Across America|News|
When To Mow On Weekends To Avoid Alienating Neighbors: Block Talk
If you’re thinking about firing up the lawn mower early on weekends, your neighbor who sleeps in has something to say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Block Talk
Block Talk is a regular Patch series on neighborhood etiquette — and readers provide the answers. If you have a topic you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com with "Block Talk" as the subject line.
Across America|News|
How Early Is Too Early To Start Mowing The Lawn On Weekends? Block Talk
Early weekend mowing can spark tension between neighbors who want to sleep late and those who want to finish the chore early.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Speeding Through Neighborhoods? Read This Before Someone Is Killed: Block Talk
Readers share blunt warnings — and controversial fixes — to stop drivers who speed through neighborhoods.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Drivers Treat Neighborhood Streets Like Racetracks: What To Do? [Block Talk]
More people are outside as the weather warms. What can be done about people who speed, don’t pay attention, and drive like jerks?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Drivers Treat Neighborhood Streets Like Racetracks: What To Do? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20260326/042055/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1226365753___26161721822.jpg)
Across America|News|
Thawing Dog Poop Shows What ‘Lazy Slobs’ Some Owners Are: Block Talk
“What I can’t understand is why people bag it and then leave the full bag,” one person said of cold-weather dog poop scooping etiquette.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Spring Thaw Reveals A Minefield Of Dog Poop Bombs: Block Talk
Seriously, do some dog owners only bag the poop to avoid public shaming while they secretly can’t wait for snow so they can flout the law?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Unruly Parents Are ‘Ruining Youth Sports’: Block Talk
Readers suggest requiring parents to sign “good conduct” contracts, banning them from games until the playoffs and other measures.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Adults Behaving Badly At Youth Sports; What Should You Do? Block Talk
Disruptive behavior by parents is becoming more common at youth sporting events, according to a survey of officials and referees.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Neighbors Share Random Acts Of Kindness That ‘Blew Them Away’: Block Talk
Reader-submitted stories of random acts of kindness by their neighbors are a practical guide on how to be a good person.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What’s The Kindest Thing A Neighbor Has Ever Done For You? Block Talk
It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week. We want to hear about the kindest thing a neighbor ever did for you.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
These Things Drive Neighbors Up The Wall As Winter Drags On: Block Talk
Just breathe, several readers said. Oh, yeah, how would snowmobiling after 10 on a school night or “frozen fudge bombs” on the hiking trail?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What Bugs You Most About Your Neighbor During The 'Winter Slump': Block Talk
When you’re stuck inside dealing with your own stuff, a neighbor’s annoying habits may be magnified. What bugs you most, and what do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Who Pays When A Neighbor’s Tree Damages Your Property: Block Talk
In a perfect world, a neighbor whose dying tree fell on another’s property would volunteer to pay for the damage, many readers said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
A Neighbor’s Tree Damages Your Property; What Do You Do? Block Talk
Who is responsible when a neighbor’s tree falls on your house or car? Does the neighbor have any ethical obligations?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Sidewalk Snow Removal Scofflaws Create Frosty Relationships: Block Talk
Readers eagerly step in when neighbors physically can’t shovel snow but may “silently judge” those who are too lazy to pick up a shovel.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
When Neighbors Don’t Shovel Their Snow, What Do You Do? Block Talk
Most places require that snow be removed from public sidewalks within a reasonable amount of time. About 12% of U.S. adults don’t bother.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Neighborhood Resolutions Include Meeting Up, Fixing Up And Shutting Up: Block Talk
Resolutions varied, some tangible and others reflecting neighborhood-specific, yet widely held concerns. Many want to know neighbors better.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What’s Your 2026 New Year’s Resolution For The Neighborhood? Block Talk
What resolution would you like for your community or neighborhood to make in 2026 to improve the quality of life? What can you do to assist?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Yes, It’s Rude To Bring Leftover Containers To Holiday Meals: Block Talk
It’s even ruder to hide to-go kits from the host, fill them with leftovers when the meal’s over and run, like it’s a holiday smash-and-grab.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What’s The Etiquette Of Sharing Holiday Leftovers? Block Talk
