I think that's a great looking shed. I don't have any idea why you think there is something wrong with it.

This is the view from our deck, family room, kitchen, bedroom, and siitting area ... rooms where we spend 99% of our time. I can throw a stone from our deck and hit his trailer. We politely asked our neighbor to move cargo trailer about 30 feet back where it would be less visible. He has 1.5 acres so there are plenty of other places for him to park his trailer. Based on his response, we learned he was very bitter toward the HOA so he was unwilling to have a discussion or consider any other options. Our HOA has strict rules regarding sheds. He purchased a shed that did not meet the requirements so he had to return it. He found a way to circumvent the regulations by using a cargo trailer, which is not subject to the same rules since it is considered "portable," as permanent shed. In other words, he is determined to get even with the HOA regardless of the impact on anyone else. We did exactly what others suggested and researched planting privacy trees which would cost us between $2200 to $3300. Unfortunately, our septic tank and system are located between our deck and his trailer so planting any type of evergreen tree is not possible due to the potential of the roots invading the tank and pipes. There is approximately 20 feet between our deck and his trailer which is not enough room to plant a row of trees large enough to shield the trailer from our view. We cannot plant bamboo or build a trellis tall enough due to HOA rules. It seems our HOA has rules for everything except for using temporary trailers as permanent sheds. We purchased our home specifically for the beautiful view. We considered moving, but we are retired on a limited income and this was to be our final home. We just moved a few years ago to be close to our children and grandchildren. We are also very concerned that the trailer so close to our home could affect the property value or the number of offers we would receive. We are not asking him to remove his trailer. We only want him to move it 30 feet so we can safely plant privacy trees. We have always been friendly and helpful to him and his family. We cannot understand why he is so unwilling to compromise. Any suggestions?

It's only a trailer, not to mention it's not a bad-looking trailer.

It is not much higher than a fence, and the view is way above it. Your property value is not going to be reduced because of that, and if he is not breaking any rules, there is nothing you can do about it; therefore, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

Think about it, it could have been something much worse to look at.

Landscaping on your side of the yard would help a lot - depending on your growing region look into some faster growing evergreens, would be nice to have some plantings along the fence line

This is view from my back deck which is on the first floor of my home. I am looking directly at the trailer and have the same view from my family room and kitchen windows. You can see the top of my septic tank in the photo. I agree the trailer is not an eyesore. It is a very nice trailer. It is the location that is problematic. My neighbor has 1.5 acres and could easily move his trailer back 30 feet so I can safely plant privacy trees (which will cost me over $2200). I disagree about the impact on the sale of my home. If it doesn't directly affect the value, it will reduce the number of offers. I would not buy a house with a large trailer a few feet from my back deck and clearly visible from most of the windows in my home. If the situation were reversed, I would consider my neighbor's request and do my best to find a mutually agreeable solution. I absolutely would never refuse to discuss the situation and displace my anger from the HOA toward my neighbor. Moreover, my neighbor is circumventing HOA shed restrictions by using a cargo trailer for permanent storage. He does not plan to use the trailer for transport.

Responding to comment about landscaping with evergreen trees: Please read my first post thoroughly to understand why this is not an option. I cannot plant any trees due to the proximity of the septic tank and drain field. I have spent weeks researching landscaping options and consulted with two landscaping companies. I may have to replace the entire system if there is root damage which is extremely costly.

This is view from my kitchen window. The septic tank is visible to show proximity. The fence barely covers the bottom portion of the trailer. Depending on the slope, I can see the top 10 to 15 feet of the trailer. I can see the entire trailer from my bedroom and sitting area where I previously use to relax and enjoy the view.

Karen, it doesn't matter if he got 5 acres and if he is a nice guy or not; he is not doing this on purpose because he knows you don't like it.

He parks his trailer to have easy access to it, and also for ease in backing it up, hooking, and unhooking.

Look on the bright side, it's not a dog house with a dog who barks 24/7, now that will bring the house cost down, unless during the sale you pay your neighbor a few $$ to keep the dog inside during an open house :-)

You can create a raised bed along the fence line

Karens gonna Karen.

