A good neighbor can be a source of comfort, stability, and joy. On the flip side, a bad neighbor can be a never-ending headache, making your life much more difficult than it needs to be.
A homeowner dealing with one such neighbor recently took to the r/NativePlantGardening subreddit to vent about the latest in a series of incidents.
The post shows a picture of beautiful native plants growing along a wooden fence. The title of the post sums it up: "Petty neighbor cut down my Virginia creeper that was lining my fence." The poster went on to say: "I'm sick of this."
Planting a native garden is great for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it saves homeowners time and money. Native plants don't require nearly as much water or maintenance, which can cut down on your monthly bills.
They are also a boon for the environment that goes beyond simply conserving water. They attract pollinators, the tiny birds and insects that keep our ecosystems and food chains thriving.
There are many great options when considering native plants. Buffalo grass, clover, and xeriscaping are all fantastic choices. And incredibly, even a partial lawn replacement can reap these amazing benefits.
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Of course, this only works if you have neighbors who won't cut down your plants. Unfortunately, the incident described in the post is not completely uncommon. Problems between neighbors can be even more frustrating when they negatively affect the environment.
For instance, another homeowner took to Reddit to show how their neighbor was dumping construction debris into their shared creek. Other people have complained about their neighbors using pesticides on their native plants or even helping themselves to herbs from their gardens.
In most of these cases, communication is the key. A simple conversation can often prevent a misunderstanding from escalating into something more. In many cases, talking about climate issues with people can be educational and eye-opening for all parties.
Commenters on the original post shared in the poster's frustration. One said: "Your neighbor definitely doesn't sound very kind or considerate."
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Another offered some advice: "Do you know where the property line is, and what the municipal ordinances are for fences and for plants? Knowing those things will help with what you should or shouldn't do."
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