing to do is try and figure out what the neighbor’s objection really is. Is it that mowing the six inches makes his (unmown) yard look crappy by comparison? Is he pissed off at you about loud music or something else unrelated to mowing? Is it that he (maybe subconciously) fears you’ll gradually take control of more of his property if he lets any intrusion slide? People can be stupid and short-sighted, but they’re also lazy, so few people will get off their butt and complain to their neighbor without _some_ kind of reason. If you can figure out that reason, then there’s hope of addressing it. The more you can ask him simply, without irritation or anger, the better chance of uncovering the real issue. And once the real issue is uncovered, a real solution can happen (e.g. if he doesn’t like the esthetics of a 6" mowed strip next to his less-mowed yard, maybe he’ll be happy to mow the strip himself (and you could offer some small favor to compensate for the effort he puts in mowing that strip) In fact, one tactic would be to assume that’s his issue and make the offer; even if that’s not his real issue, you’ve just demonstrated that you want to compromise and reassured him that you’re not trying to battle over property lines). I admit that’s easier said than done, of course, but the longer you can go without making it a battle, the better chance of long-term peace. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2009, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/59 "2009-08-31T17:45:52Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > If the OP’s neighbor represented a typical American attitude towards property, the OP wouldn’t need to ask for advice, would he? > > . Well, I have found that a significant minority of Americans (and it could occur elsewhere) are extremely territorial about their property, getting incensed when dudes so much as _touch_ their land. ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2009, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212/60 "2009-08-31T23:22:07Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Well, I have found that a significant minority of Americans (and it could occur elsewhere) are extremely territorial about their property, getting incensed when dudes so much as _touch_ their land. Which explains why बंद मेरे लॉन मिल is not as common an expression as “get off my lawn” in the public mind. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-okay-to-step-on-neighbors-property-while-mowing-my-own/508212.md?page=4)