Is This What Becoming a Neighbour Has Come to These Days?

We recently moved into a new home and neighbourhood almost 2 weeks ago now. We have a dead tree in our back yard that had a large branch fall off in a recent storm, further the whole garden just needed some care with another tree being way to close to the house. I hired a company to come to the property for 4 hours and remove the dead tree (since it still had potential to fall and hurt someone) as well as trim back the other tree. Other works included removing any dead plants throughout the backyard garden. This all happened with no issues, so I thought. Just for the next day to receive the below message, in handwritten form. She knocked on the door, yelled you have a note and left.

The note;
"To: the would be Neighbour Killers -
On Wednesday morning 2 arrogant, ignorant, moorons stoood on the Boundary fence line - the day windy - & started not one, but two chainsaws- sending toxic fumes of smoke rolling straight over the fence and into my unit"

You can read the rest of it in this link;
https://ibb.co/fNcr63D
https://ibb.co/pZLL0PV

She basically goes on to say she's recently gotten out of hospital and can't breathe (fair enough), and the community is full of senior citizens with medical problems (again fair enough).

She's quite angry in the note.. and has accused me of trying to kill her and the rest of the neighbours. She's said a copy of the note will be given to police in the case of her death.

I'm thinking don't worry, they will already have a copy.

Again my only crime is trying to make my backyard safe by removing a dead tree so my young can play there.

  1. Is this normal? Wouldn't it make sense to knock on the door and ask nicely, or better yet close your window for a maximum of 4 hours.
  2. I'm I missing something here? surely I'm allowed to do maintenance in my own backyard. It's not like it's being done at midnight.
  3. Do petrol chainsaws have that much smoke?
  4. What would be the appropriate actions to take from here onwards?

Surely none of the above constitute trying to murder someone? Is this what becoming a neighbour has come to these days?

Comments

        • Did you not read the letter either? A bunch of apartment blocks, granny flats etc around. Doesn't sound like it's an immediate neighbour at all.

          • +1

            @brendanm: How is it common courtesy? Yes a party until midnight but some maintenance work in during the day does not really deem to tell everyone around. Sawdust is smaller than leaves

    • +6

      I came home from work and noticed the neighbors had removed 2 large trees on the boundary. Now I have more light in that side of the house and no need to clean the gutters every month. They never told me it was happening, if they did I would of offered half the money.

      • -1

        Nice. Yes my neighbours were happy when I removed my trees too. But, what if you had planned a backyard party for that day, a really special party with heaps of family coming. Wouldn’t you want to know in advance that your immediate neighbour was going to be cutting down trees and grinding stumps for 4 hours on that day, with a lot of noise and sawdust flying everywhere, and tree limbs falling from the sky?

        • +5

          I don't normally have parties on a Tuesday. If I did we'd have free entertainment watching the tree come down.

          • @JIMB0: That would definitely be entertaining, although you probably wouldn't be able to hear each other talk, and your guests would get a bit of sawdust in their hair.

        • +2

          @ForkSnorter If you’re having a backyard party with heaps of family coming, wouldn’t you inform the neighbours?

    • +1

      Started off strong there. Should have stopped after the first sentence.

    • Judging by the amount of negs you recieved, I would argue that it isn't common sense to inform your neighbours.

    • People are (rightly) having a go at the Karen for being off her rockers but then the idea of consulting neighbours is being down voted because….you should be able to do whatever you want on your property even if it's noisy and causes pollution without needing to give people a heads up because it's your right? Sounds pretty Karen to me.

  • +13

    sorry….. i dont read threads made by granny-killers

    • +6

      That's the type of thread I actively look for.

      • +1

        I shudder thinking about the search terms you may put into Google 😂

        • +2

          ….and how many 'lists' theyre on. lol

  • +4

    This note is the definition of a boomer keyboard warrior before the internet existed!

    • -1

      Well it couldn’t be a millennial or gen z’r as they’re to anxious and depressed to leave the house.

  • +1

    Maybe the neighbour/Karen could've saved everyone the hassle and stood under the dead tree in a storm?

    *Not that i condone this.
    Just saying…

    There should be a nomination form for people who need to experience what it's like to almost die i.e. complimentary trips to Ukraine.

