Should I make a 'peace offering' to my neighbors now that I've put up a fence?

Question

I'm in the middle of installing a fence around my yard and one of my neighbors seems a little 'put out' at having it there. They were nice enough to help find the property line, but then seemed very nervous about exactly where it would go. It is NOT on the property line, in fact we even moved it in about a foot just to avoid any problems. They seem to be a little 'offended' by the fence overall, and the wife keeps questioning my father as to why I wanted to put it up. (in all honesty its to maintain a boundary between their dog and my yard - no leash, always running amok, I'm allergic and the wife is a bit of a busybody).

I only moved in a year ago and don't want to cause any ill will. Would it be a good idea to send flowers with a thank you note as a peace offering, or some sort of gesture to smooth things over?

Thank you in advance for your guidance!

Answer 1

You could always say that a friend suggested it as a relatively easy and inexpensive way to increase your property value and that you're just getting around to doing that.  Owning a home is an investment afterall. A peace offering could give the impression to your neighbors that they had something to do with the fence being put up, just act nonchalant about it.

Answer 2

There's an old saying that goes "good fences make good neighbors."  While everyone wants to have at least a cordial relationship with their neighbors, people also value their property and personal space.

If they persist in asking why you installed the fence, tell them the truth about your allergies.  As someone else mentioned, fences always increase property values, and you could mention this, too.

I would give them flowers or a baked good, like a cake or cookies because they helped you.  You did nothing wrong about putting up a fence - especially when you took such pains to make sure it didn't infringe upon the neighbor's property.

While they may be offended by your putting up a fence, they may ultimately like having it too, since it divides their yard from yours and gives them some privacy.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Why isn't their dog restrained?  Have your father tell them that you are allergic.

After all, you could have called the dog warden.  There are laws about restraining dogs.

Our neighbor let his dog run free. He bit my grandson last year. And this year, the dog wandered on down to the state park and nailed a 4 year old girl.  Dog is in doggie prison right now.  I hope the girls parents sue him..

Answer 4

I think flowers are nice for anytime. They will only bring a smile to their home. If nothing else you've done something out of pure kindness. People just don't do acts of kindness nearly enough in my opinion.  

Answer 5

If you have not violated any neighborhood restrictive covenants and are not installing some sort of "eyesore" fence, then I see no reason why you are not well within your rights to install a fence without an explanation to the neighbors as to why.

I certainly appreciate the sentiment behind your proposed gesture, but am concerned that it might indicate that you believe you have somehow done something wrong.  

And what would a thank you note be for?  Have they done something that you need to thank them for?  Perhaps you are referring to the assistance they gave you in locating the property line.  If that is the case, then your gesture would be very neighborly.

This should "blow over" after they get used to having the fence up.  You could even offer to allow them to "tie in" to your fence if they ever want to put up one of their own (hint, hint - to keep the dog in)!!!

Your relationship will build over time by you being the good neighbor that you obviously are.  Some people will be grateful, others will never be pleased.  It remains to be seen what you are dealing with here.

The bottom line is that you are acting, and continue to act, in a friendly, courteous, and neighborly way.  That is your responsibility and you are demonstrating that with your concern and caring.  

Don't worry - you are being a good neighbor!

Answer 6

Explain to your neighbors the reason for the fence so that they understand.  Of course, you really don't have to justify your actions to them; but in order to keep peace in the neighborhood a brief and polite explanation is the better way to go.  Make sure to thank you neighbors for helping you find the property line.  Some flowers might be nice.

Answer 7

It would be nice to send over something, if only to shut the busybody up!  Flowers or a plate of homemade cookies with a "Thanks for being such great neighbors!" note should do the trick.  They'll be too embarrassed to complain after that! :)