Neighbor’s Kids Keep Trespassing, Now They’re About To Learn The Hard Way With Prickly Bushes

It’s every homeowner’s nightmare: neighbors who let their kids run wild across your property without a care in the world. For one person, constant trespassing and doorbell ringing from their neighbor’s children has become unbearable. After asking nicely and even taking measures like installing a camera and no trespassing sign, the kids just keep coming back.

Now, in frustration, they’re considering planting prickly bushes around their yard to teach the kids a lesson. But would this be going too far, or is it a justified action? Keep reading to find out how the community weighs in.

A person considers planting prickly bushes to keep their neighbor’s kids off their property

When our sense of home is invaded repeatedly, it doesn’t just disrupt our day; it chips away at our peace of mind. For the OP, the driveway and the tiny path beside the house should be a sanctuary for work, quiet, and comfort.

Instead, it’s become a playground for neighbour kids and a constant source of frustration. They’ve asked, set boundaries, tried to protect their space but feel ignored. The idea of planting prickly bushes isn’t just about greenery; it’s about reclaiming a feeling of safety and respect.

Emotionally, this situation exposes two intertwined layers: the OP’s fatigue and the children’s disregard. The OP has asked the kids to stop ringing the doorbell, playing in the yard, banging on windows, and even trying to open the gate and their parents won’t enforce it. The OP’s reaction (“plant bushes”) signals the emotional turning point where patience runs out.

On the other side, the children probably don’t understand the boundary, they see a dog, a yard, a path, and an invitation. But their parents’ continual refusal to address the behaviour shifts it from innocent play to disrespect of property.

The story also reveals it’s not simply “kids misbehaving”; it’s about stewardship of personal space. The OP’s property, though rented, still demands respect. When children ignore the path, gate, yard and parental instructions, the OP is made to feel powerless. In rental situations, this is especially tricky, tenants often have fewer rights to make large changes or erect permanent deterrents.

According to UK guidance, tenants must ask the landlord’s permission before making any major changes to a garden or planting significant shrubs or hedging. “By law, tenants must ask the landlord for permission to make any changes to the rental property’s garden. If permission is not asked or has been refused, the tenant will be liable for the cost of restoring it to original condition.”

Further, another guide explains: “If tenants wish to make any changes or improvements to the garden, they are legally required to obtain the landlord’s approval beforehand. This includes planting their own garden. Failure to seek permission may result in the tenant being charged for the cost of returning the garden to its original state.”

These links support the fact that the OP’s potential plan to plant prickly bushes might bring risks, not only of neighbour escalation but of landlord or contractual issues.

While the OP’s instinct to defend their property is valid and understandable, planting prickly bushes might be a step too far, both emotionally and legally.

The best path forward is to communicate with the landlord, ensure the rental agreement allows garden alterations, and formally ask the neighbours (in writing) to stop trespassing and misusing the driveway and yard.

If that fails, documenting the behaviour and seeking formal mediation or local authority support might be more effective and less confrontational than planting a deterrent.

In the end, the OP’s right to peace and a respectful boundary is undeniable. But enforcing that right in a rented space, and with persistent neighbours’ children, calls for a strategy grounded in communication, legal awareness, and clarity, not just defence.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

These users believe the parents are neglectful and encourage taking action to protect personal space

This group recommends involving authorities to address the issue

These users suggest creative deterrents like planting thorny bushes or using fences to keep kids off the property

This group focuses on practical solutions like adding locks, being unappealing, or going as far as building a moat to resolve the issue

Is the homeowner justified in planting prickly bushes to protect their property, or would they be going too far? What would you do in this situation? Would you plant the bushes or try another approach? Share your thoughts below!