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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU: Neighbours watering our garden

102 replies

TheNewKaren · 19/07/2021 21:12

I’m not sure what to think of this: Our neighbours have a very far reaching watering system that completely soakes our entire garden, including us, if we get caught unawares. It reaches over a 2 m high fence and across the width of the garden on our side. On the one hand it’s useful, on the other we can’t use the garden all evening, because they will turn it on most nights at around 8:00 p.m. AIBU to object to this? Btw they have not asked if this is ok.

OP posts:
Nightfeedwatcher · 19/07/2021 22:57

@burritofan

Next time it happens, get soaked, go and ring on their bell soaking wet, point out the issue, the end.

Or never speak up and never use your garden ¯\(ツ)/¯

This is my favourite suggestion Grin
saraclara · 19/07/2021 22:57

@beautifullymad

Just knock on the door and introduce yourself. Say that you appreciate the water from their sprinklers helping your garden but would they mind angling it away slightly so you can use your garden in the evenings.

They either don't realise it's hitting your garden or think they are doing you a favour watering your garden at the same time.

That. I'm wary of 'complaining' to neighbours. But I wouldn't be here. It will only take a bit of adjustment of the sprinkler flow, and have no downside for them. It's not like telling them to be quieter or for their kids not to use the trampoline all day. Just a tweak of the flow rate or the sprinkler setting, and you're happy and they're no worse off.
Sweettea1 · 19/07/2021 23:09

My old neighbour had some sprinkle thing that sprayed into my garden I told him he moved it further back into his garden problem solved.

CinnamonJellyBeans · 19/07/2021 23:24

Do you actually use your garden after 8pm? If not, I'd take the free water. They are saving you a fortune. It may be that they underestimated the reach of the sprinkler when they bought it and think they're doing you a favour by spraying your garden with the excess.

It would be interesting to see what they do if you are actually in situ at the appointed(ish) time of 8pm on a watering kind of evening. Whether they turn it on or hold off until you're back inside will give you an idea of whether they are aware/care about whether you can enjoy your garden in the evenings.

thelastgoldeneagle · 19/07/2021 23:30

Jesus, just tell them!! Tell them not to use your garden, don't water it ... ever.

SomeNameorOther · 20/07/2021 12:47

TALK TO THEM!!!!!

I know it's old fashioned to do the 1on1 f2f thing so I'll add - smile while you chat, it'll make things more friendly. Even if the glower when they open the door, a big smile, friendly "Hi, I'm from next door....." works wonders

Sorry, very patronising, I'm sure you're used to chatting f2f, but honestly, why not try the friendly, neighbourly way first? Don't assume they're going to be difficult and mean. Come here, if they are though.

SlothinSpirit · 20/07/2021 13:19

Ask them to put it on later - 9/10pm.

Then you get your garden watered for free at a convenient time for you and they don't have to faff about adjusting their sprinklers.

Win-win.

No one sane really thinks it is acceptable to completely drench your neighbour in their own garden.

girlmom21 · 20/07/2021 13:23

It's too hot at the moment at 8pm. I'd be grateful for the cool shower Grin

Just ask them to alter the settings. If it's going over your 2m fence into your entire garden their garden can't be feeling much benefit...

pleasedonttextmyman · 20/07/2021 13:26

@burritofan

Next time it happens, get soaked, go and ring on their bell soaking wet, point out the issue, the end.

Or never speak up and never use your garden ¯\(ツ)/¯

😂😂
RealBecca · 20/07/2021 13:28

Fgs i hate this attitude that everyone is doing something to spite you when all you need to do is give the benefit of the doubt and just bloody talk to them.

Howcanthisbe123 · 20/07/2021 13:30

That’s brilliant! I would stand outside until I’m dripping, then go knock on the door! 😂

gardeninggirl68 · 20/07/2021 13:30

Sprinklers can be terrible for some plants and flowers

They are just recovering from the recent battering the wind/rain gave them

And lots of flowers scorch with wet stalks and need watering from underneath.... not a forceful sprinkler shooting at them

Speak to them!!!!

Terhou · 20/07/2021 13:52

Have you been to talk to your neighbours yet, OP?

justasking111 · 20/07/2021 13:55

If they're on a water meter it's costing them to benefit your garden

TrixieThunder · 20/07/2021 13:57

Do you play music loudly at night or have an outdoor cinema and the neighbours are MNs?

DPotter · 20/07/2021 14:01

We have a long hot summer ahead of us and the watering wont be stopping anytime soon.

Go next door and ask them to re-set the timer for 11pm. If you don't you will be sitting in a stuffy house all evening and missing out on the coller garden - that you've paid for!

DPotter · 20/07/2021 14:01

That should be a cooler garden!

fourminutestosavetheworld · 20/07/2021 14:04

Personally I'd quite like it but would be asking what time it's going on/off.

Cherrysoup · 20/07/2021 14:04

Just tell them! What on earth?! I’d be fuming, I had dinner and sat in the garden til 9 last night then went out to look at the stars before going to bed. It’s totally unreasonable for them to be impacting you.

1forAll74 · 20/07/2021 14:06

Speaking to your neighbours is advisable here. There is sometimes a hose pipe,or watering system ban in a heatwave. and you can only use a little old watering can to hose your roses, and veg etc !

OhRene · 20/07/2021 14:07

"Hiya, how are you? Listen, is there any chance you can adjust your sprinklers so it's not coming over the fence please? I fancy having a barbecue soon and don't fancy a drenching! Ha ha!"

Light, breezy and tells them they need to adjust their sprinklers. Not exactly difficult.

Cloudninenine · 20/07/2021 14:22

In what world could it ever be unreasonable for you to ask them to stop soaking you in your own garden…?

Lorw · 20/07/2021 14:37

I put YABU simply because you haven’t gone and knocked on the door and politely asked, it will probably be sorted there and then 😁

Blossomtoes · 20/07/2021 14:39

@IAmAWomanNotACis

I REALLY don't get the mentality of people who post on mumsnet when a knock on your neighbour's door and a polite conversation would probably sort it.

Just go knock on their door and ask.

This. They obviously don’t realise they’re making your garden unusable in the evenings. Just talk to them.
Skyla2005 · 20/07/2021 14:40

@TheNewKaren

No - I’m worried about repercussions. We don’t know them. We have also just recently moved here.
When it comes on just knock and say it's making you wet as your sitting out there