Keep out signs

[bakerjw]

"Picking without permission is stealing."

 

[mulewagon]

Or a short one in big red letters:

"Yes, it's stealing."

 

[sheaviance1]

Thou Shalt Not Steal

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

This lady won't ever realize that you mean her. She doesn't see it as stealing. She thinks it is okay.

Add some geese or guineas to the orchard and perhaps net the trees. That way the birds can't get to the fruit and she won't be able to pick from the street. Then lock your gates and add no trespassing signs. And perhaps some big, snarly dogs. Add a game cam and prosecute trespassers. She won't try more than once.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Wanna borrow my "man-eating" dogs?

 

[mom'sfolly]

I think a few no trespassing signs are in order. I say keep it simple and easy to understand.

No Trespassing
No Picking
Private Property Do Not Enter

None of these will stop determined thieves. If people are known to you, and know you allow some picking, they will ask. Any determined fruit stealer will not care.

 

[Imp]

I have a couple of rules about neighbors in my yard.

They must have my permission each and every time.

Kids must be accompanied by a parent and me and have my permission.

A few neighbors do have permission to pick fruit in my yard.

Since I'm upfront about it, it does not cause any issues. That's just the way it is here.

For your sign. How about...

Pick your nose, not our fruit.

Imp-

 

[sourland]

Yep, Imp, that'll work. You must have an appropriate/inappropriate smiley.

 

[TinyChickenLady]

"Picking is stealing. Enjoy prison"
"No trespassing. Violators will be shot. Surviviors will be shot again." <--This hangs at my camp.
"Picky people with get their pickers chopped off." <-- Oops this one might not fly.... ETA
"Don't pick and I won't shoot."
"Go away. Mom makes her own bread."

She'll know it's for her now!

I would try to come up with nice ones but with people like that, my nice meter shuts off.
Sorry you're losing money to such selfish people.

 

[NYboy]

I had posted on the easygarden about a pear tree. The tree had so many pears, branches where breaking. One day evey pear but 1 was gone. Someone said the best sign they every saw, Do not eat ( skull and crossbones) recently sprayed, the sign was up all summer. Good luck.