That would be so frustrating. I'd definitely do a 6 foot fence if it's allowed. If not, how about a bench with a trash can next to it?

An electrified fence?

I love to have an electrified fence or even a barbwire barrier. I even contemplated installing motion sprinkler and motion lights when I first moved in but they don't help during winter months or people just does not respond to the light. It is a busy street so that are tones of City light powered on automatically. I called the transit system and was told that they had engineers studying the area and my house is the best placement for the bus stop, it is so frustrating. If it has to be a fence, then so be it. Lumbers is costly at the current time, I will wait until it is more economical to put it up.

I asked the City to put a garbage bin there (it is in the picture), people are just so inconsiderate. They can't even walk another 20 steps from the pole to throw their trash.

I would contact your alderman and tell them that the city has created a nuisance that is affecting your property. They need to build a shelter and install a trash can and empty it daily.

I like @HALLETT & Co. suggestion to contact your municipality for assistance. That is incredibly frustrating, especially the garbage. I worry a bit that if you install a fence, people will still throw their garbage, either inside or over the fence. If your municipality won't assist, I wonder if you'd consider placing a bench for people. Maybe if they had a nice place to sit, they would treat your property better. (This is just an idea and I have no idea if people would be more respectful because of it.)

You have a lot of shrubs well in from the lot line. I'd move them to the edge of the lawn. Most shrubs can be transplanted, if adequately watered. Thorny bushes are the best, if you buy new. Barberry is invasive in many states, but it's cheap, thorny and attractive. Plant them around the lamppost. If there's any vandalism, get a camera. Lorex has cheap, internet ones.

I have a corner lot in a rural area and it never ceases to amaze me the trash that gets thrown out. dirty diapers, cigarette butts

Agree with others who suggest contacting the city/county and ask them for help with the situation they created.

I’m always amazed at how much litter I find along our rural roads. Cans, bottles, tires, a mattress, pots and pans, you name it. Can’t think of another species that “litters their nest” like humans do.

Can we please remember that these are human beings more than likely not excited about having to take the bus, stand on the street in the weather? Please do not put up electrified fences, barbed wire, or sprinklers; they're not animals. This isn't about your home; the City chose the corner because it's near common/popular workplaces or neighborhoods, close to connecting stops, or other reasons. I'm disappointed that the City perpetuates the second-class citizenry placed upon bus riders by not providing shelters and trash cans. That would have set a good tone with you from the start.

So let's cut to the chase: almost no one likes taking the bus. Sadly, the riders might not want to walk farther than they have to throw their trash away and you end up with its remnants - not cool and unhygienic. Yes, more cans are necessary. But leaning against the pole and standing on the grass that you're not using either isn't a tragedy; do you want them on the edge of the sidewalk closer to cars and exhaust?

I took the bus for school and work for 8 years in Phoenix. Rarely there was a shelter to protect from the heat or rain. Instead, we were forced on the pavement while cars honked, bikes and parents/kids forced us off the sidewalk or into someone's yard, cars threw stuff at us, big/commercial trucks blasted exhaust in our faces. Bus riders are treated as second-class citizens because we can't afford a car, insurance, or gas or simply choose to ride the bus.

I understand that as the property owner you feel slighted by the City who didn't engage you in the decision process although they probably don't need to since the sidewalk is public domain. If you feel the need to protect your property (from whom I don't know) then move the bushes out and while petty I'm sure you'll feel great about saving that grass and utility pole. Instead, show you're a good citizen and advocate for the safety of bus riders by demanding a shelter, bench, and trash can.

The upthread poster notwithstanding, I have many times been a bus rider and carless. I wouldn't have imagined junking up someone else's property because I felt they should empathize. Nor do I think homeowners who are imposed upon by other people's trash deserve anything but empathy.

I didn't see anyone here disparaging bus riders. Bus riders or no, some people are gross and selfish.

For me, I'd have an issue with privacy as well as being a trash receptacle.

