Neighbor doesn't want me to farm.

[Garandman]

Also FWIW we have four adjoining neighbors in Boston. We have good relations with three of them but communicate with the 4th only by letter.

It seems odd to be mailing stuff when the mailbox is farther away than the neighbor, but we want to make sure we have a written, legally recognized history of the "discussion."

 

[WoodChuckDad]

We do have adverse possession laws in Virginia. I had already thought of that.
I was not the first to raise the issue of an exchange of land. In the first or second conversation I had with the wife she raised the issue and said if we were open to it in the future the would like to own a buffer. They had wanted to buy before but the previous owner would not break it up. My piece is over 50 acres in almost a square shape. Their property was once part of the same parcel as mine 3.5 acres on the corner. With road frontage.
They acquired the land in two transactions. First the 2 acres on the corner and then another acre and a half tacked onto the inside of that which gave them a high point on the property and put them in a position to build with the back of their jobs above the crevice that has the feeder streams to my pond. It was probably strategic as it would seem nobody would build behind you since there is no flat space till the other side of the crevice. Perhaps they thought nobody would ever buy the land around them for any other reason other than to build a house so they built on the inside corner of their land tucked up against mine. I don't have the slightest problem with their house or them building where they did. It is their land. I made an offer that I thought they wanted that would also benefit me. It will cost a bit more to build the road into the slope behind their house, above the crevice or build up a road down in the wet area of my land. That was mynoriginalnintention any way. I'm just flabbergasted that they think I should not use the land for growing apples since that is why I bought it in the first place.
Yesterday I marked the boundary surrounding their house with silver paint on my trees as is virginian law. The rest of my land is marked with a combination of silver paint and bright yellow no trespassing signs. I also moved the cut line approximately 10 yds into my property.balthough I may have a few trees in that area taken down if the logger deems them to be of higher value. I shall refer to this space as a wildlife corridor and not a buffer and every time it comes up it will by "my wildlife corridor. ". I don't plan on emailing a response to them. When I see them if it comes up I will simply state that I am growing heirloom cider apples on this land and the hill in question. I have been nice. I am going to be rather cautious in dealing with them since I don't trust them. I have very clearly drawn the lines. I have been kind and considerate. I'm going to keep being the person I try to be every day because I don't really like the guy in the mirror when I give in to being an a-hole. Although I am rather skilled in that role.
All of this land is zoned agricultural. I spoke to the county when I was putting together my purchase offer and basicly they said I could do whatever I want. Half a mile from me is a vineyard with 150 acres of grapes. I'm sure they spray more than I will. My hope is that they will see I have been considerate and that I am being a good steward of the land. And they will stop fearing the unknown so much.

 

[Ford850]

Good plan. And if they bring up spraying, etc, you can remind them you follow the laws. And that no matter what would be farmed, there would be spraying (wheat, corn, beans, grapes, apples, peaches, sod, etc.).
When I bought my property, I had many neighbors with various opinions after seeing the survey stakes and meeting me. "glad there will be no more farming", "glad to hear you are planting trees", "my property goes to way back there because that's what the realtor told me", "this is part of my yard because it has always been that way". I stayed cautiously firm, and nice, but gradually began to mow the areas (my property) that these neighbors mowed. For nearly a year, we were both going through the motions of mowing the same property, weekly. I was always polite, waved, etc as I mowed my property behind their yards. They eventually realized it wasn't the worst to realize they were wrong and it was my property, and they stayed off my property for the most part. Trees grew in some areas, and I thought we were all good. Then some of the same people who were initially "glad no one was farming the field" now were concerned there were trees growing 30' from their property line. Some people can never be satisfied. Stay polite so you can look yourself in the mirror, and do what you want.

 

[tthopskin@yahoo.ca]

you said it all right there

 

[gwstang]

I think you basically empowered the neighbors when you "shared" your plans with them. Your property is yours to do with as you please within the zoning requirements of your county. But...here is how you get them to leave you alone: Dress in all Camo, get a big ugly nasty looking gun (large bore shotgun preferable to look as menacingly as possible) and march up and down the property line whilst mumbling/talking to your self and generally looking crazy as he**. Neighbors will soon leave (or move) you alone...lol Guaranteed to work every time! :laughing:

 

[dadster4]

I would proceed with your plans as best you can. Locate the access road on your property. Clear the land and plant the orchard where and when YOU want. And inform the neighbor when you will be spraying, using winds to your advantage, so they can choose whether or not to stay home that day. When the apples are harvested give them a few or have your wife bite her lip and make a pie...how can anyone be mad about getting an apple pie?

 

[farm boy00]

I would proceed with your plans as best you can. Locate the access road on your property. Clear the land and plant the orchard where and when YOU want. And inform the neighbor when you will be spraying, using winds to your advantage, so they can choose whether or not to stay home that day. When the apples are harvested give them a few or have your wife bite her lip and make a pie...how can anyone be mad about getting an apple pie?

Mmhhh I couldn't.





Been following along for a while now. I guess it's my turn, I would still treat them as you would be treated, but don't try to do anything with or on their land. Its up to you to do what you want with your land. I would say to try to make peace with the neighbor right now but do as you must for yourself

 

[Paul Thornton]

Woodchuck, you have done what you can. I like your plan.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I think you basically empowered the neighbors when you "shared" your plans with them. Your property is yours to do with as you please within the zoning requirements of your county. But...here is how you get them to leave you alone: Dress in all Camo, get a big ugly nasty looking gun (large bore shotgun preferable to look as menacingly as possible) and march up and down the property line whilst mumbling/talking to your self and generally looking crazy as he**. Neighbors will soon leave (or move) you alone...lol Guaranteed to work every time! :laughing:

When on my property I carry a high capcity .45 on my hip. There are bear on my land. There are only 2 families that live past me on the rod. I've met them both and I was wearing my weapon at the time. Not trying to be a tough guy. I have carried for over 25 years. Bear, coyote, 2 legged predators. I like my odds better if I'm armed.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I would proceed with your plans as best you can. Locate the access road on your property. Clear the land and plant the orchard where and when YOU want. And inform the neighbor when you will be spraying, using winds to your advantage, so they can choose whether or not to stay home that day. When the apples are harvested give them a few or have your wife bite her lip and make a pie...how can anyone be mad about getting an apple pie?

I have planned to try to spray when they are not home and when the wind isn't blowing in their direction. That just seems like common courtesy. Maybe not an apple pie, but we will be operating a cidery on premises. And have been making it at home to perfect our process and recipes. A bottle or two might not be a bad idea. Later when they settle down a bit.