Across America|News|
When Should Outdoor Christmas Lights Be Turned Off? [Block Talk]
You may think there’s no harm in extending the magic of the holidays with your twinkling lights, but your neighbors may be over them.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Should Outdoor Christmas Lights Be Turned Off? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20240126/102309/styles/patch_image/public/patch-ed-arlington-holiday-lights-ma-fisher-2___26102105926.jpg)
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|
The ‘Need-A-Favor Neighbor’ Who Just Won’t Give Up [Block Talk]
When neighbors continually ask for annoying favors, it’s best to shut it down, even if they never talk to you again, several readers said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The ‘Need-A-Favor Neighbor’ Who Just Won’t Give Up [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240118/114908/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2400859387___18114143622.jpg)
Across America|News|
How To Say No To Neighbors Always Asking Annoying Favors [Block Talk]
It’s not the people who need help in a pinch who are annoying, but those who habitually take advantage of your generosity. What do you do?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How To Say No To Neighbors Always Asking Annoying Favors [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240111/042920/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1564858954___11162405258.jpg)
Across America|News|
2024 Neighbor Resolutions, A Look Back At Top 2023 Takes [Block Talk]
Readers made New Year’s resolutions for their neighbors about leaf blowers, free-range cats, nosiness and noisiness, and property upkeep.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![2024 Neighbor Resolutions, A Look Back At Top 2023 Takes [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20240104/051418/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2376809451___04171315043.jpg)
Across America|News|
‘You Don’t Own The Street’ And Other Parking Vexations: [Block Talk]
Competition for on-street parking is fierce during the holidays, but it doesn’t do much good to complain, readers told us.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![‘You Don’t Own The Street’ And Other Parking Vexations: [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231221/053018/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1193269636___21172433122.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighborhood Holiday Lights And The Art Of Keeping Quiet [Block Talk]
“Who are we to say what our neighbors can and cannot display?” said a Patch reader who claims to be Santa. “Their house, their tastes.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighborhood Holiday Lights And The Art Of Keeping Quiet [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231207/120210/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1876871347___07120114740.jpg)
Across America|News|
What Do Neighbors Actually Think Of Your Holiday Display? [Block Talk]
Are bright lights with animated characters synchronized to music your thing? Or do you prefer wreaths and bows and a few twinkling lights?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What Do Neighbors Actually Think Of Your Holiday Display? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20231201/114642/styles/patch_image/public/patch-ed-arlington-holiday-lights-ma-fisher-1___01114438244.jpg)
Across America|News|
Slackers Who Won’t Shovel Their Snow Test Neighborliness [Block Talk]
There’s always that one neighbor who wouldn’t know a snow shovel if hit over the head with it — not that we’re advising that for shirkers.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Slackers Who Won’t Shovel Their Snow Test Neighborliness [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231122/012142/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-243809152___22131859232.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Great Debate Over Leaf Blowers [Block Talk]
Readers defending gas-powered leaf blowers huffed and puffed — “Move to another country!” one implored — as others stood up for pollinators.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Great Debate Over Leaf Blowers [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231110/113043/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-339354644___10111738086.jpg)
Across America|News|
Too Old To Trick Or Treat? Not Unless You’re Dead, LOL. [Block Talk]
Whatever the age of the trick-or-treater, Halloween is a time for spirited fun in neighborhoods across the country.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Too Old To Trick Or Treat? Not Unless You’re Dead, LOL. [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231027/092901/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-70173520-1___27092146857.jpg)
Across America|News|
How Old Is Too Old To Trick Or Treat? [Block Talk]
Is it OK for kids to trick or treat when they’re 17 or 18? What about 15 or 16? Or is this a Halloween ritual for the under-9 crowd?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How Old Is Too Old To Trick Or Treat? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231019/114136/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1183817920___19233333170.jpg)
Across America|News|
Halloween Is For Fun; Haters Should Hide In Their Homes [Block Talk]
Lighten up and enjoy your neighbors’ creativity, many readers said. Others said blood and guts may be too much for young trick-or-treaters.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Halloween Is For Fun; Haters Should Hide In Their Homes [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20231012/065712/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2225305373-1___12184955381.jpg)
Across America|News|
Noisy Dogs And Roosters Aren’t The Problem; People Are [Block Talk]
“Living in a community means letting other people live their lives while you live your own,” said a reader who thinks that’s lost on some.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Noisy Dogs And Roosters Aren’t The Problem; People Are [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230928/045102/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2032148207___28164332916.jpg)
Across America|News|
Secondhand Weed Smoke: Chill Out, But Be Courteous, Too [Block Talk]
The bottom line on neighborhood smoking etiquette, one reader said: “Personal freedoms end when they negatively impact others’ well-being.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Secondhand Weed Smoke: Chill Out, But Be Courteous, Too [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230908/011106/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-525897103___08125642871.jpg)
Across America|News|
Solicitors: What Do You Do When Politeness Doesn’t Work? [Block Talk]
Readers spoke clearly. Persistent door-to-door solicitors are rude, they said; why should they put on manners when shooing the pests away?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Solicitors: What Do You Do When Politeness Doesn’t Work? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230824/115345/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1745140238___24114628546.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Dog Walkers Don’t Bag Poop, What Should You Do? [Block Talk]
