Fuming mad at my neighbor.

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
First, how do you know that the neighbor put poison on the grapevine? And do I read correctly that she put the poison on YOUR side of the fence? (Not just that the grapevine is growing on your side of the fence?) Do you know what kind of poison she used?


If she poisoned it several years ago, did it not die? And are you suspecting that she has again poisoned it?

One thought I have is that she may be suffering dementia of some form. And if that is the case, she is a danger to others, based upon her conduct. You do need to report this to the police, and mention concerns about her being a danger to others and possibly herself--if nothing else that will hopefully start whatever is needed to get her evaluated.

A surveillance camera is a good idea. You might contact your county extension office and ask about having the plants tested for pesticide residue, which might tell you what kind of poison you are dealing with.

 

[cafarmgirl]

I'm confused too about the fact that this was done several years ago but the vine is just now dying? If I read that right? And if other plants are now dying then has this been done again recently?

Honestly if it was me I'd just go over and ask her about it so you know exactly what's going on and what she used if she did indeed do something again. I would definitely tell her that you don't want any of your plants sprayed since they produce food for your family. Perhaps if the grape vine is coming over on her side and causing her problems you could keep it trimmed to your side of the fence?

I would just want to speak with her directly, in a polite manner, to find out exactly what's going on before calling cops or starting stuff like that. Once you have a neighbor feud started it makes life mighty unpleasant and has a way of spreading thru all the neighbors as everybody sides up.

 

[chawk]

NOONE has mentioned the most important thing! TAKE PICTURES RIGHT NOW!! So if you don't get to court until December, if it comes to that, you have pics of the damage NOW! I am so sorry this happened. What a sucky neighbor... andyway you could move your garden?

Shouldn't have to but better than a repeat next year!

 

[sheaviance1]

Do you like the grapevine? If not, then I would go ahead and remove it so that she doesn't feel inclined to take matters into her own hands. If you do like it, then clean up her side of the fence. Ask her for permission to come to her side and prune it back. I would take the opportunity to tell her at that point that you would like to prune the grapevine so that the overspray from her trying to kill it does not harm your children, chickens or garden.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

She has a right to prune back any parts of the vine that come onto her own property; she does not have a right to kill your plant or spray it with a herbicide, however.

 

[dewey]

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

I'm not sure what I would do but I do know that I would be more confrontational than most of you. The neighbors have to understand that this will result in possible legal action if it ever happens again. I would also mention that I would be putting up my deer trail cameras out to keep an eye on my property , children, chickens and vegetables. I would let them know paybacks are HECK and potentially expensive.