You could contact a boy scout or girl scout troop or the local high school shop teacher and find out if they'd like to take on your situation as a project. A shelter? A bench? A piece of fencing? A mural? This has the potential for WIN/WIN. You'd still have to coordinate with the city (or this could be part of the project task.) I wonder if you could get donated (or at cost) lumber to make it happen.

IMO the conglomerates who create trash like large soda cups (e.g. convenience stores) should be paying for trash pick up in the neighborhoods where they do business. It should be required in order to maintain a business license. So many of these companies are making money while depending on other people's goodwill. We have one a block from me, and their soda/coffee cups are EVERYWHERE.

A tall fence likely isn't allowed on a corner as it would impair sight lines to the street and cars. I would plant some lower shrubs between your taller ones and the sidewalk, something like barberry or another plant with thorns to keep people out. It won't help with trash, but it may keep people on the sidewalk.

First, research how much of the property is yours and what, if any, city right of way exists. I would not let anyone build a shelter or bench on my property. Before you know it, someone will determine you have ceded that property. Plus, bus shelters have a way of attracting graffiti and other undesirable activity.

We are on a corner and have a big problem with dogs from a large neighboring building. We had a hedge of dwarf Burford hollies planted. They are hardy and very prickly. Won't stop people from throwing trash, but it will keep them out.

"I didn't see anyone here disparaging bus riders" Electrified fences, barbed wire fence, motion sprinkler, and motion lights, thorny bushes planted around the lamppost, and for those bus riders turn vandals, cameras. Nope, no one is disparaging bus riders as threats who require barricades.

"keep people on the sidewalk" where they belong. How about a giant voice that reminds people to only stand on the sidewalk when they get close to the lawn? And then if they stand on the lawn a giant net ensnares them so the police can be called?

"bus shelters have a way of attracting graffiti and other undesirable activity" Don't give bus riders shelter because there's a possibility of illicit activity. Let those seniors, parents+kids, students, and disabled hang out in the elements. Serves them right as bus riders.

Do yourself a favor, plant the prickliest holly at the edges of your property line and retreat back into your home so you don't have to see the dredges of society hanging out on the corner. Don't look at us - we're hideous.

If you plant sticky bushes, you will have a harder time picking up the trash ...ouch!!!

What about putting up a littering 'fine' sign/please use thrash bin, and indicate that the area is being monitored.

Jen, that is rude and uncalled for. No one has disparaged bus riders. Holly, the OP, likely has a significant part of her life savings invested in her home, and has sought help to maintain her investment.

The city has an obligation to provide whatever amenities the bus riders need, on city property. That is not the homeowner's responsibility and should not be their burden.

Good heavens, I grew up in NYC riding the subway and buses as my only method of transportation until I learned to drive in my late 20’s. I’m well aware of how people treat sidewalks and other people’s’ property; what’s being complained about is inconsiderate behavior, not bus riders. Get off your high horse, Jen K.

I can’t understand the reasoning behind thinking that not having a car gives people to right to trash other’s property. I grew up poor. Being poor does not give you rights to other’s property.

I absolutely would plant a prickly hedge.

You could plant poison ivy and make a sign to that effect? A sign that you recently sprayed rat poison? A sign that says there's a camera (mount a fake one on your roof; stores do this all the time)?

I would double check and make sure you don't have a free hotspot out there courtesy your router. And (idea borrowed) I would call your router Property Crimes Enforcement Division #5 (or some such).

Thank you everyone for your inputs! Really appreciate it. I am not a mean-spirited homeowner and I have done my share of picking up the garbage on the lawn (cigarette butts, McD and BK take out trash, and beer cans etc) for the last 6 years. In one case "someone poop" on the shrub. I had to call the police to report it as it is deemed as indecency for pulling their pant down. I will check with the City authority again for the front part of the house and see if a fence is permitted. Since a few of you guys had also mention extending and planting shrubs and prickly plants further out and around the pole, I will consider this option. I will bit this bullet and talk to a local landscaper to get help on this project. Thanks, everyone and stay safe!