Neighbor doesn't want me to farm.

[EddieWalker]

No reason to get nasty about any of this. So far you have asked to use some of their land and he has declined. Now it's up to you to figure out the best way to get what you want to do on your land without your neighbor's involvement. I do wonder if your request to your neighbor was received by them like you hoped it would be, or if maybe it was similar to your reaction to their email? Change can be offensive to some, and the fear of how bad things might get for them might be causing them a lot of stress that you are unaware of. While there is no reason for you to care what they think, there is always an advantage to having a good relationship with your neighbors if possible.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

At some point you just have to do what you have to do. Put the driveway and orchard where it is best for you.

Good luck on the orchard. My dad used to have a small orchard on the farm, for personnal use. Northern Spy apples make great apple sauce.

 

[the old grind]

The way I feed kids is to empower them to make choices and then to stick to them.
"Would you like a peanut butter sandwich, or liver and onions?" They choose, and eat what they pick ("..honey or jelly with that PB?")

If the neighbors know of your orchard plans stand firm on the details. Then ask them to help you plan an alternate hog of chicken farm, and offer to let them help you decide which of them to choose for the long haul. (saw that chicken coup idea as mild intimidation to show 'em you mean biz.) 'Spraying' an issue already?? (Fear of the unknown .. )

If you notice that a neighbor's kids are firmly under thumb it may suggest control issues and/or that they might expect 'obedience' from others. That could help you in establishing a relationship, or not, (manipulative?) or to understand the risks of getting too chummy.

Make some applesauce. :thumbsup: tog

btw, Newberry, courts tend to agree that you don't owe anyone a 'view' unless it can be proven that steps are/were taken out of spite (vs 'let it grow') to obstruct it.

 

[teejk]

Sounds like the typical "NIMBY" that got a place in the country and want time frozen (on somebody else's dime of course). My experience is that you can't reason with them (I had such a neighbor that went ballistic (like screaming/in face ballistic inside my house) over the placement of my trash cans on pick-up day...I just learned to ignore him). Just make sure you abide by zoning laws. Any repercussions will ultimately be viewed by the law as a crime on their part. Btw, you shouldn't spray trees on a windy day anyway (but suspect that is simply a red herring argument). And I think most trees are now dwarf/semi-dwarf so I'm not so sure you'll be blocking much view (and I personally think a properly planned/maintained orchard is a lovely view).

 

[ProjectKing]

You are getting too involved with them and possibly making them feel like they have a say on what you do with YOUR land.

Follow the land restrictions, the local laws, etc and then do what you want. Keep your place looking nice and tidy. Be respectful of them and nice but at the same time do what you want with your land. DO NOT use their land to access your land in anyway.

Even if they get mouthy or mean keep your cool and be nice. They will eventually settle down when the changes become permanent. People don't like change.

The key is... If they didn't want the land to change they should have purchased it!

 

[JerryK]

You are getting too involved with them and possibly making them feel like they have a say on what you do with YOUR land.

Follow the land restrictions, the local laws, etc and then do what you want. Keep your place looking nice and tidy. Be respectful of them and nice but at the same time do what you want with your land. DO NOT use their land to access your land in anyway.

Even if they get mouthy or mean keep your cool and be nice. They will eventually settle down when the changes become permanent. People don't like change.

The key is... If they didn't want the land to change they should have purchased it!

Ditto... part of your problem is that you involved them in the first part. Survey, fence, and do not try to involve them in any land swaps/etc. If you want to plant or maintain a buffer area between you and them on your land... that is only your concern. If they want some type of buffer, they can do what they want on their land... [ trees, privacy fence whatever. ]

 

[TomSeller]

I would just respond with "Thank you for your input" and not go beyond that.

You tried to do the right thing but are digging a hole with this neighbor. It is your land, just make sure you follow all zoning regs so he doesn't have anything come back at you with.

 

[teejk]

I would just respond with "Thank you for your input" and not go beyond that.

You tried to do the right thing but are digging a hole with this neighbor. It is your land, just make sure you follow all zoning regs so he doesn't have anything come back at you with.

Oh I'm sure he/she will do something stupid as payback. If it gets nasty, call the sheriff. Reminds me of a farmer friend that wanted to develop some land he didn't need...he was a staunch conservative in a very liberal town and was denied a zoning change. So he sold the land to a gravel company with a lot heavy equipment and occasional blasting. I still laugh about that.

 

[JerryK]

Oh I'm sure he/she will do something stupid as payback. If it gets nasty, call the sheriff. Reminds me of a farmer friend that wanted to develop some land he didn't need...he was a staunch conservative in a very liberal town and was denied a zoning change. So he sold the land to a gravel company with a lot heavy equipment and occasional blasting. I still laugh about that.

That's why I would suggest that the OP plan on a little buffer area between him and his new neighbor. A good fence, and a couple rows of thick pines/firs/etc would be a minimum for me. Just write off the buffer area as a good investment in my own piece of mind, not to please the neighbor.

 

[ch1ch2]

I have thought of several items of advice to give most have been mentioned. I am sure there is a lot more to the story. There always is. I too have had bad neighbors and they only got better when I quit being nice. I say first alway try to stay nice. Only when it proves to be fruitless should you get ugly. If the neighbor ever complains to the authorities then you must report everything to them as well and as often as you can! Any legal mater needs you side documented by the authorities and the complaining party usually has the better side. That being said, do not become a habitual complainer or that could make you look bad. In short, be nice as long as you can then don't be.