Offer to pave the driveway and parking pad where you want him to park it.

Offer to pay for the trailer to be painted green to blend in better.

Offer to plan screening hedge on his side.

Offer to put in a taller fence.

Move.

All solutions are up you to pay for, because you sre the one who wants to gripe about it.

Responding to GN Builders: I understand your perspective. Actually, it would be much more convenient for him to move the trailer back 30 feet toward his house. His truck, if he chooses to move the trailer (which he admittedly told us he is not using the trailer for transport), would also be closer. The trailer is at the furthest point from his home and the closest point to our home. I do appreciate you trying to show me the "bright" side. I am doing my best to change my mindset, but it is not easy since I do not think my request in unreasonable.

Have you invited your neighbor over for coffee, cookies and to take a look from your windows?

Responding to Delta Systems: Actually, we did offer him money if we could agree on another option ($5000 which is more than the cost we would incur if we were able to plant privacy trees). He cannot install a taller fence due to HOA restrictions. The privacy trees would have to be at least 50 feet from our tank and drain field so this is also not an option since the trailer is approximately 25 feet away. His driveway is paved and the new parking area is graveled. He would be moving the trailer back 30 feet which is also graveled so he would not incur any additional expense. We did not offer to paint his trailer green so it would blend with the yard. Do you really think this is a good idea? Also, I would ask that you do not make fun of my first name. If you ask anyone that knows me, they would tell you that I am always thinking of others and trying to find mutually agreeable solutions to problems in order to preserve relationships. In fact, I place such a high value on relationships that I have not done anything else except ask the neighbor to move the trailer back 30 feet so we could plant a few privacy trees. He immediately reacted defensively. We did nothing except thank him for his time and shook his hand. All of the other comments to my post have been positive and helpful. I would appreciate if you would also do the same or not reply at all. Thank you.

Responding to la_la Girl: I actually discussed the option of using a raised planting bed or planting containers with both landscaping companies. I love the look in your photo of the white planting bed! Unfortunately, the roots would need to be completely contained and this would not be possible with the size of the trees necessary to cover the view of the trailer. The evergreens have shallow roots, but they do grow 15-25 feet below the ground and they have to be extensive to ensure the trees will not fall if there are high winds or ice. We live in Virginia and this happens a lot during bad storms and during the winter. I certainly would not want a tree to fall on the fence or the trailer. I appreciate the idea. :)

could a free standing pergola or living wall help screen that area? frustrating that the HOA doesnt prevent the trailer location but prevents easy solutions like a taller fence

https://empressofdirt.net/privacyfencescreen/

What would it cost to move your septic field so that you could plant trees or a hedge along the fenceline? Meaning installing a new septic field and abandoning the current field.

Responding to la_la Girl: We looked into vines on a trellis, but we were told the roots would also be a problem so close to the septic system. We considered "fake" plants, but they are incredibly expensive and we are not sure how long they would last. We are currently looking into a "portable" gazebo, but we cannot find one that is tall enough to cover the view. The HOA will not let us put in a permanent structure so close to the property line. Let me check out the other options (free standing pergola or living wall). Please let me know if you think of anything else that could solve this problem. I really appreciate your suggestions!

Responding to apple_pie_order: I love your idea of inviting the neighbor over to show him our view of the trailer! He is not a very social person, but we can always make the invitation. We actually planned to show him photos of the vantage point from our home when making our request, but the conversation only lasted a few minutes. He is really angry at the HOA. From my understanding, he had a three year battle with them over this trailer. I completely understand his frustration as I am not too happy with the HOA either. We quickly realized that continuing the conversation was not a good idea. We hoped that he may reconsider our request if we ended the conversation on good terms, but it has been weeks and there has been no other communication. I did ask my husband to speak with him again this weekend. We will try your idea and pray it works. I realize I have to live next door to him for many years to come which is why I do not want to cause any bad feelings. BTW, I now have a craving for apple pie! :)

Perhaps you could have a meeting with HOA board & ask them for their suggestions to rectify the situation that the rules have caused? Wondering what the issue with the shed was that HOA board forced your neighbor to remove? On 5 acres of property was the shed visible from any place other than your back yard?