Readers raise a stink about dog walkers who let their pets “squat and go,” leaving their neighbors to clean up the mess left behind.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Dog Walkers Don’t Bag Poop, What Should You Do? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230811/115022/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-724874689___11112527388.jpg)
Across America|News|
Is It OK To Put Dog Poop In A Neighbor's Trash Bin? [Block Talk]
Many readers get over it if dog owners drop the doo in their empty trash cans; another wants to know “who is sniffing trash cans, anyway?”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Is It OK To Put Dog Poop In A Neighbor's Trash Bin? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230727/121933/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1538617463___27121545214.jpg)
Across America|News|
How Early Is Too Early To Use Power Tools On The Weekend? [Block Talk]
If you’re still in bed at 8, are you the problem? Do climate and gig jobs change weekend power tool rules? Is dawn to midnight OK with you?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![How Early Is Too Early To Use Power Tools On The Weekend? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230714/105014/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-160848248___14104421211.jpg)
Across America|News|
Nosy Neighbors: Should You Be Kind Or Call The Cops? [Block Talk]
When neighbors don’t mind their own business but are harmless, chill; some readers described situations that escalated far beyond nosiness.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Nosy Neighbors: Should You Be Kind Or Call The Cops? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230630/122642/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-34548568___30115102011.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Bottom Line On 4th Of July Fireworks Is Respect [Block Talk]
Many readers are down with their neighbors’ DIY 4th of July fireworks shows, but there are exceptions — ones they say should be respected.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Bottom Line On 4th Of July Fireworks Is Respect [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230616/092914/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-155032275___16092340797.jpg)
Across America|News|
Good Neighbors Send Wine And Own It If They Break Stuff [Block Talk]
Good neighbors don’t get up in other people’s business but will clean up the blood if you cut yourself and have to go to the hospital.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Good Neighbors Send Wine And Own It If They Break Stuff [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230601/013405/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1221676427___01132823551.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Definitive List Of Traits Of Annoying Neighbors [Block Talk]
Loud music, trashy yards and gawking neighbors are annoying, but what do you do when a dog lifts its leg and mock pees on your inside pup?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Definitive List Of Traits Of Annoying Neighbors [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230518/070132/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-889507050___18185727669.jpg)
Across America|News|
No Mow May: Science, Or Blowing Sunshine Up Bee’s Behind? [Block Talk]
As the No Mow May movement gains ground, not everyone thinks letting flowering weeds grow does much to help bees and pollinators.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![No Mow May: Science, Or Blowing Sunshine Up Bee’s Behind? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230505/113852/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-94394792___05113816864.jpg)
Across America|News|
What To Do When Neighbor Dogs Jump On You, Poop Wherever [Block Talk]
Try talking it out, readers say, but because these dogs have been allowed to trespass and act like galoots in the past, that may work.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What To Do When Neighbor Dogs Jump On You, Poop Wherever [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230420/060335/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1404274080___20175630352.jpg)
Across America|News|
If It’s On The Curb Or Stoop, It's Yours — Mostly: [Block Talk]
“It’s the greatest thing ever,” one reader says of “curb mining.” Others concur, but point out a difference between usable items and junk.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![If It’s On The Curb Or Stoop, It's Yours — Mostly: [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230405/075536/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-184851647___05195138351.jpg)
Across America|News|
‘Not A Drag Strip’: Things Neighbors Want To Tell Drivers [Block Talk]
Describing close calls between kids playing outdoors and speeding drivers, readers share frustrations that little is being done to stop it.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![‘Not A Drag Strip’: Things Neighbors Want To Tell Drivers [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230323/074310/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-471078105___23193627679.jpg)
Across America|News|
The Poop On Free-Range Cats — And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk]
Many readers practically hissed their disdain for outdoor cats, but a few think felines should hang wherever it suits their fancy.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![The Poop On Free-Range Cats — And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230302/043551/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1224128588___02163329709.jpg)
Across America|News|
Feeding Geese Makes Messy Walks And Neighbor Relations [Block Talk]
Geese, ducks and swans not only get along fine without our help, even in cold weather, they’re better off without it, Patch readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Feeding Geese Makes Messy Walks And Neighbor Relations [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230217/111830/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1006854858___17111500963.jpg)
Across America|News|
Package Delivery Mistakes: Be Neighborly, With Exceptions [Block Talk]
For many readers, fetching and delivering packages that end up at the wrong address is part of being a good neighbor. Thieves, though.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Package Delivery Mistakes: Be Neighborly, With Exceptions [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230202/054427/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1221264208___02173542817.jpg)
Across America|News|
Neighbors Talk Trash About Garbage Totes Left At The Curb [Block Talk]
Trash toters abandoned at the curb trigger some folks. But, one reader pointed out, “life is bigger than a garbage can left at the street.”
