What do you imagine your neighbor doing to you? Check your city ordinance and report any violation. Not only does this annoy you, but it also lowers the value of every surrounding property and poses a safety hazard. If the topic comes up, side with your neighbor. Claim that you received a citation as well or if you're too immaculate, claim that another neighbor down the street received one. Weeds and paint are the most common citations. So is standing water. Don't try to handle the situation yourself. It's not your job and it could get you in trouble.

You can report things anonymously. When they ask who you are, decline to give that information. It's quite normal for an ordinance officer to say that they were doing a sweep of the neighborhood. They rarely give the multiple complaints excuse and should never give the name of the informant unless it involves living animals.

Go ahead and spray the Round-up or Kills-All on your side of the fence.

Thank you for the reply Manda. I got proactive yesterday after hitting rock bottom. I was able to reach over the hog wire since its so thin and I pulled up every stick, log and branch. It felt good. Really Good. He "caught" me in the act and I confronted him, mentioning codes, branches from a 2 year old ice storm, not mowing, rats and other rodents and that this fence solution would not fly and he had to do something because I am going to call the city. We had already politely suggested people who worked cheap and ideas on four occasions so I feel he has had every chance. It will take me probably 3 city pickups to get rid of what I pulled out yesterday but it was a great way to work out my anger.

I found out the fine for the stagnant pond is $1000. The cut branches were listed as a violation but I don't think they fine you for that. Stagnant water--serious business. They make 3 visits, a warning, a second to see if it in compliance and then a third to clean it up and bill the person. Each visit is charged $200 unless you do something.

I feel better. One way or another the party is over. No more molly coddleing.

Oh, good for you. Did it get cleaned up yet?

SUCCESS!!

I had decided I would give him until Memorial Day and then I was calling it in. I was out there taking pictures of my garden to send to a friend and decided I would take a picture of his yard to show her what I was talking about. He came out while I was pointing the camera, obviously, at his yard and stood there with a kind of shocked look. I just looked right back and went on photographing it moving toward the back. He was out there in 2 days starting to clean it and has been at it all week.

I guess he figured I was documenting it to turn him in. I know I am probably a "b-t-h" in his eyes but I'd rather have that rats nest clean than be liked. Good thing, I really did hate the idea of calling the city.