I'm amazed this needed to be said. Has society lost all of its common decency and mutual respect?

Dear Neighbor,

There is a line between our properties, defined by where my wall and your wall meet, which determines ownership. Ownership determines who can make use each property and how it's to be used. I'm writing this because there have been a few instances over the last year where you have seen fit to use the land on the side of my house, my private property, property I own because I pay for it, as your place to store your yard waste. I've been politely moving these branches and pulled weeds back onto your property in a fairly organized way as a subtle reminder that YOU HAVE NO RIGHT or PERMISSION to discard, store or temporarily place ANYTHING of yours on my land. Unfortunately you've chosen, again, to ignore this subtle reminder and put your stuff back on my property. In the spirit of being neighborly I'm writing to remind you that YOU HAVE NO RIGHT OR PERMISSION FROM ME TO BE ON OR PLACE ANYTHING ON MY LAND in hopes that plain English will get through where object lessons have not. I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd follow my example and put your yard waste in the alley or, if bulk trash is a fair distance away, store YOUR TRASH in your back yard until bulk trash is schedules to be picked up.

I do not think this is too much to ask. In fact, I assumed that most people would have the decency to understand this minor degree of respect toward their neighbor and that neighbors property. Suffice it to say, I have a copy of this letter and will use it as proof of "reasonable communication" with you with the proper authorities if you continue putting your trash on my land.

I appreciate your cooperation,

Your Neighbor


Franky, I'm shocked this had to be written.