Neighbors driving through yard - solutions?

Question

I have neighbors at one of my rentals driving through my back yard to get to the street (basically they have a shared driveway and the person at the back of their driveway drives through my back yard to get to my driveway on the other side of my house to get to the street). I'm wondering if anyone has dealt with this and has a good solution. Much as I hate the idea of the expense (it's a low-$ rental and the replacement time would be considerable) I'm strongly considering fencing the back yard. Also thought about laying down railroad ties on the property line, but those could be moved. In any case fence will likely need to wait for spring, so also looking for temporary solutions to get through to then if nothing cheaper than a fence is possible.

Dave Poeppelmeier · Answer

You could drive the railroad ties into the ground with pieces of rebar (if the ground isn't frozen too solid). You have to slap them while saying they aren't going anywhere when you're done, Dad Rule.

James Mc Ree · Answer

Landscape boulders. They are 2-4 feet in diameter and can look nice without obstructing a view, like a fence. Maintenance free and hard to move, especially when dug-in just a little.

Greg M. · Answer

Have you considered:

1) High pressure land mines. A person stepping on it won't set it off, but a car will.

2) Dousing their car in gas and setting it on fire. Obvious bonus points if you wait until they are in the car.

3) Knocking on the neighbors door and nicely asking them to stop driving thru your property.

Adam Martin · Answer

Lots of expensive and somewhat big steps on here with timbers, bushes, and fences which may be necessary but only one post to just talk to them.  This would be my first move, they may not know it bothers you but most people will stop if they are asked nicely.  If not tank traps should do the trick but I'd suggest starting with a hello.

Shawn Q. · Answer

Thanks all! Suppose I should have mentioned the tenant did talk to the neighbors and neighbor denied doing it (ever - despite having to have a tow truck pull him out of a rut a few days ago). I'll look into fencing and maybe boulders. I'll save the munitions for phase two if defense in depth seems necessary.

Betty Klein · Answer

check if the property has an access easement. If not you should stop them using your property, otherwise  it can become a 'right' to use it. Happened to me in California with people cutting through for beach access. They even cu the fencer with wire cutters. We planted Bouganvillia and next year the problem was solved, because they have thorns and grow like weeds.

https://www.bing.com/images/se...

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I would start by sending them a written notice to stop immediately. I would tell them there are cameras and if I catch them again they will be reported for trespassing and charged for damage to my lawn.

Then I would either install a camera or I would install some very long, sharp spikes in the dirt to guarantee at least one flat tire if they did it again.

Then, and only then, would I consider the additional expense of a fence, boulders, or whatever.

Levi T. · Answer

Sounds like it’s low income, to the point they may just rip down the fence... Nothing like driving through someone’s yard and finding out there was a peace of rebarb sticking out of the ground.. buy a handful, and drive them into the ground till they are 5 inches sticking out, paint them a nice red if wanted.. That’ll punch through any tires that likes to trespass.

Jim K. · Answer

What about $300 for an 8-camera video surveillance system? Works wonders for me.

Luis Limon · Answer

I had a problem with cars, homeless and junkies going across my property at all hours at night Because it was a shorter walk than the street. Making the property more insecure for tenants (4 plex) and had problems with junkies breaking in and stealing stuff.

I installed a really nice sliding fence, My tenants keep it closed (by their own choice). Ans fixed the issue completely,  A good fence is a must in some properties.

Neighbors driving through yard - solutions?

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