Etiquette Tips to Garden Like a Good Neighbor

Your yard is a personal expression of beauty and an investment in the plants you love. It may align with your neighbors’ aesthetics, or it may be quite different. Standing out from the crowd isn’t always bad… but it can lead to tense moments in the neighborhood. Here’s how to practice good garden etiquette.

Be a Responsible Plant Parent

You don’t always need to conform, but do try to consider ways to create the landscape of your dreams while coexisting with those around you. If you are considering ditching the typical front lawn for a natural or food garden, look for ways to keep the peace on the block.

First check for any regulations your municipality or HOA may have for front yard plantings. You don’t want to be forced to remove a garden you spent time and money planting. Inform your neighbors of your plan and look for ways to create a gradual or harmonious transition between your yards.

As much as possible, try to keep your plants from crossing over the property line. Gardeners sometimes forget that our neighbors may not share our enthusiasm or taste in gardening. For the sake of garden etiquette, consider a transition zone between yours and your neighbors’ landscape. It can be as simple as a narrow strip of mulch or mown grass that helps contain your plants and shows respect for your neighbors. Screening is a great way for you to keep a unique garden from infringing on others, while also creating privacy.

Garden Etiquette When Your Neighbor’s Plants Cross the Line

Perhaps you are the one with a neighbor whose tree branches are hanging over your lot or whose weeds are creeping into your gardens. It’s always best to have a conversation before breaking out the saw, weed whip or weed killer. Your neighbor may not be aware there is a problem or may think you’re enjoying the shade their tree casts on your yard. Once aware, they may be willing to take care of the problem or work together on a solution.

If this isn’t possible, check with local laws and restrictions before acting. Most communities have guidelines related to actions you are and aren’t allowed to take. Most allow you to properly prune off an offending branch and remove perennials and weeds that moved onto your lot. However, killing plants growing on a neighbors’ property is not allowed and can result in legal actions, fines resulting in a big bill, and bad neighbor relations.

Working with your neighbors is always the best place to start. With a little give and take, you’ll likely find positive solutions and landscapes that you both enjoy.

Common Garden Etiquette Courtesies

• Talk to your neighbors sooner rather than later, before anyone’s plants — or emotions — get too big.
• Try your best to keep aggressive plants contained within your property. The same goes for plants that might make a mess.
• Be mindful of how shade, water runoff, and falling fruit from your yard might infringe on neighboring spaces.