  • +3

    "To: the would be Neighbour Killers -

    if only it was so easy to….

  • +11

    What a loon. Ignore her and her note, I would keep the note though just in case she gets more loony. What a horrible introduction to the neighbourhood for you.

    • +1

      I agree about keeping the note. I regret that it might be the first of many and you might need the evidence in the future for potential mediation talks!
      There’s no negotiating with this deranged person unfortunately so maybe just frame it as a curiosity for the guest toilet wall?

  • +13

    Get yourself a cheap chainsaw off marketplace and fire it up daily, go nice and rich on the two stroke oil mix.

    • -8

      While he’s at it, he should take the inconsiderate bogan potion that you seem to be on.

      • +13

        Chopping down a tree in your own yard is not inconsiderate. Writing insane ramblings and sticking it to someone's door, however, is.

        • +5

          Yes, she seems to be a little insane and passive aggressive, but I still don’t understand why you can’t see the positives of informing your immediate neighbours that you will remove some trees, Trees often affect neighbours. Their branches hang over the fence. They have root systems that travel into neighbouring yards. They shade neighbours’ yards. Cutting them down leaves a layer of fine sawdust over nearly everything in your yard, and often neighbours’ yards. If a tree is near a fence, you are removing 100kg branches that are hanging over their land. The sawdust will end up in their pool if they don’t cover it up.

          It is absolute common sense to inform your neighbours and the only conceivable reason I’ve been negged so much here is because of a bunch of inconsiderate bogans who believe in something like “everyone out for themselves, it’s my land I can do what I want”.

          • +2

            @ForkSnorter: Dead trees dont have leaves to shade neighbouring trees, root systems? Can case thousands sometimes tens of thousands of damage to stormwater pipes and house foundations.

            Most shire spend hundreds of thousands into the millions per year just cutting roots out of stormwater pipes and fixing footpath trip hazards that cause injuries to people. What about the leaves and pollen that drop constantly into my yard on the footpath making it slippery and dangerous i am always cleaning it up i dont want my mum breaking a hip. Neighbouring trees do affect neighbours but in most cases negatively.

            Yes by all means try to keep neighbours informed but do you tell your neighbours every time you start your lawn mower?

            I have a neighbour whos a shift worker who i get along with and i avoid mowing at certain times and onbthe other side i mow the recently widowed neighbours lawn as she is physically not able to. But do i entirely stop my life?

            I dont want a American style home owners association fining me if my grass is 2cms longer than regulation. I most certainly am not a bogan but i should be able to make basic decisions about my property.

            • @2esc: Please continue whining about how traumatic it is for you when someone suggests "Why not notify the neighbours when you are going to remove a large tree." Clearly a Karen.

            • @2esc:

              What about the leaves and pollen that drop constantly into my yard on the footpath making it slippery and dangerous i am always cleaning it up i dont want my mum breaking a hip.

              That's just part of living in a leafy neighbourhood. Shade is really important for reducing the ambient temperature of a street, you know.

              Also, I think it should be mentioned that some trees can look dead but are perfectly healthy. Any tree can drop branches, and removing a bunch of trees that are perfectly fine will change the water table, reducing the quality of your soil, the health of your plants and worsening drainage around your house.

      • I'm against the environmental impact and inconsideracy of superfluously firing up a chainsaw every day. Too petty

  • +8

    First day we moved into our house, I was in the garage unloading some boxes and the neighbour walked up our driveway. I thought she was coming to introduce herself to me, but nope.. she came to accuse me of hitting her daughters car because the scratch on their car is a similar colour.

  • Points on the side of your neighbours note:
    - Petrol chainsaws do produce quite a bit of particulate matter because they're very inefficient 2 stroke motors.
    - If they do have respiratory issues, it would be reasonable for them to request that you let them know in advance that you'll be doing something like running chainsaws, so that they can go out, or close windows etc.

    Points against them:
    - You have to be able to perform normal maintenance on your property which may unfortunately involve felling trees and running polluting machinery and your neighbour just has to put up with that.
    - It's hysterical to state that you were trying to kill them, and they lose a lot of credibility and goodwill by approaching it this way

    My best advice is ignore this, and next time you plan to run some pollution-causing machines be polite and let them know in advance.