Is it OK or rude for holiday guests to bring their own to-go containers, with the assumption they’ll take home leftovers from the feast?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Porch Pirates, Package Thefts And How To Stop Them: Block Talk
Package thefts go up during the holidays as thieves become more sophisticated and organized, but there are ways to deter porch pirates.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Porch Pirates Are Lurking, But How To Thwart Them? Block Talk
Porch piracy is a crime of opportunity that goes up during the holidays, and thieves know there’s very little risk they’ll be arrested.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Does Turning On Holiday Lights Early Make You A Bad Neighbor? Block Talk
The custom of letting Thanksgiving pass before turning on lights is widely observed, but “Christmas creep” has support, too.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Is It Still Too Early To Turn On Christmas Lights? Block Talk
Halloween and Christmas collide in many places, with lighting and decorations for the former coming down as those for the latter go up.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Should Texting And Walking Cluelessly Be Illegal? Block Talk
Survey respondents agreed distracted walking reflects a societal trend towards self-absorption but differed on “distracted walking” laws.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
How To Curb Phone Zombies And Distracted Walking: Block Talk
Pedestrians staring at their phones while crossing busy streets put themselves and motorists in harm’s way. Can anything be done to stop it?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Extreme Halloween Displays Can Turn Any Street Into A Nightmare: Block Talk
“I’m 70, have young grandchildren and have always enjoyed the horror part of Halloween. It touches our fears in a safe way,” a reader said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Are Supersized Halloween Displays Too Extreme Or Terrifying? Block Talk
Americans are going large this year with realistic illusions and other extreme Halloween displays. Are you thumbs up or down on them?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What To Do When Your Neighbor’s Weed ‘Smells Like A Skunk’s Behind’: Block Talk
Readers said part of living in a community is following not just explicit laws, but also social norms — like not polluting a neighbor’s air.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Neighbor’s Weed Stinks Up The Joint; What To Do: Block Talk
Do personal freedoms end when smoking pot disturbs neighbors? What’s the balance with others’ well-being, and how can that be achieved?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
How Early Is Too Early To Decorate For Halloween: Block Talk
We asked readers to settle an argument on when it’s too soon to start putting up haunted houses and other Halloween displays.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Halloween Creep Is Real; Is It Too Early To Decorate: Block Talk
Americans go large with looming skeletons and interactive displays, but Halloween is still a month and a half away. Is that too early?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
The Sheets Hit The Fan When We Asked About Scented Laundry Products: Block Talk
Readers cleared the air on dryer sheets and other scented laundry products. Some said they should be banned. Get over it, others implored.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
What To Do When Your Neighbor’s Dryer Sheet Makes You Sick: Block Talk
A neighbor’s scented dryer sheets can cause a host of problems for others, including migraines and respiratory problems. What should you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
As Fire Pit Season Heats Up, Here Are Some Dos and Don’ts: Block Talk
Patch readers were split on the etiquette of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, vehemently so.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
When You Don’t Love Your Neighbors’ Fire Pits As Much As They Do: Block Talk
Your neighbors are using their fire pit again, and the smoke is rolling into your back yard. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
It’s ‘One Big Goose Latrine’ In Some Neighborhoods But Solutions Vary: Block Talk
Tired of stepping around their mess, Block Talk readers offer remedies ranging from harassment with dogs to birth control to hunting.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Goose Poop Is A Problem, But What Should Be Done? Block Talk
An adult Canada goose defecates about half of what it eats every day, which is 4 pounds. With bird flu, it’s more than just a nuisance.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
There Are Strong Opinions About Kids At Breweries: Block Talk
Many readers are opposed, but others want a judgment-free zone where they can grab a meal and socialize with other families with kids.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Should Kids Be Allowed At Neighborhood Breweries And Bars?
Craft breweries across the country are appealing to families with young children. Some are reconsidering after safety incidents.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