Responding to KW PNW Z8: The HOA will not allow sheds that are made of any other material than vinyl siding. We wanted to purchase a very nice wood shed which the HOA would not approve. We spent an additional $2,500 to purchase the same size shed with vinyl siding which explains my previous comment about not being happing with our HOA either. When our shed was delivered, the delivery person told us about what happened with our neighbor's shed and why it has to be returned. We saw his shed and thought it looked very nice. We were curious as to why it "disappeared" so suddenly. Our neighbor had his trailer parked in his driveway for the past three years. I realized this was an HOA violation, but we never complained since we thought is was nicely surrounded on one side by very large trees. We heard the neighbors across the street complained about his shed and trailer; although, I cannot verify if this is true. Consequently, he returned the shed and moved the trailer to the backyard. My husband believes he would be more likely to move the trailer if he did not battle with the HOA for the past few years. We did tell him that we never complained to the HOA. Maybe he will eventually realize that his anger toward the HOA should not be directed at us? We are currently reviewing the HOA guidelines and plan to request a meeting to see if they can assist with mediating the situation. We had one conversation with someone from the Architectural Control Committee who stated that "if we knew what happened between the HOA and our neighbor, we would have moved." This did not sound very promising and we are worried the HOA does not want to get involved. We would not mind a view of the shed. He currently has a shed on his property that we can see from the same windows. It is off to the side so it is not in our direct line of sight and does not take away anything from our view. We also do not mind the trailer. We just don't want to look directly at it every time we are looking out of our windows or are on our back deck. We are only asking it be moved back 30 feet so we can plant privacy trees. The ground is already graveled so he would not incur any additional expense. The trailer would be just as easily accessible to him. In fact, it would be closer to where he had it originally parked. I should mention that we own the land immediately behind his property (which is the view I keep referring to in my comments). Unfortunately, we have the oddest shaped lot. Also, he does not have a 5 acre lot. His lot is approximately 1.5 acres.

Responding to apple_pie_order: We did contact the county to find out exactly where our septic tank and drain field are located so we could explore our options. Due to our soil and other issues with our lot, this is the only place we can have our septic system. In fact, we were told that is why our house is located where it is on the lot (we wondered why anyone would choose to put the house where it is currently located). Even if we could move the septic system, it would cost around $40,000 to $60,000 (possibly more due to inflation). Unfortunately, we do not have this type of money. If we did, we would just buy another house and move. I do appreciate the suggestion.

My husband and I discussed hiring a mediator if our neighbor would be agreeable to this suggestion. Has anyone had experience working with a mediator? Also, I just purchased and installed sheer window treatments that would still allow sunlight, but would obscure the view. Unfortunately, the trailer is still quite visible. :(

Sorry I’m confused by this whole thread. It’s from 2020 and now revived with new issues??? Neighbours are allowed to have stuff in their yard. Get some shrubs or higher fencing or curtains.

Responding to WestCoast Hopeful: I was searching online for additional options and found this thread. In hindsight, I should have started a new thread. I am new to this forum so please excuse my mistake. Regarding your comments about shrubs, fencing, or curtains .... please read all of the comments so you have a thorough understanding of the entire situation. Then, I would gladly welcome your suggestions if they are helpful and respectful.

Blinds, curtains, frosted window glaze.

You’ve basically said no to any and all other suggestions of both temporary or permanent solutions. I suspect you are going to have to just get used to this. It is his yard. That’s not disrespectful but I suspect you don’t think it’s helpful. When we live beside others we have to absorb how they live too. I say this with someone who shares a lot line with a guy who has his deck built into our fence, a shed too and has numerous interesting sculptures that he lights up at night. It is what it is.