    • +25

      If they do have respiratory issues, it would be reasonable for them to request that you let them know in advance that you'll be doing something like running chainsaws

      How on gods green earth is op supposed to know the health status of everyone with their vicinity? How ridiculous. The neighbour could close their window.

        • +6

          Again:

          How on gods green earth is op supposed to know the health status of everyone with their vicinity?

          • -8

            @brendanm: You don’t need to know. You just need to be a normal considerate person and inform your neighbours that you are going to be creating an enormous amount of noise and sawdust and 100kg tree limbs falling from the sky for 4 hours on a particular date.

            • +7

              @ForkSnorter: Far out, yet again, read the letter. Apartments, units, granny flats etc. Is op meant to doorknock everyone within a 10km2 area?

              • -1

                @brendanm: No, just your immediate neighbours,

                • +2

                  @ForkSnorter: Please, read the note. I know reading can be hard, but nowhere in the note does it say she is an immediate neighbour. Even if she was, sounds like she is in an apartment/unit, and op is not going to be doorknocking an entire unit complex everytime they want to do something.

                  • -2

                    @brendanm: The note says it’s from his “front neighbour”. If it’s a unit, call the manager of the body corporate or knock on someone’s door. The person from one unit can inform the others; What if their clothesline is close to the trees being removed and 5 people from those units have hung their washing out on that day to be covered in sawdust. It is not difficult to be considerate of your neighbours.

                    • +11

                      @ForkSnorter: You.
                      Do.
                      Not.
                      Have.
                      To.
                      Doorknock.
                      An.
                      Apartment.
                      Complex.
                      To.
                      Cut.
                      Down.
                      A.
                      Tree.

                      • -5

                        @brendanm: I know it’s so difficult for you to conceive of a world where people think about others. Keep enjoying your bogan existence.

                        • @ForkSnorter: Keep bending over backwards to lunatics. I have a good relationship with my direct neighbour, and we tell each other these sorts of things, but no way in hell Im going around to inform everyone in the suburb that I'm cutting down a tree.

                  • @brendanm: You could even just leave a note in their mailbox informing them of the tree removal.

                    • @ForkSnorter: Again, this person may not even be remotely nearby. You don't have to do squat. If the noise or anything affects them, they can shut the window.

                      • +1

                        @brendanm: If they're not nearby, how could they be affected by the fumes? Either they are literally insane, or the unit must be right next door.
                        Anyway, I doubt the fumes from the chainsaws would reach them anyway.

                        The reason 2 tree-lopping companies have told me to inform my neighbours of the job in the past is because of safety and the sawdust. Also, I guess the neighbours would be happy to know in case the noise bothers them or they've got something planned on that day.

                        I think you must be imagining a small tree being cut down by a single chainsaw. But a 4-hour job by a tree-lopping company will be an enormous task with 4-6 professionals, a bunch of chainsaws, super-high ladders and ropes, stump grinders, large woodchipper, etc.

                        Removing a tree that’s 6-15 metres high is an enormous task that will affect your immediate neighbours (assuming you live in a fairly narrow 400-600 sqm block).

                        You don't have to do squat.

                        You sound like a lovely neighbour. Being a nice neighbour is not about "having to be nice". It's about "wanting to be nice". Being considerate means you actually care how your actions affect other people. You don’t need a law to enforce you to be considerate.

                        • +7

                          @ForkSnorter:

                          If they're not nearby, how could they be affected by the fumes?

                          They are a lunatic.

                          If they're not nearby, how could they be affected by the fumes?

                          Did you read the letter? They are clearly a few sheep short in the top paddock.

                          Removing a tree that’s 6-15 metres high

                          I didn't notice op mention the tree height.

                          You sound like a lovely neighbour.

                          I am actually, but I sure as hell with not reinforce people's delusions and sense of entitlement.

                          • @brendanm: 4-hour job by a team of professionals is likely to be a very large tree.

                            • +2

                              @ForkSnorter: There were two people, two chainsaws.

                              I managed to put up with over two years of earthworks and then building on a multi acre development right next door, I'm sure people can survive 4 hours of work being done within council allocated times.

