How to deal with neighbor spraying chemicals on my land

[stinkbelly]

I am wondering what the best way is to deal with a neighbor spraying chemicals on my land. I have 22 acres and a subdivision came in next to me a while back. Lately one of the neighbors started spraying chemicals over onto my land to kill the grass/weeds. This one neighbor is the only one that put up a privacy fence along my 6 foot chain link fence. He offset it about 4 feet. He put a gate so he could bet between the fences. The area between the fences he has killed the grass 100%. It is dirt. I am not sure what he put out there. He has been spraying through my chain link fence to kill my grass/weeds. He has killed my grass about 4 feet into my land. Whatever he is spraying also rusted all my chain link fence and stripped the paint off of my T-posts. The worst part of it is that this area is one of my horse pens. That grass is going to be eaten by one of my horses or registered goats.

I can go over there and talk to him. I just want to make sure it doesn't happen again. What would be the best option to make sure it doesn't happen again?

[Bill M]

Go ask them not to do it and if they do, call the law.

[IowaHunter]

Roundup the crap out of his yard if he continues.

[Sticks&Strings]

Explain to him that no vegetation =erosion, and the cost to redo that fence or replace a horse or goat will get expensive very quickly. Also, take a bunch of pictures.

[bowhuntntxn]

Normally I would suggest talking to him face to face, but since he opted out of that before you did, the sheriff department might need to be involved. He wont stop now since he already crossed your property line.

[stinkbelly]

I have thought about just talking to him, but someone that knowingly damages my property isn't going to listen. I wanted something to document that I told him to stop. I am not sure if a certified letter would be something that I could use if he continues.

[Sackett]

Take pictures and video of all the damage. Then, go talk to them and see if you can be amicable before being confrontational. Having a neighbor that will respect you is much better than having one that resents you. Sending the law over or sending a certified letter is going to immediately create a negative attitude towards you and your property. Explain to them your situation and 8/10, they’ll gladly comply. If not, then go the other route.

[doright]

You could record the conversation. I would like to know what he is spraying that works that good. If it is that strong, he should have an applicators license to get it. If so, you could contact the Department of Agriculture.

[cashcropper]

What Sackett said. Document first,then talk to neighbor and if it happens again take it up the chain with your documentation. Alot of our misunderstandings could be cured if we talked about.

[150class]

Document everything (Timestamp Photo App) is very useful

Go talk to him and ask if he doesn't mind keeping it on his side of the fence due to the concerns you have listed. Try and see if you can find out what he is using chemical wise.

Monitoring and adjust depending how he/she reacts. Hopefully they see your concerns and stop.

[BlessedVeteran0305]

Set up game cams so you have proof and if he keeps doing it...... booby twaps

[andre3k]

Have a conversation and go from there.

[M16]

I’d talk to the neighbor first and get a feel if they want to get along. I wouldn’t escalate it at all if possible right off the bat. Having good relationships with your neighbors pays huge benefits.

[BTLowry]

Anyone spraying herbicide is responsible for damages including drift.

I would document the damage first, to the extent of measuring exactly how far it affected your property, pictures of T-posts, fence and everything you remotely think was affected.
Next step I would go talk to him and ask him exactly what he sprayed, mix ratio, method of application, date(s) and any other detail you can get out of him.
Then I would ask him not to do it again
Next step is to contact the state and file a report

Don't have to file charges (unless he gets an attitude) but you have the documentation


Definitely need to know what it was and it's affects on livestock

[JayB]

Lock the access gate from your side so he can't get through 😁







I kid...that would be trespassing