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Neighbors Talk Trash About Garbage Totes Left At The Curb [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20230119/021915/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-35972236___19141546198.jpg)
Across America|News|
We Got A Shovelful When We Asked About Snow Removal [Block Talk]
People help their neighbors — unless the person is a “known jerk,” one guy pointed out — but it’s not just a neighborhood issue, some said.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![We Got A Shovelful When We Asked About Snow Removal [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20230106/015805/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-52052141___06134611954.jpg)
Across America|News|
Door-To-Door School Fundraisers Ring Some People’s Bells [Block Talk]
To kids selling magazines, “I say I never learned to read,” one reader cracked. The pressure to support fundraising isn’t a joke, though.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Door-To-Door School Fundraisers Ring Some People’s Bells [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221221/044932/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-610877066___21164510627.jpg)
Across America|News|
To Rake Or Not To Rake: Neighbors Weigh In On Leaf Cleanup Etiquette
Readers blow off steam about neighbors who leave leaves on their lawns— and others who get up in their business over how they tend theirs.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
Across America|News|
Outdoor Christmas Displays: What’s Tacky, What’s Not? [Block Talk]
One reader detests inflatables “with every fiber of my being.” Another wonders what Mickey Mouse, tin soldiers have to do with Christmas.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Outdoor Christmas Displays: What’s Tacky, What’s Not? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/790386/20221123/113908/styles/patch_image/public/christmas-house-lights-1___23113056245.jpg)
Across America|News|
Tipping People ‘Just For Doing Their Job’ Strikes A Nerve [Block Talk]
Some people think tipping is out of control in the pandemic era, but others continue to tip, sometimes adding as much as the original bill.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Tipping People ‘Just For Doing Their Job’ Strikes A Nerve [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221111/010253/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-938547524___11125757323.jpg)
Across America|News|
What People Really Think About Trick-Or-Treaters [Block Talk]
People aren’t hiding because they’re Halloween-hating misanthropes, but because kids don’t show up. Also, who says a treat has to be candy?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![What People Really Think About Trick-Or-Treaters [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221027/012212/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1229385442___27131901548.jpg)
Across America|News|
Political Yard Signs: 7 Takeaways From Patch Readers [Block Talk]
Political signs have First Amendment protections, but some say they’re an outdated way to reach voters and provoke neighborhood conflict.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Political Yard Signs: 7 Takeaways From Patch Readers [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20221013/020959/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1283401353___13140350566.jpg)
Across America|News|
For Good Neighbor Day, Readers Share Stories Of The Best [Block Talk]
From “Mr. Neighbuhr” — yes, really! — to Mr. J, good neighbors help out without being asked, Patch readers say.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![For Good Neighbor Day, Readers Share Stories Of The Best [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20220927/011546/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1334660356___27131458718.jpg)
Across America|News|
When Is It OK To Use Leaf Blowers? Or Are They The Devil? [Block Talk]
Leaf blowers, especially those with gas-powered engines, can be as loud as a motorcycle. Patch readers made a lot of noise about their use.
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![When Is It OK To Use Leaf Blowers? Or Are They The Devil? [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/790386/20220915/064101/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1144041080-1___15183717219.jpg)
Across America|News|
Your Neighbor’s Dog Poo: What To Do About The Doo [Block Talk]
It’s proper etiquette everywhere to curb dogs. But what do you do about neighbors who don’t clean up after their dogs do the deed?
Beth Dalbey, Patch Staff
![Your Neighbor’s Dog Poo: What To Do About The Doo [Block Talk]](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/790386/20220825/015258/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1164939048___25132524224.jpg)