I noticed a lot of my plants had shriveled up all of a sudden and asked my neighbor if she had sprayed the fence line. She said indeed she did and she’s not sorry if anything died because she hates having to look at my untidy weedy yard. I let her know it’s not weeds- I have planted or cultivated every plant in my yard and did not appreciate her killing them and I will be reseeding. We live in a floodplain (Michigan zone 6b) so I have been planting stuff that likes wet and it’s worked out wonderfully, besides the roundup queen and her exploits. This is probably the 5th time I’ve chatted with her about using herbicides in my yard without my permission. They are extremely petty and I don’t want to start a war with them. I just want them to leave us alone. I did apply to have my yard certified as a monarch way station and ordered signs. There’s a 4’ chain fence with a nice black fabric covering. We’re not allowed to go higher or use wood since it’s a floodplain. Is there anything I can do to discourage my plants from dying if she decides to douse her side of the fence again? Her entire yard is paved and they use the back to store landscaping trailers and equipment… (pic from last year when it was healthy)
by doublejinxed
3 Comments
This is a legal question – she is knowingly and maliciously destroying your garden. She admitted it after prior discussion. I wouldn’t just replant – she has motive and opportunity to just reapply poison? So first, seek legal advice, and that may help going from talks to letters.
You could also put screening shrubs to block the view and then plant in front.
The question of adding chemicals to the flood plain prompts me to ask if a conservation authority or municipal department could help you with this dispute? I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this.
That really sucks, I’m sorry. That’s illegal, right? I wonder if a lawyer could send a letter as a warning. Then get security cameras? What a headache!
You could post this in r/legaladvice and see if anyone there has thoughts?