One other thought - I wonder if you could pay a landscaper plant some trees on his side? easy care ones that don't create work for him would be nice, he may not have septic in the same location and I have found paying for things smooths the road especially when both of you could benefit

Responding to WestCoast Hopeful: I am sorry that you are also dealing with neighbor issues. You are absolutely correct that the situation is what it is and there may be nothing we can do about it. I am trying my best to find other options and am hoping that someone might have found a way to handle a similar a situation. Please keep in mind that blinds, curtains, frosted window glaze would give me no view of my landscaped yard that is behind his lot. I have received a few helpful suggestions through this thread. First, we plan to follow-up with our neighbor by inviting him over for dessert and to continue the conversation. If that does not work, I plan to ask the HOA to mediate the situation. I will continue to explore other options such as finding a portable gazebo or building an HOA acceptable structure that is tall enough to allow me to view my trees without the trailer being the first thing I see. Consequently, I have not said no to any feasible suggestion. I have only explained why some suggestions would be not be viable alternatives due to circumstances beyond my control. Trust me, if I could plant privacy trees or build a taller fence, I would have done it without a second thought. I might not be happy about spending the extra money, but I would have gladly done so to keep the peace with my neighbor and to protect my view of my own property.

I’m not having issues, that’s my point. I choose not to be bothered by my quirky neighbour anymore and love my yard and being outside. I am choosing not to let his choices impact my enjoyment of my space. The trailer is really quite innocuous and not any more of an eyesore than the white fence, which it kind of blends into. Good luck.

Responding to la_la Girl: Unfortunately, the trees need to be a minimum of 50 feet from the septic system in order to protect the system from root damage. Even non-invasive roots could cause damage that could cost a lot of money to repair. His trailer is approximately 25 feet (at most, 30 feet) from our septic tank. We considered purchasing him a "canopy" to cover his trailer. It would be to protect his trailer from the elements while obscuring our view. We could also see if the HOA would allow him to build, at our cost, a small extension to make that part of the fence higher. Your ideas are very helpful in that it is getting me to think of other options. I really do appreciate you brainstorming with me. :)

Responding to WestCoast Hopeful: I am glad you are at peace with your "quirky" neighbor. I will try to take your advice if we cannot find a solution. Your post did make me think of another option. I don't mind the fence and the trailer is the same color. Maybe my neighbor would be willing to park the trailer closer to the fence? That would not be the best solution for me, but it would be acceptable. Thanks for your advice.

What is the view beyond the trailer?

Responding to doods: If it is not raining, I will take a couple of photos when I get home this evening. :)

Karen -

Moreover, my neighbor is circumventing HOA shed restrictions by using a cargo trailer for permanent storage. He does not plan to use the trailer for transport.

What was the exact issue with the HOA previously? Was it with respect to parking the trailer in his driveway? I know people who have had issues with people parking their boats in their driveway during the summer - even though the boat was moved each weekend (it was used on a lake). There was a 24/48 hr time limit for parking and a neighbor complained to the HOA on my sister/BIL's boat (which wasn't there every week) + a few other neighbors.

If he's using this as a permanent shed - even though it's a trailer - that may be the reason that you approach the HOA.

My husband and I discussed hiring a mediator if our neighbor would be agreeable to this suggestion.

I don't know why your neighbor would agree to going to a mediator. This is not a legal dispute between the two of you = there is no reason for him to agree to mediation. Also, mediation can be expensive (you'd obviously need to pay for the mediator). I have a close friend (used to be one of my law partners) who started a mediation specialty practice - and he's never heard of someone using legal mediation this way.

I would try to figure out something that would work to block the view.

You could build some type of raised platform + add some type of evergreen trees that would work in containers. There is a user who used to have 100s of trees in containers (I think his name is Ken - and he lives in Michigan) - so, I know that it can be done. That would contain the roots in order to avoid issues with your septic field.

However, in order for anyone to suggest something, you'd need to provide your growing zone + location (for example, 6B zone is different depending on what part of the country it is located in - it's not just as simple as all zone 6B plants/trees work well regardless of where they are located in the U.S.)

If you are located in a zone where Bamboo grows, that is a FAST growing solution (obviously, in a container).

This bamboo is actually planted in containers that are partially sunken into the ground = they aren't obvious.

