How Can I Deal With My Neighbor’s Kids In My Yard?

Your yard is likely a point of pride, security, and privacy. That’s why it can be quite annoying if your neighbor’s kids continually go into your yard and cause trouble. So, how do I deal with my neighbor’s kid in my yard?

The best way to deal with your neighbor’s kid in your yard is to talk to their parents about the problem. Tell them that you don’t want their kids in your yard because it’s private property. Install a fence, plant hedges, and set up security cameras to boost privacy and keep unwanted visitors out of your yard. 

It’s easy to deal with this problem if your neighborhood has an HOA. You can simply report the problem to them and let the HOA deal with it. Follow along as we explore what to do if your neighbor’s kid keeps going into your yard. 

How Do I Keep My Neighbor’s Kids Out of My Yard?

1. Talk To Their Parents

There’s nothing that a quick, polite conversation can’t resolve when it comes to problems with neighbors. Well, that’s not always the case, but it should come in handy if your neighbor’s kids keep going into your yard. Find an appropriate time to approach your neighbors without being confrontational.

You may want to pick a time when the kids aren’t around. Otherwise, you may upset the kids, and the parents may become upset with you. Simply explain that you aren’t comfortable with their kids being in your yard.

For example, many homeowners have pets and don’t want strangers to approach them. No matter what your reasons are, your neighbors should respect your opinion. After all, it’s your property, so ultimately, they cannot step foot on it whenever they want to. 

2. Post A Sign

“No trespassing” signs aren’t necessarily ironclad, but they are effective enough to scare kids away. After all, kids hate getting into trouble, so hopefully the sign keeps them out of your yard. Put the sign up in a spot where they can’t avoid seeing it.

Make sure that the sign specifies that your house is on private property. You can even find signs that say violators may face legal consequences. This won’t mean much to the kids, but their parents should at least take note of it. 

3. Install A Pest-Deterrent Sprinkler

Motion-activated sprinklers are typically used as pest deterrents. That said, they are also quite effective for keeping your neighbor’s kids out of your yard. This may sound cruel, but it’s only water and your neighbor’s kids won’t get hurt. 

Strategically place the sprinklers in spots where your neighbor’s kids typically run around. It will help nourish your lawn and nearby plants, so that’s a bonus. If the child’s parents are upset, you can explain that it’s not only to keep their kids out, but also to deter pests. 

4. Install A Fence

While it’s expensive and annoying, building a fence can keep your neighbor’s kids out of your yard. This is a drastic measure, but it has several benefits besides keeping kids out. For example, it will improve your home’s privacy and even boost home security. 

This will also keep pests, such as deer and rabbits, out of your yard. Another benefit is that a fence can increase home value. Keep in mind that it only increases your home’s value by a percentage of the installation cost. 

5. Tell The HOA

It’s easy to solve problems when you live in an HOA neighborhood. Homeowners associations enforce rules in neighborhoods to maintain balance and keep everything fair. Simply send an email to the board of your HOA to explain your problem with your neighbor’s kids. 

You can even request that they keep everything anonymous if you want to avoid any potential confrontations. That way, they can notify your neighbor and remind them to keep their kids in their yard. Otherwise, they could send an email to everyone in the HOA to remind them that their kids shouldn’t enter other people’s yards. 

From there, it’s up to the HOA to enforce this. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the HOA again if the problem keeps happening. 

6. Plant Hedges

Not only do hedges look cool and give a classic aesthetic, but they also improve privacy. Your neighbor’s kids won’t be able to easily go into your yard, or even see it if you have hedges. Sadly, this isn’t an overnight solution to keeping strangers and your neighbor’s kids out of your yard.

It takes an average of 5 years for hedges to grow high enough to improve your home’s privacy. Hedges increase curb appeal, and that can ultimately help you sell your house later on. The best privacy hedges include Portuguese Laurel, Green Giant Arborvitae, and English Laurel. 

7. Set Up Cameras

Many modern security cameras have speakers that you can talk through. This comes in handy when unwanted visitors, such as your neighbor’s kids, enter your yard. You can simply speak through the camera and politely tell them to leave. 

Some cameras, such as the Ring, let you program settings to receive notifications when there is movement. Pair the camera with an app on your phone, so you can quickly check the video feed when you get a notification. Remember not to say anything mean or offensive through the camera.

Otherwise, you will spark a conflict with your neighbor and possibly negatively influence their child. Try to find a security camera with motion-activated lights. This will help scare the kids away if they go into your yard at night. 

Can I Call The Police If My Neighbor’s Kids Are In My Yard?

You can call the police if your neighbor’s kids are in your yard. However, this should be the last resort after you try other methods. After all, they’re only kids, and dealing with the police could be a negative and traumatic experience for them. 

However, it is illegal to trespass on private property, so it is okay to call the police over this matter. Make sure that it’s clear that your house is a private property. This will come in handy if your neighbor tries to dispute the claim and say their kids had every right to be on your property. 

The kids won’t likely face legal trouble, but it will at least show them you are serious. Ideally, you should only call the police if the problem keeps happening even after you’ve talked to their parents. 

Summing It Up

Go to your neighbors and tell them that it isn’t okay for their kids to keep going into your yard. It’s also a great idea to put up “no trespassing” and “private property” signs in your yard. Install a motion-activated sprinkler and security camera on your property to deter your neighbor’s kids. 

Related Guides:

• What To Do If Your Neighbor Has A Dangerous Tree
• How to Stop Your Neighbor From Playing Loud Music