5 COMMON YARD ITEMS THAT COULD BE SECRETLY DRIVING YOUR NEIGHBORS NUTS
Have you noticed your neighbors aren’t exactly friendly lately? Maybe they nearly block your driveway or don’t wave back when you smile at them. There’s a chance you’ve been less-than-neighborly without even realizing it. If your yard is visible from the street or other homes, there could be a few eyesores you’re unaware of.
Want to restore the peace? It might be time to tidy up your outdoor space. Here are five things in your yard that might be annoying your neighbors.
- Overflowing Trash and Recycling Bins
According to Wendy Zanders, professional organizer and declutter coach, overflowing trash and recycling bins definitely won’t score you an invitation to your neighbor’s pickleball league. While this might feel minor, constantly overflowing bins can become a major issue, especially during the warmer months when they can smell or attract pests. To remedy this problem in the future, Zanders advises tucking your trash and recycling bins behind a privacy screen, in the side yard, or inside a small shed.
2. Unused or Broken Furniture
While many of us have outdoor seating like dining tables or lounge chairs for our families, we often bring out extra folding chairs or a table when guests come over. But if you don’t put them away after the gathering, they can quickly become an eyesore for those around you.
3. Bright Lights
Whether it’s festive string lights or wall-mounted sconces, overly bright outdoor lighting doesn’t just illuminate your yard—it spills into your neighbors’ spaces too. While it might not seem like a true nuisance, lights as bright as car high beams can disrupt their privacy, interfere with their quiet enjoyment, and even wake them from sleep. So, be mindful to turn off your lights when you head inside or opt for lower-wattage bulbs.
4. Poorly Maintained Landscaping
We all get busy, but forgetting to prune your hedges or trim your trees can truly annoy your neighbors. From landscaping that encroaches to piles of leaves from trees that aren’t located on their property, your landscaping should be your responsibility—not the person who lives next door.
5. Dog Poop
Who let the dogs out? You did. And you probably didn’t notice that your dog pooped in your yard. While this might not feel like a problem—after all, it’s your yard, your neighbors may not be such big dog lovers. Not only is this unsightly and potentially smelly, but dog poop can also attract rats, which is not something you or your neighbors want in their yard. So, try to clean up after your pup in a timely manner.
Original Source: https://www.realsimple.com/yard-items-that-annoy-neighbors-11785001