Hoping i can describe this without photo
A client has asked for Two estimates
1 to weed two 16 metre strips of land ( 16 metres long x 6 inches wide ) l on both sides of an alley between properties which forms the back entrances to the properties .
The alley is divided by tall fencing on both sides with a wooden gate for each property .
The 16 metre long x 6 inch wide strips of land are actually part of those properties back gardens which runs underneath the Two dividing fences
basically its weed infested on both sides and a long paved area runs through the middle which is not affected .
The easiest solution which come to mind . Ask the neighbours to clear their bit by whichever means they choose
My client is prepared to pay for the weeds clearing and also asked for a seperate estimate to install some weed prevention , She suggests membrane and pea gravel but the land is level with the paving stones so a shallow trench would need digging out on both sides to contain the gravel .
Long winded i know sorry , Thanks if you are still reading .
My question.... Is it acceptable to proceed even if there is no cost to the other property owners to even weed let alone dig out a shallow trench ?
My other concern is water run off from the other properties gardens at the moment it runs straight under the fence .
The properties are new builds Two years old .
Thanks in advance
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I think the client ought to let the other property owners know / check they are happy just to be on the safe side. For neighbourly relationships if nothing else.
Thanks Glen , I wont proceed without consent . I just want a quiet life , no confrontations over this i think it would finish me off lol .
It may prompt them to clear their bit but i doubt it , Can't see anyone objecting when its for free .
Its one of Three projects at the property , Two inside the garden which are the main but this seems equally if not more important to the customer even though it's where it is and it's offending the eye .
Sounds a right hassle trying to get neighbours to do their tiny little bit.... I'm sure if you mentioned it to them, they really won't care what you do with it..... they probably don't even think of it as theirs to look after. . Gravel would be a right pain as some will always end up on the paving + those membranes are a pain as small weeds invariably appear and membrane poking up through the gravel. . Spray it off with Roundup and ina couple of weeks, strim all the dead growth down and rake it up. .... half-an-hours work I'd say. You could then put a residual weedkiller down to keep it clear....... as the water flows towards the path, there shouldn't be a problem with harming any vegetation on the other side of the fences.
Totally agree on the pea gravel being a pain in hindsight , I was thinking dig a deep enough trench and use the edge of the paving stones as a lip to contain it but as you say it will only attract weed and wash out , Also where the fence posts are you hit the concrete stumps around the posts , no way can i see any gravel staying in place it will look a bit naff .
Spraying is difficult as i have noticed a couple of cats scooting under the fence i would never take any risks , one is exceptionally friendly , I think they would also compromise and displace any gravel .
Great idea Will I think i am going to go with your suggestion of option 2 . Quote to maintain the pathway .
Thinking ahead the paving slabs will possibly require a surface treatment also at some stage .
Be careful if spraying that you don't unintentionally kill a neighbours plant that has grown under/through the fence
I agree with Graham re barriers
I doubt its ever been maintained for that reason . The back gates are good for access otherwise its through the house , not certain how often it gets used , Wheelie bins getting taken out perhaps / most likely thinking about it .
Thanks Adam , as above i wont be spraying . There are some plants inside behind the fence , its a good Five / Six inch inch gap from bottom of fence panel to ground suprisingly resulting in debris and stones dropping through .
You would think the contractors might have left a better finish under the fence instead of leaving soil .
Another idea...that may work would be to use gravel board along the paving, then a thick layer of woodchip mulch....it would need topping up every year or so, but may be better than gravel?