What To Do When Your Neighbor’s Yard Is Full Of Weeds

Nothing is more annoying than when weeds from your neighbor’s yard spill over into your yard. This is especially true if you take pride in your yard and don’t have a problem with weeds yourself. It’s also an eyesore to look at a yard full of weeds. Understandably, you may struggle with what to do when your neighbor’s yard is full of weeds.

When your neighbor’s yard is full of weeds, simply talk to them and explain why it is bothersome. This is essential if the weeds spill over into your yard. Remove the weeds that spill into your yard and install a weed barrier or mulch to smother weeds that pop up until your neighbor gets the problem under control.

Contact your HOA if you are part of one and report your neighbor’s yard if the problem continues. Otherwise, you will need to set a good example and keep taking care of your yard in the meantime. Follow along as we explore what to do when your neighbor’s yard is full of weeds.

Can Weeds Spread From The Neighbor’s Yard?

Weeds can spread from your neighbor’s yard to your yard if left untreated. This is especially true if there is no barrier between your yards. In some cases, weeds can spread from your neighbor’s yard via the wind, even if there is a solid fence between yards.

Parts of weeds can also cling to animal fur and spread from one yard to another. It’s also easy for weeds to spread when someone mows the lawn and inadvertently scatters the seeds. Even birds can cause weeds to spread between yards, so it’s often out of your control.

Can I Pull My Neighbor’s Weeds?

You can only pull your neighbor’s weeds if they spill over into your yard. For example, you can pull your neighbor’s weeds if they hang over your fence. However, there is some grey area when it comes to walking into your neighbor’s yard and pulling the weeds.

It is considered trespassing to go into your neighbor’s yard uninvited. Because of that, your neighbor may take issue with you and even file a police report in extreme cases. Avoid pulling your neighbor’s weeds unless they grow and hang into your yard or you may risk legal trouble and strain your relationship with your neighbor.

What Should I Do About My Neighbor’s Weeds?

While you can’t make your neighbor pull their weeds, there are several easy things you can do to fix the problem. Let’s look at what you can do about your neighbor’s weeds when the problem gets out of hand.

Talk To Them

Talk to your neighbor if their yard is full of weeds. Of course, this is much easier if you already have a relationship with them. However, it’s necessary if the situation is out of control and spilling into your yard even if it will make things awkward.

Simply write them a note if you are uncomfortable speaking to them in person about the problem. Otherwise, it’s worth the time to knock on their door and have a quick conversation. Make sure to be as polite as possible and articulate why the problem affects you.

Explain to them that it adds to your workload when you have to pull weeds that travel from their yard to yours. You can also explain how it looks bad if their yard is out of control, but try to word it in a way that won’t hurt their feelings. As long as you speak politely and explain your point, you should be able to make progress and encourage your neighbor to take care of the problem.

Install Weed Barriers

Install weed barriers on the edge of your lawn to protect your yard from your neighbor’s weeds. Weed barriers are quite effective as they prevent weeds from poking through and emerging from the soil. They are made of durable fabric that simply forces the weeds down so they can’t pop up.

Homemade weed barriers constructed from cardboard are also quite effective. Dig deep enough so that you can install the weed barrier and cover it with several inches of soil. This will ensure that the weed barrier isn’t visible but can still effectively protect your yard.

Ideally, you should use two layers of a weed barrier to protect against aggressive and thick weeds. Some homeowners even cover their weed barriers with rocks and create a nice rock garden.

Hedge Walls

While this is an expensive option, hedge walls are a great way to keep your neighbor’s weeds out of your yard. Hedge walls create a barrier between you and your neighbor’s yards. Each section of hedge walls costs between $300 and $425, but they are worth the cost if you want to protect your yard.

Not only do they protect against your neighbor’s overgrown weeds, but hedge walls also provide privacy. You don’t necessarily need to line your entire yard with hedge walls, however. Simply install hedge walls in the section of your yard where you are most exposed to your neighbor's weeds.

Use Mulch

Mulch is powerful enough to suppress weeds in many cases. This is a great option if your neighbor’s weeds come into your yard from underneath your fence. Mulch is dense and works similarly to a weed barrier in that weeds will struggle to break through it and emerge.

It will also help protect your yard from soil erosion, and mulch is a great way to protect your soil from drying out. Simply line the edge of your fence with mulch and pack it tightly. Ideally, you should replace your mulch once every 1-2 years for the best results.

Weed Killer

Regularly spray the edge of your yard and along your fence with weed killer during the spring and summer. Weeds that cross over from your neighbor’s yard should die upon making contact with the spray. Apply weed-killer spray once every few months throughout warm weather if weeds continue to pop up in your yard.

Exercise caution when you use weed killer if you have pets. Don’t let your pets outside for at least 6 hours after you apply the weed-killer spray, or at least monitor them closely and keep them away from it. The spray contains harmful chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals.

Contact The HOA

If you are part of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), you can get them to take care of the problem for you. HOAs often closely monitor the yards of everyone in the organization to make sure the members are compliant with the rules. They typically have strict guidelines regarding yard maintenance, and overgrown weeds are a violation.

This is a great option if you want to anonymously handle the situation without speaking to your neighbor directly. That way, you won’t have to have an awkward conversation or disrupt the relationship with your neighbor. Your HOA will contact them directly and give them a deadline for when they must remove the weeds.

Set A Good Example

If all else fails, simply try to set a good example for your neighbor. Consistently pull the weeds in your yard and show what an ideal yard should look like. This may be enough to show them that they should take the initiative to take care of their yard. You can’t force your neighbor to do anything, but setting a good example can encourage them to do so as well.

Summing It Up

Install a weed barrier on the edge of your yard to keep your neighbor’s weeds out of your yard. Put mulch on the edge of your fence to smother weeds. Weed barriers and hedge walls can also help keep weeds out of your yard.

Speak to your neighbor and politely explain that the weeds from their yard are making their way into your yard. This will hopefully encourage them to take action and get the problem under control. Apply weed-killer spray to the edge of your yard every few months during spring and summer to prevent weeds from growing.

Related Guides:

• How To Clear A Yard Full Of Weeds (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Can My Neighbor Remove A Boundary Fence?
• My Neighbor Moved My Trashcan! What Can I Do?