There are clumping variaties that would work well to block the view over the top of your fence:

You could speak with a local nursery or landscape architect - he/she would be able to suggest what type of trees would work.

You could use other ideas for blocking the view over the fence - for example, living walls + other types of structures:

More bamboo in containers:

You could also use a combination of sun sails that could be strategically placed in order to block the trailer. They have inexpensive ones on Amazon that you could order to see if it would work (before spending money on more expensive ones that will last longer). They come in various sizes (including large ones) + different shapes + various colors.

Responding to dani_m08:

Thank you so much for your detailed reply to my post. I will try to address the main points in order.

I never complained to the HOA about my neighbor's shed or trailer. I had no problem with either one until the trailer was placed in front of my deck and was clearly visible from most of the windows in my home. The HOA would not allow his shed, but I do not the reason behind why it was not approved. I believe other people in the community complained because the trailer was in his driveway for about three years (only moved to take care of the grass around it).

I am not happy that he is using the shed as a trailer to circumvent the HOA regulations. I am an HR Manager and tend to follow the rules so I do get upset when others try to find ways around them. Our neighbor did admit that he was angry with the HOA and this is his way of getting extra storage without having to purchase another shed.

I was hoping the HOA would mediate the situation. I understand my neighbor is not breaking any laws so I have no legal recourse. I also understand that he would have to agree to mediation which he may not based on our last conversation. I am grasping at any reasonable option at this point.

The landscaping suggestions, along with the photos, are great! Thank you for taking the time to do this for me!!! I have consulted with two nurseries in my area, but they did not offer landscaping services. I will have to explore this option. I will Google "landscape architect" to find someone in my area.

My growing zone is 7a/7b which is in northern Virginia. We are looking to cover about 65 feet (about 16 trees planted about 4 feet apart).

Unfortunately, the HOA will not allow bamboo (even clumping bamboo). This was my husband's first suggestion since it grows so quickly. We spent a couple of days exploring different types of bamboo only to find out it is restricted by our HOA. :(

I absolutely love the idea of using planters on raised platforms! Both nurseries told me that the large evergreens would not grow well in planters due to their roots. I see you have photos of evergreens in planters so I am going to use them when I consult with a landscape architect. I mentioned the platform idea to my husband as a way to make the trees as tall possible as soon as possible. If I can use planters, I am definitely going to build a platform.

I would like to have something similar to the fourth photo from the top in your post. The trees are in planters and they have large round green tops that would not cover the fence (I like the fence) and would not take up a lot of space since we only have 20 feet between our houses. Do you know the type of tree in this photo?

If this option does not work, we have been researching shrubs and trees every night for the past few weeks. We would need an evergreen tree or anything that does not lose its foliage in the fall/winter. A lot of the trees I like are not suited for my growing zone. I absolutely love the Japanese Fern Tree (similar to the one in the photo I just mentioned) and it would be absolute perfect for what we would like to do with the area. Unfortunately, it would die as soon as our temperature dropped below 20 degrees. I am going to ask the landscape architect if there is a similar version that we can grow in our area and that would survive in a planter.

Originally, we planned to purchase a Nellie R. Stevens Holly since it grows so quickly and has a non-invasive root structure. We would trim it like a tree since it is "pokey" when touched and we have dogs that like to sniff trees. We also found the Full Speed A Hedge American Pillar Arborvitae which is tall, thin, and also grows very fast. This would work well in the tight spots where we could not plant a full/wide tree. It is also tall enough (25 to 30 feet) to shield the view from our second story windows. We would need eight of each variety. My local nurseries do not have these trees in this quantity so I would have to purchase them from an online seller. I spoke with someone from Fast Growing Trees who was very helpful, but I see the company has mixed reviews. Do you know a reputable online nursery?

I was ready to buy these trees on Monday until I consulted with the county about the placement and depth of my septic system. I was warned by two people not to put any type of shrub or tree within 50 feet of the system. They provided me with a few "horror" stories so I am extremely hesitant to plant anything so close to the septic system. This caused me to become extremely frustrated (and very upset) which is why I wrote this post. I am out of ideas and it is important to me to find a solution (that does not involve my neighbor). We have a budget of $5000; although, we would prefer to spend no more than $2000 since anything more requires us to tap into our savings account.

