Please do not cut through our yard

As one of several homes who back up against Croson Lane, we respectfully ask the walkers, joggers, bikers, and those pushing baby strollers to not cut through our yard to go from Croson into one of the cul-de-sacs in Southern Walk. We have put up signs. We have sat outside on Saturday and Sunday mornings (the time of day when we tend to get the majority of trespassers) and kindly asked for our property to not be used as a cut through. Tonight, upon asking a couple (yes, this is ALWAYS adults) to please not cut through our yard, the response was that they were "not hurting anything." Our response: unbelievable.

For those of you who have cut through (otherwise known as trespassing) our yard and our neighbors yards, think of the example you are setting. The lack of respect adults in this community have shown for other's property -- even when there is a sign clearly stating "Private Property" -- could easily explain why some children and teens may fail to show respect for property as well (such as pools, tunnels, gazebos, etc.).

Again, we ask, please do not cut through our yards. It is bad enough that Van Metre is neglecting it's commitment to the homeowners backing up to Croson (the fence issue) without having our neighbors within our own community disrespect our property repeatedly.

 

All I can say is I am glad I have a fenced yard...I only wish I was surprised by the comments made from the couple you spoke of.

 

Do you live in Quail Pond?

 

FWIW ... you're perfectly within your rights to put up 'POSTED' warning signs. Problem is, you have to have them approved by the HOA modifications subcmte !!

 

Paintball Guns - They are either off your property, or they're a target.

 

We live in Southern Walk.

As for the paint-ball suggestion, not a bad idea. However, with two little ones we are trying to teach them the right, respectful and rational way to handle situtions. But then again, if all else fails, my husband has coined a new position for himself - the "yard-backer" (anyone familiar with Terry Tate the Office Linebacker?)

 

I'm in a similar situation, we live on a cul-de-sac, backing to the walking trails, our grass does'nt grow along the side of our house where people cut through our yard. and when people cut through; it drives our dogs nuts... I would say something, but I would probably get the same response as you did. We want to get a fence but we can't really afford one right now. Watering , and putting down new seeds doesnt help, I just keep seeing my lawn slowly dwindling

 

That's why I line my yard with dog feces, that'll show'em

 

Bladerunner - tried that one too! All that did was cause the trespassers to let their pooches use our lawn for their dirty deeds -- which of course drove our dog MAD! No winning.

 

This might not be the main reason, but I do see this more in planned neighborhoods with HOA and common areas (trails, parks, etc...)

People get the mentality that the whole neighborhood is theirs and they can go anywhere they want.

Hey, if a HOA can tell me what to do with my yard then it's not really mine or theirs. Right?

 

I definately would do something now before you get a "trail" from the worn out grass.

Bikes are the worst too.

 

I'd put up those little flags (not sure if it's HOA approved) for pet invisible fences.

Put up a sign saying there's a dog on the property.

 

We have the same issue and we are not even close to either Croson or Claiborne.

I am going to say something the next time I see someone cut through our yard.

People ought to have respect for others property!!!

 

Or, you can teach them marksmanship.

 

Van Metre did a bang up job in the design of the lots along Croson. They are the most thoughtful and caring individuals ever.

 

but seriously, there is really nothing you can do. You can say something, and they can say something... but what actually is accomplished? A fence would solve it, but you should not have to put up a fence if you don't want.

I have had this problem, and will continue to have this problem as well. The only small amount of success I have had is asking them not to do this or at least use a different path each time. I happen to live back up against Mill Run so I get parents, kids, bikers, and dogs on the lawn. I think you try to be nice about it, express your desire to keep a nice lawn and how the foot traffic hurts the grass because MANY people are doing it.

 

Automatic sprinklers.....I'd set them up with the motion sensors and soak em!

 

I live in a TH close to the end of an 8 unit, so I get a lot of traffic from the neighbors simply needing to get to the trails (acceptable). Last week though I had an entire family ride their bikes (not walking them) through the back yard. These people are always concerned with how their yard looks, yet they didn't give a thought to making a trail on mine. I asked them nicely to walk their bikes through from now on since the area is NOT a designated trail. They seemed okay with the request. Then I began seeing pee spots on my grass! Yes, they have a dog. Go figure

 

Perhaps you should warn them about the poison ivy in the area. <evil grin>

If you don't mind spending some money, plant something to act as a natural fence: hedges, bushes, and so on. Trespassers are taking the path of least resistance. Put up some resistance and they'll go around.
--- John B.

 

Or you can start collecting tolls for re-seeding your yard.

Just put a collection can out there with a sign.

"Trespassers, Please deposit $1.00 in can for grass replacement........"