              • @brendanm:

                Far out, yet again, read the letter. Apartments, units, granny flats etc. Is op meant to doorknock everyone within a 10km2 area?

                just scream HEY EVERYBODY I"M RUNNING CHAINSAWS FOR 4 HOURS. Seems to be how communication is done in that neighbourhood

      • +1 for a balanced comment

      • I didn't suggest they should know this, as I said clearly, it's up to the neighbour to make the request to be informed. I said that it would be reasonable for them to make that request if they have respiratory problems.

        You've just engaged in a 15 post argument with someone else based on misreading of my post?

        • That doesn't even make any sense. How would the neighbour request to be informed that someone in the vicinity may use a chainsaw at some stage?

          • +1

            @brendanm: Local FB Group? Should be mandatory reporting in Texas ;)

          • @brendanm: The neighbour has done so, with their rather OTT letter. That was the request. Now OP knows for next time.

            • +1

              @moph: No, as he still doesn't even know where she lives to be able to inform her even if he did want to. Bad behaviour should also not be rewarded

    • +12

      It doesn't take 4 hours to close a window just fyi.

    • Lol.. tell that to the ppl doing road works, water supply maintenance, tree trimming around the suburb/school zones. Tell them not to use jackhammers for breaking up concrete/sealed road, no tractors, no chainsaws. Only hand axe and hammers 👍

  • +18

    My neighbour had a go at me for the same thing. For a tree SHE wanted me to take down.
    Then later on she heard me calling her an entitled bitch on the phone and I also made fun of her job. Now there's bad blood and she avoids talking to me in the yard now. So it sort of worked out good.

  • +6

    You're in for a torrid time. She will not stop complaining, whatever you might do next. Wait till you mow the lawn!

    • +1

      Don't forget to ask permission from City of Karen and given strictly 5 business days notice.

  • +7

    Stupid people are all over the place, its best to ignore them.

  • -6

    Let’s look at this in an alternate format. The OP decides to organise a barbecue with his mates and his neighbour decides to organise for a tree to be removed and a bunch of garden work to be done for the same day. What we would get is the OP whining about the “Karen” next door that didn’t have the courtesy to give him the heads up.

    • +3

      The difference: Doubt the OP would be raising it the neighbour in a pathetically passive aggressive "you've got a note" and running away fashion, nor would he be hysterically accusing the neighbour of being a murderer who made his dog vomit.

      • -2

        No, the OP came here to complain rather than be able to deal with the situation himself. He needs the assurance of his peers that he is dealing with a “Karen”. And haven’t the pack met his expectations. Me, I’ve had to deal with the neighbour from hell. The guy who delayed our building works by two years by getting the neighbourhood to rally against us. Perhaps, looking back on it, I should’ve dealt with him earlier on in a better fashion. I might’ve saved myself time and money. Perhaps the OP should take the time, and effort, to find out more about this person. The rest of the neighbourhood might also have issues with her or she might be someone they look after because she struggles. Good luck getting things through council without objections if it is the latter. I’m not saying I agree with what she is saying but trying to take on someone established in the neighbourhood head on might pander to his ego but it might not be clever.

        • +3

          I thought the notes were great entertainment, personally. I am glad the OP posted them up!

          Maybe this neighbour isn't some crazy person, maybe she's misunderstood and 100% reasonable. But on the balance of probably…. unlikely.

          • -1

            @rumblytangara: The OP should get the feel of the neighbourhood about this lady before dismissing her as crazy. There might be a background he isn’t aware of. I, suppose, it depends on if he wants to fit in or not. Negotiating with difficult people is a skill worth developing.

            • +2

              @try2bhelpful: I think the note really speaks for itself. Especially the bit about the vomiting dog.

            • +5

              @try2bhelpful:

              Negotiating with difficult people is a skill worth developing.

              It's actually incredibly easy to develop, you spot them, then give them a wide berth, and move on with your life.

            • +2

              @try2bhelpful:

              There might be a background he isn’t aware of.

              A history of craziness and bitterness?

