Please do not cut through our yard

For dog issues on lawns - there are repellent products available both from Home Depot/Lowes or garden centers that are made specifically for dogs/cats.

I dont have any experience in how well they work, but its an option. Another natural thing to try - finely ground, dry, hot peppers - put this around the perimeter of your lawn, and that should keep em away. Needs to be re-applied often though.

 

It's not always the answer. I never said it was.

 

The problem is a trail ends on that street and you are at the top of the hill with no way out. The HOA should have a trail to Croson or Claiborne out of the street with out having to go back the same way.
I am not saying it is right to walk through your yard but I have walked that trail and realized the situation.

 

The HOA has nothing to do with it except for deciding if we can put up private property or no trespassing signs (which were denied last year). The HOA could not put a path through there as they do not own the land. Van Metre sold us our homes and the lots that they are on -- imagine, poor planning and foresight on VM's part?

So, we are back where we were when the thread started -- adults cutting through private property even when asked not to do so.

 

There's a sidewalk that was just installed to connect Quail Pond with the sidewalk from Broadlands on Croson. This however, has not stopped a large number of kids from walking up our driveway and through our backyard into the woods heading to and from Broadlands. I encountered a pack of 6 older kids one night when I was taking my trash out at 11pm--scared the living crap out of me and they just walked right past me without saying a word!

 

I remember when I was in elementary school. My friend and I cut through a neighbor's yard. The man who lived there came out and calmly just said, "You boys do know this is private property. Right?" That was all he said and we understood what he meant. We never went though his or any other neighbor's yard from then on.

 

Or, you could turn around and go back the way you came. That may be better since crossing across someone's yard is pretty "high school".

 

Would landscaping the area help? Just a thought.

 

We have built a fence and landscaped in front of the fence a bit. Our neighbors have landscaped their yard as well (but no fence). In order to cut through, folks either need to walk up the neighbor's drive and then through their side yard or go through our front yard and through the neighbor's side yard. Nothing seems to deter the walkers, joggers, and often their dogs and babystrollers too.

 

"This yard is guarded by Doberman Pinschers". I wouldn't step foot in it!
Smithers- release the hounds!

 

I don't know if it will help your petition to the HOA, but the Ashburn Farm HOA has put up signs in similar situations. You can see one as you walk along the path on Ashburn Farm Parkway (taking a left from Claiborne) towards the elementary school. Did the HOA reject for aesthetic reasons?!

 

Motion triggered water sprinkler!

 

Kids would love a cold spray of water on a hot summer day ... haahaaa .. It might encourage more foot traffic ....

 

Yes, I see some young kids that way as well. I also saw a couple boys cutting through a yard - going around a fence to get to Croson. They were definitely brothers as they looked quite a bit alike. Perhaps just a "polite talkin' to" will get these kids to stop cutting through people's yards.

Nice landscaping seems to be the way to go there, with an eventual VM fence bordering Broadlands/Croson. I will say, that it looks better back there than last year, but August isn't here yet.

 

Then there's no excuse. I believe a sign is warranted in this situation!

 

Then volunteer for the Modifications Sub-Committee and voice your opinion officially.

 

T8 - I am simply voicing my opinion. Is this not allowed on this forum? Why must I volunteer for the modifications sub-committee because I state (after they tried to landscape to no avail) that signs are in order? What is it with you?

 

Yes, it is allowed as you have amply demonstrated many times.

Since you seem to have such a sense of what should and shouldn't be allowed in the community, put your money where you posts are and volunteer. It does not take up too much time and it is a very worthwhile community necessity.

 

T8 - why don't you contribute to the debate rather than continuously chastise posters?

 

I have contributed to the debate. Officially