I am also researching non-permanent structures since my HOA will not allow any permanent structures within 10 feet of the property line. I cannot build a wall or have anything placed in the ground that is not movable. We are looking at the fabric covered gazebos. The tallest one I can find is between 9 to 10 feet (the roof is on an angle). We even considered using a covering that constructions companies use to "hide" their working area. We would need something to anchor the covering and we could only think of a movable fence. This is still a consideration, but I am not thrilled with the idea.

You mentioned sun sails as an option. I have never heard of sun sails. As soon as I submit my reply to you, I am going on Amazon to research this option. They sound very pretty and less expensive that buying and planting a lot of trees. This may be a perfect solution!!!

I really do appreciate your ideas. Please let me know if you have any more suggestions. I hit a wall last night and really needed some hope that I could make something work. I will report back in a week or two with an update on if we found a workable solution. If not, we will talk with our neighbor again. Maybe some time and another approach that involves food (a suggestion from apple_pie_order) would yield a different result.

I realize that the trailer may not bother a lot of people, but I specifically purchased my home for the view. I lived in Dallas, Texas for almost 20 years and there were very few beautiful tall trees. The first fall without being able to see the colors change made me very depressed. I literally printed photos of trees from Skyline Drive and placed them all over my home and office. When we would drive from Texas to Virginia, I would just lay my seat back and stare at the beautiful trees when we went through Tennessee. I could not move back to the east coast any sooner since I had so much time with my employer and I wanted to retire with a pension. Thank you for understanding and for not diminishing something that is so important to me.

Responding to doods: It was raining when I got home so I wasn't able to take any good photos. I did find these photos on my FB page. As you can tell, I love rainbows!

A nice view indeed. Wishing you all the best in finding a solution to your problem.

Personally I would be focussing on that view and not my neighbour.

Hmm so what did you do? Since original post was 4 years ago.

Someone used an old post and added a new problem. It’s why some of the replies are confusing and answers muddled.

I have to wonder. If the neighbor has the trailer because of irritation with the HOA... and KC squawks so hard and drags in the HOA to deal with the trailer, and it is a new parking pad the trailer is on.... What's the neighbor gonna park there that is even worse now that he is irritated with the HOA and KC? Maybe just move the trailer just enough to satisfy the HOA and maximize irritation to KC? I realize it's a bit of a nuisance when a neighbor does not keep their yard as you would prefer. But do you really want to pick a fight with someone that you already know will go there like that and be petty? I'm not saying you are trying to pick a fight, but if you keep on him he may well view it as such.

Nothing to add for advice but I always wonder about people who are in violation of HOA rules. I have never been able to feel any sympathy for them. The HOA was there when they bought the home in that neighborhood & they should’ve read the rules & regs before signing on dotted line & moving in. If they didn’t like the rules then those folks need to move on. KC is following HOA rules. She shouldn’t have to deal with this unneighborly situation.

this thread needs to be closed from further responses!

Does it abide under town codes (ours need to be 6 ft from property line) Even more if a foudation is poured.

Why would the post you randomly revived, previously having no new comments in over a month, need to be closed to responses, just because you say so? How odd

First post as well. And quite honestly the next post they "closed" would be the first. The only ones I have ever heard of going away were nasty or abusive.

From my experience from other Forums, I thought when post get hi-jacked with totally new subjects and veers off subject with many off topic responses a moderator or OP have ability to close thread. Just my 2 cents.

MAN oh MAN you people need to move on an get on with your lives. I belong to many, many forums that close a thread or question to avoid others readers from reading all the other crap folks had to comment on that had nothing to do with the original post OP question. PERIOD. IT was just a suggestion Get a life!

I mean it takes effort to scroll posts and decipher is one is old enough, high jacked enough, and worth of closing. This one would have faded away had it not been commented on again

Why would someone go to the trouble to join a forum just to complain that one thread should be closed? HU-698 only has two comments, and both are to complain about this thread. What gives?