To be irritated at people walking across our lawn? (Yes, there's a diagram)

[EduCated]

Diagram attached.

The main culprits are house B, but others in that terrace do it too. The footpath to the end of the row (5 houses) is a dead end, and is higher than the car park below, so they have to come down the footpath and steps.

The path between us and B and the steps are owned by the council, as is the grass next to the car park.

The rest of the gardens in our terrace are all landscaped and have their steps integral to the garden. Ours is the only one to be a lawn, and the slope is relatively steep. The lawn isn't in the best state, but we keep it mowed and try our best. Neighbours have seen us out mowing it.

However some of our neighbours seem to use our lawn rather than the steps, yomping straight across the middle. This morning B was stood in the middle of our lawn faffing with her bike Others have stood and had conversations in the middle, or lugged all their shopping up and down.

To be honest, I wouldn't really mind if it was the occasional nip across, or if they looked a bit sheepish doing it. There's an old chap in about house D who knocked our door to say that he sometimes used our lawn as he finds the steps too much and he was very sorry and was it ok - have absolutely no issues with this whatsoever.

Had I not been feeling hungover under the weather I would have poked my head out this morning, but AIBU to find this irritating?! Is it not obvious that this is our lawn?

[MrsJamin]

Can't you make a fence down the sides?

[Rachie1973]

I'd just fence it

[EduCated]

Possibly - we rent so are limited on what we can do without permission, and don't particularly want to spend lots.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

Fence definitely!

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

Plants around the edge?

[justilou1]

This is where sprinklers come in very handy!

[Namechangetempissue]

You can either fence or try putting up some signs -private property, please do not walk on the grass.

[Winteriscomingneedmorewood]

You need some of these. .

[EduCated]

Winteriscoming Yes! I'll make a fence of them. Fucking terrifying

[tippz]

Fence it! Or hedge it (although that will take longer.)

[JellyBabiesSaveLives]

People dont think though. You may have to talk to them - just say you're trying to get the grass to grow better and could they stay off it please...

otherwise,little picket fence around the edge? Dig flowerbeds (poss too much like hard work!).Big sign saying Get Orff Moi Lawn?

[FadedRed]

Berberis, the variety with the long spikes.

[EduCated]

I guess we will have to look at putting something along. Even that cheap sort of edging you sometimes get in Home Bargains - hopefully just something visually to block it.

The thing is I really don't mind people occasionally using it if they're carrying something heavy or whatever, it's just the general trekking across it to save the 20 seconds extra it would take to use the steps.

[GrockleBocs]

You could plant up some troughs or pots (plastic ones aren't too expensive) to make a boundary.

[AlpacaLypse]

Lovely diagram OP!

[PenelopeFlintstone]

Or you could just put some stepping stones down - at least then they won't wear away such a wide and varied path.

[Patchouli666]

Nip to an agricultural supplier and get some electric fence stakes and then put some rope between each stake. They have a spike at the bottom so can be removed with no damage if you are renting and they are very cheap.
If they move them to still use the garden, go back to the agri store and get electric wire kit and that will defo stop the bastards!

[ThumbWitchesAbroad]

The trouble is that once you let one person do it regularly, then everyone will think it's ok and it will become regularly used. I suppose it's not actually a public right of way, is it, it's just easier?
If you're worried about the state of the lawn, could you just buy some cheap stepping stone pavers and put them in? Although that would then give them the feeling that it was ok.

I think, since you rent, that you'd better contact the landlord (via the agent if they use one) to see what their idea is - after all, it's their lawn/property!

[RandomMess]

I'd get in touch with the landlord too!

[Winteriscomingneedmorewood]

Sprinkler system!!

[Patchouli666]

Or print and laminate a few of these with a disclaimer for bloke in D.

[blankface]

Tell the landlord, explain people are trying to establish a right of way over their garden and if he doesn't do anything to stop it, they will succeed in being able to walk across there whenever they like.

Okay, the reality is it has to be undisputed for years, but if you tell him now, it should get the landlord to stop it at his own expense.

[Butterymuffin]

Fence it, or go and talk to the people in B who seem to be the main offenders. The taking the bike over it would have really annoyed me.

[MissBabbs]

I would stop keeping the lawn at the bit where they walk even to putting down a bit of weedkiller and maybe trample it after rain. Once it is muddy they will def not walk across it as they won't want to tramp mud into their homes.
But I have a nasty streak.

[Supermagicsmile]

If you're renting, I can't see why it bothers you

Just make the landlord aware so any grass damage is not charged back to you at the end of your tenancy.