  • +5

    Get a security camera system. People that unhinged end up coming at you over and over with petty BS. A security cam system will let you record her petty nonsense to build a harassment case up with the cops. They tend to go away once threats of legal repercussions arrive (from the cops, not from you, never mention legal consequences directly to her, it will just mean her petty nonsense gets harder to prove).

  • -3

    4hours beginning at what time, what day of the week, and fill us in on all the other stuff you have done in the last 2 weeks to upset the neighbours leading to this final straw?

    Sunnyvale?

    • nah this is in WA. I dont have a clue what else i could have done in the past two weeks to upset her. I stopped my young one from playing in the backyard until i could get the tree removed. this is the only noise/ smoke inducing activity I've done since moving in.

      • -2

        so which day & time then?

        • Doesn't matter at all as long as it's within the hours allowed by his local council, which it most likely would have been, as someone was hired to do the job, and they likely don't want trouble with council.

          • -4

            @brendanm: Who do you think you are? All I am asking is what day time and once again a personal attack. Grow up. You seem obsessed mate

        • On Wednesday from 9.30am

    • Another puzzling post. Nonsensical, and you've also missed where the op has it listed that they live in Perth.

  • +1

    What a fruit loop. Part of me would at least play chainsaw sounds every now and then for her.
    Maybe also write a note back to her everyday, like "I'm about to read a book, is this going to hurt your brain??"

  • +1

    Maybe a post on your neighbourhood boomerbook group…
    'No good deed goes unpunished'
    … Improving the safety of your yard and those surrounding it by removing a dangerous dead tree before it falls over, but that wasn't good enough for one particular neighbour…

    • +5

      Never start a war with crazy. Trust me they will always win because it's exactly what they want. It's better to just smile and wave boys, just smile and wave.

      • Nah, start a few chainsaws and watch them crumble under the toxic plumes of smoke. Maybe OP should ask for electric chainsaws next time?

  • +3

    Oh dear, neighbour had a bad air day.

  • Sorry OP! You got caught in a Karen shit show.

    But those notes are great for laughs.

  • +4

    moorons

    Are they extra stupid cows?

  • +2

    The joys of home ownership. At least us renters can just move.

  • Say good bye to your weekend BBQ too… well, I'd just ignore the letter and enjoy the new home.

  • +2

    Great penmanship for a dying person and they were able to hand deliver it too! 🙄🤦

  • +2

    I would write back and say if you die do you mind me taking some of your plants growing at your house?

  • Wow this should go on a meme

  • +9

    The author of the letter clearly has some mental health issues. Keep a copy of the letter, just in case this proves to be the first step in an ongoing campaign of harassment. But otherwise ignore them. Don't try to be conciliatory and apologise or warn them about future gardening work, crazy people crave attention and will usually find a way to escalate any interaction like that.

    • +3

      hmmm …. I was struck by the yellow paper so googled it:

      Yellow carries a surprising number of negative connotations. Yellow is a symbol of cowardice, of sickness, and of mental illness. It’s the colour of sensationalism and even of excess.

      Looks like the choice of paper colour, together with what was written on the note & the manner in which it was delivered, pretty much aligns.

      • -1

        It's the soccer yellow card.
        Red is next.
        Then > Look out

        • OP best get their traje de luces sorted, just in case.

  • +6

    Now you know why you got such a good deal on the house.

    I would probably go and have a chat with her. Apologise for the smoke. Tell her you hope her and her dog are okay. Let her know that you needed to get the dead trees removed for your children's safety and that you will give her a heads up when you need to do further major work. Maybe carry your smallest child over, might help keep her from making as much of a fuss.

    • +10

      Im not bringing my small child anywhere near her. she seems unpredictable

      • +1

        She's an (old?) lady who's just gotten out of hospital, who wrote you a note and then ran away. She has big feelings about what happened, but I don't think you need to fear for your lives yet. If you go over alone just be prepared to listen to all of her gripes.

        Maybe just go the same way then, pop a note in her letterbox saying above information.

        • +1

          Also consider that responding to this person will possibly lead to them continuing to make approaches to you in this manner.

          @gotz above has a pretty good reply as to what response is an alternative.

          They may of course continue to have a problem with everything, wether you respond or not.

          'This letter may be given to the police', they themselves indicate that they may also do no such thing.

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