Community Chat

[CAcableGirl2]

@Biftu   I don't think he was asking for payment, just having a conversation.

You could always bake some cookies or brownies and take them over as a thanks for picking them up.

Since they came from his tree, I don't think he's asking for payment, just being neighborly..

[FancyPhillyshopper]

I live in a very nice neighborhood in Philly, but a few years ago we still had a neighbor a few streets down (elderly woman--widow who lived alone) who was murdered by her regular handyman because she caught him robbing her house at night.  I guess he came over so much that he felt that when he needed money he might as well break into her house and steal something.

My back yard is fenced, I have some spotlights around my property, and I have two dogs who roam my yard at all hours.  NOBODY is coming onto my property without advance notice.  Our near neighbor and I do chores for each other, and will go on each others' properties, but we are very courteous about the actions.

I would never allow someone to do yard work without my permission. I would also be wary about regularly interacting with a 40 year old unemployed (?)  neighbor man who expects to be paid for work.  I prefer to hire professionals so the relationship is clear and clean.  These days it is always better to be cautious--safe rather than sorry.  

By the way, if the trash can is too heavy for him or you, then it is too heavy for the sanitation workers.  My husband always says never overfill the trash cans or they will not pick it up and dump it.

[Lynnabby]

If he's not special needs I think it's kind of odd.

[Spacrazy]

@Biftu  Nah, I don't like "something" about this. I really don't like uninvited guests on my property - neighbors or not. I was prompted to go along with another poster about a nominal payment along with the explanation that "this is it". I'd be afraid this guy would misconstrue your payment as an invitation to continue "helping" you. Also, as a property owner I'm afraid of the liability issue - sure wouldn't want anyone to slip and fall !

Good luck with whatever your decision might be.

[shoesnbags]

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@shoekitty wrote:

Give the boy a few bucks tell him you appreciate it, but please ask before he does any job.  That kid sounds like he is ambitious and is saving for something. 

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@shoekitty 

He's 40 years old!

[shoesnbags]

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@SloopJohnB wrote:

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@Biftu wrote:

My neighbor's son (he's in his 40s) knocked on my door to tell me he has cleaned up both our front lawns from pinecone like things that fall from his tree but branches hang over my property. I thanked him and an hour later he said his trash barrel was filled and can he use mine.  Sure I said.  He came back again and told me his father used to pay him 10 cents for every pincone he picked. I laughed and said he had a good thing going.  Back again to tell me my trash bin was heavy and to call him on trash day and he will move it to the front for me.  I felt like he wanted me to pay him.  These pinecones don't bother me in the winter and I did not ask him to do this, although I appreciate he did it.

He has done small outdoor chores for me in the past which I asked for his help and I paid him.  He took on this task on his own.  Being retired I try to only pay for projects I can't do on myself.  Would you have paid him?

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@Biftu   Is he by chance special needs?  Only ask because he is in his 40's, lives with his parents I'm presuming from your post, kept coming back to your door at least 4 times, and talked about getting paid a dime per pinecone.....🌲. Maybe this was a "real" type job for him?  Not inferring anything about being special needs as I have an autistic child of my own.  Just trying to picture the scenario.

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 @Biftu 

This is exactly what I was thinking.  For all of the reasons @SloopJohnB mentioned.  I was a special ed teacher and his behavior rang some bells for me.  But all the more reason to have the talk with him about waiting for you to ASK for help instead of doing it on his own.  And also explaining about needing to work it into your budget.  

[Venezia]

First off, it's his/their tree dropping pinecones onto your lawn.

And, no, I would not pay him anything.  I agree with those who said to simply say "thank you, but that's not necessary in the future".  I wouldn't want anyone coming onto my property and "working" unsolicited for any reason.

And I'd leave it at that.

(I'd also prefer that the pinecones were left for the squirrels and other wildlife and to eventually compost, returning nutrients to the soil.)

[SilleeMee]

The way I see it, overly helpful neighbors or even some overly helpful friends have ulterior motives. 

[qvcaddition]

@LdyBugz 

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@LdyBugz wrote:

@Biftu 

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Orginally, I would say no, but in thinking about it, I would offer 5.00 and say, I appreciate it and just want to show it, but In the future, I can't afford it.  If I have a bigger job, then I will let you know, but I have to put it in my budget when I can afford it. Thank you for thinking of me. Showing good faith and keeping the friendship.

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I agree with @qvcaddition.  This approach would let the neighbor know that you do appreciate his efforts but can only hire him when your budget allows.  Otherwise, he might start doing other unsolicited chores and expect payment.  It's in everyone's best interest to set boundaries and expectations now to avoid awkward situations going forward.

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That is what I was saying.  The 5.00 was letting him know you are kind and appreciate it, but can't afford it. You would let him know when you had a bigger job.  This way he would not feel slighten and you maintain the friendship, especially if he is weird like some here have stated. 

[shoekitty]

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@shoesnbags wrote:

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@shoekitty wrote:

Give the boy a few bucks tell him you appreciate it, but please ask before he does any job.  That kid sounds like he is ambitious and is saving for something. 

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@shoekitty 

He's 40 years old!

@shoesnbags    Shoekitty said.  Omg, didn't see that well, as. Emily latilla says from SNL ,  never mind