How To Stop Neighbors Leaves From Blowing In My Yard?

Five Simple Reasons a Fall Clean-Up is Worth the Investment

Having leaves fly around your yard from a neighbor's tree can be an annoying situation. It seems like no matter how much you try to clean up your own yard, the leaves still come back and you're stuck in an endless cycle of clean up. If you're wondering how to stop this leaf-flying situation from happening in the future, here are some ideas to help you keep the leaves on the other side of the fence.

Install Fencing

One of the most effective ways to keep your neighbor’s leaves out of your yard is to install a physical barrier, such as a fence. Not only will this prevent the wind from blowing the leaves in, it will also help keep other debris out and give you needed privacy. Depending on your budget and preferences, you might choose a wood, vinyl, iron, or metal fence. Be sure to check your local regulations and restrictions for fence size and style before making your decision.

Fences can be bought in panels, posts, and other pieces, and can be assembled yourself or by a professional. However, they can be expensive to install, so be sure to weigh the costs against the value you will get from it.

Grow a Windbreak

Another way to direct your neighbor’s leaves away from your yard is to grow plants that will act as a windbreak. Evergreen trees and shrubs, such as junipers, arborvitae, pine trees, or yews, are great options. Planting these trees and shrubs in a row or grouping will effectively slow the wind and stop leaves from entering your yard. This method will also benefit your own yard as they will add visual interest and protection from wind, sun, and other elements.

Taller or more mature trees can be more effective than smaller, immature plants, so this may take a few years before it provides adequate protection. However, you won’t need to prune as often as a fence, and it will provide your yard with an aesthetic boost in the meantime!

Clean Up Regularly

Of course, the most obvious solution is to clean up your yard as regularly as possible. This includes rake up leaves and debris that land in your yard from your neighbor’s trees. Depending on the type of tree, you may need to rake up more often during peak season. If you’re dealing with pine needles, be sure to use a specialized rake or a thick-bristled broom to push the needles rather than picking them up.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also try to blow the leaves back towards your neighbor’s yard. The goal is to create a less favorable spot for the leaves to pile up. You can do this by spraying a fine, misted spray of water on the leaves to tweak the wind and push them back. While not a guaranteed approach, it may help if it isn’t too windy outside.

Remove Overhanging Branches

If you’re comfortable approaching your neighbor about the issue, you can also try to remedy the problem by having your neighbor trim the branches of their tree that hangover onto your property. This will leave less area for the wind to bring the leaves in, so it can be a great way to prevent the problem from ever occurring in the first place. It’s also a nice way to keep the tree healthy, as trimming of branches can remove dead or overgrown areas.

If you’re unsure how to approach the situation, try presenting the idea as a win-win solution. Explain to them that helping to maintain their tree will save them money in the long run, as overgrown branches can spreading disease to the rest of the tree and also increase the chances of the tree falling in storms.

Mulch Leaves Into the Soil

Finally, you can take advantage of the leaves that collect in your yard by mulching them into the soil. This can be especially helpful if you have a vegetable or flower garden, as the leaves make a great organic fertilizer for plants. The leaves will eventually break down and release important nutrients into the soil, and help to keep moisture locked into the area as well.

Mulching leaves is fairly simple, and can be done with a standard lawn mower. Simply turn your mower on, and run it over the leaves, keeping the blade height low. Doing this will grind them up into small pieces, which you can then spread into the soil.

Conclusion

Leaves that fly from your neighbor’s tree into your yard can be annoying, especially when you feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of clean up. However, with some careful planning and consideration, you can be successful at keeping your yard free of leaves. From installing a fence and planting evergreen trees as a windbreak, to cleaning up regularly and having your neighbor trim their branches, there are several ways to help you achieve a leaf-free yard—for good!