After enduring months of cold weather and short days, the sight of the sun emerging can be a welcome relief, prompting a desire to spend time outdoors. However, as the initial joy of basking in the sunlight fades, the reality of necessary maintenance tasks like mowing, tree trimming, and enhancing the appearance of your home’s exterior sets in, often leading to noise and potential disturbances for neighbors.
Juggling these essential chores with an already busy schedule while ensuring the happiness of neighbors can be a daunting challenge. Some neighborhoods with strict Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may have clear regulations regarding the timing of “noisy tasks,” providing specific guidelines on permissible activities. However, just because something is allowed does not necessarily mean it is considerate. What can you do if you have neighbors who seem unaware of the unspoken rules of “quiet hours”?
An etiquette expert offers insights on navigating these delicate issues and fostering harmonious relationships that will make everyone around you want to be good neighbors.
Meet Our Expert:
Diane Gottsman is a respected figure in etiquette education and the founder of the Protocol School of Texas.
Your Definitive Guide to Being a Courteous Neighbor in the Summer:
Regarding yard work such as lawn mowing, edging, leaf blowing, and other noisy activities, etiquette professional Diane Gottsman emphasizes the importance of considering your neighbors to some extent. “There are neighbors who prefer no noise at any time, which is unavoidable,” she notes. While it may be impossible to entirely eliminate the noise associated with yard work, you can perform these tasks at specific times to minimize disruption for others. Gottsman suggests adhering to a timeframe of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. She advises considering factors like people sleeping in or hosting social gatherings when planning noisy chores.
Although it may be necessary to undertake loud projects like cutting down trees for safety reasons, Gottsman recommends informing your neighbors in advance, particularly if large trucks or obstructions will be present. Expressing gratitude to those inconvenienced, such as with a homemade treat, a pleasant candle, or a gift card, can help strengthen community relationships.
What to Do If Your Neighbors Aren’t Considerate:
Begin by being realistic; if a neighbor works non-traditional hours, it may be challenging for them to adhere to standard noise schedules. Consider discussing designated days for early or late work within the neighborhood. If a neighbor starts yard work slightly early or has difficulty finishing by an agreed-upon time due to a long day of labor, showing understanding can be beneficial.
Remember that not everyone is aware of your schedule or follows the same routine. Your neighbors may not know when your child naps or when you have important commitments. Politely informing them of your needs can lead to mutual accommodation, especially if you reciprocate the courtesy.
Simple and clear communication can often prevent underlying resentment. When making specific requests, consider offering a small gesture of goodwill. For instance, if you ask your neighbor to postpone mowing their lawn because you’re hosting brunch on a Saturday, invite them to join or offer to bring them a bottle of champagne.
Remember the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated, and extend the same courtesy to them. Following this principle will lead to better understanding and more harmonious relationships with your neighbors.
For more tips on dealing with difficult neighbors and maintaining peace in your neighborhood, check out the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
