WIBTA If I plant thorny bushes around the edge of my property to keep children away
Living so close to the elementary school, every day the quiet rhythm of children's footsteps passing by became a part of their lives.
What started as a simple project—a small brick retaining wall—soon turned into a silent battleground between preserving their new creation and protecting the innocent energy of the kids who unknowingly challenged it with every climb.
Faced with the dilemma of how to safeguard their handiwork without causing harm, the couple wrestled with a choice that felt heavier than bricks and mortar. Would planting p**ckly bushes to deter the children be a necessary shield or a cruel barrier?
The question lingered, stirring a mix of concern, responsibility, and the fragile balance between community and property.
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The original poster (OP) is feeling frustrated because children are using their newly built retaining wall as a pathway, creating a risk of damage and potential liability.
The conflict centers on the OP's desire to protect their property and prevent trespassing versus the perceived right of the children to walk along the public sidewalk area.
Is it acceptable to install thorny or p**ckly deterrent plants along the top of a low retaining wall bordering a public sidewalk to prevent children from climbing, or does this action prioritize property protection over community safety and goodwill?
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