Horse Destroying Hedges

[at]

I have a neighbor that has about 6 horses kept in their backyard on a 1
acre lot. There is a simple pole fence bordering our 2 properties which
keeps the horses in my neighbors back yard. About 6 years ago (before
the horses and the current neighbors) I had planted ficus hedge along
this fence line about 3-4 feet into my property. I left enough room for
growth and so I wouldn't have a problem trimming them years later.
Problem is, since the neighbors moved in and got horses about 6 months
ago, the horses have been destroying the hedges (eating some down to the
trunks.) making large holes in them. I hear them ribbing them apart
sometimes at night. Especially when I notice their feed is gone. They
can stick their heads between the rails and nibbled some of the trees
bare. I politely told them about this, but I guess they thought of my
hedges as nothing more then weeds...saying " thats what they do...
nothing I can do... they are like giraffes".
Its amazing how far they can reach their heads though the rails (almost
3-4 feet) to get to the trees.

First of all, I though they would at least be concerned about the
health of their horses - I'm not sure if ficus hedge is the best thing
horses should eat.
Second.. that there horses are damaging other peoples property ( There
are over 100 plantings since they were about 2 feet tall when I first
put them in, Now some *are* over 6 feet tall - they weren't cheap either
10-15 bucks a pop I cant imagine buying them at 5-6 feet tall $$)

I spoke with them, suggesting at least a wire mesh against the fence to
at least prevent them from eating them down to nothing. that didn't fly,
just a chuckle about they are only plants.....

So I was wondering (short of purchasing a wire fence - I don't really
feel I should) If anyone here could suggest something I could do.
Possibly a spray.. maybe spray some kind of pruning "tar" to spray on
the one side - the trees sure look like they need that anyway .. I don't
know.. I heard coyote urine may work, but I'm sure even if I could get a
hold of that I would have to respray that quite often..

I enjoy horses and my parents have horses and I could never see them
allowing their horses to do such a thing to a neighbors hedges..

Any suggestions?

Thanks

-Rob

[Helen]

you can go into a horse shop and puchase a gell type stuff which prevents
crib biting or windsucking. it bascically tastes nasty and they don't like
it! wound need to put that on trees. Not sure how practical that would be
for you, other than that maybe think about electric fencing of some form?

[m***@gmail.com]

Hi, Rob

I've owned horses for years. Let me give you my 2 cents worth.

Post by at
I have a neighbor that has about 6 horses kept in their backyard on a 1
acre lot. There is a simple pole fence bordering our 2 properties which
keeps the horses in my neighbors back yard. About 6 years ago (before
the horses and the current neighbors) I had planted ficus hedge along
this fence line about 3-4 feet into my property.

If the pole fence is anything like the metal and wood rail fences I've
seen (horizontal bars with vert posts), the horses can only reach out
as long as their necks go. The thing I am not clear on: is this pole
fence right on the property line or is it set back? You may need a
survey to find out if it's 1" on the line, 6" back, or 4 feet wrong.
Don't assume just because the pole fence was there for 10 years that it
must be right.

If the hedges are leaning into the neighbor's property, in most states
the neighbor can prune or remove overhanging branches.

The easiest solution is electric hotwire. If your neighbor invested in
2 strands of hotwire on the property pline plus a charger, the horses
would not put their heads through the fence.

If they refuse to do it, you can put up your own hotwire. Get step-in
plastic stakes or metal T-posts and drive them every 10 feet or so
along the property line. Put up several strands. I like the braided
poly hot wire or the electric fence tape over plain solid wire. Add a
charger, and you're problem is solved.

Your only other option is to hire an attorney. Have him write the
neigbhor a Cease and Desist letter. Eventually you may have to file in
court to sue. The question is : is it worth is to spend thousands on
a lawyer plus the time and aggrivation? I'd personally sovle this
problem myself.

Is it fair you have to pay to protect your hedge? Probably not... but
this is just what happens when neighbors don't get along.

Good luck to you!