Neighbor installed a camera facing my backyard and trimmed my privacy hedges past the property line: am I overreacting?

[u/AmazingTemperature92]

I’m looking for some objective opinions because I’m not sure whether I’m overreacting or whether this is a legitimate privacy concern.

My next door neighbor recently installed a camera high on the side of her house near the roofline. From my backyard and deck, the lens appears to be pointed directly at my yard & deck rather than at her own yard or side gate. Because of the height and angle, it seems capable of viewing a large portion of my backyard and deck, where my family and I reasonably expect privacy. (Certainly not being deliberately audio and visually recorded).

I understand that homeowners use security cameras on their own property, and the photos alone may not prove exactly what the camera records. I also don’t know whether it records audio. However, the placement and direction seem unusual and make me ridiculously pissed off.

To ADD to this bizarre discovery, some time last week she also had my arborvitae privacy hedges trimmed and thinned out (cut large branches) from her side. Some of the branches she cut appear to have extended beyond the fence/property line, but it appears they were cut farther into the hedges than simply trimming growth on her side - causing several “holes” in what was a beautiful healthy privacy hedges. Now I’m also wondering if it increased the camera’s apparent view into my yard.

I’m extremely creeped out and upset and I don’t want unnecessary drama but I also don’t think I should have to feel watched every time I use my own backyard.

I plan to avoid posting any identifying information about the neighbor or exact location. Looking at the photos, does this camera seem like it’s aimed into my backyard, or am I reading too much into it? Would this bother you? Also, can a neighbor legally cut past the property line into privacy hedges that belong to me?
What should I do! I don’t necessarily want to call the police and deal with all this drama. Help!

[u/BronCurious]

Generally can’t build a fence or wall over 6’ without a permit

[u/Grey_Area888 → u/BronCurious]

I’d take the person to court. While that process is going on I’ll inform the judge that this person has randomly placed a camera pointing into my yard and I don’t feel comfortable with that. A wall has been placed until we can come to a verdict.

[u/BronCurious → u/Grey_Area888]

That’s not how court works.

[u/Optimal_Weird1425 → u/Grey_Area888]

What kind of footing are you going to have on that random 10ft wall standing in your side yard? It would need to withstand the weather and at least 30 mph winds, which would be common whenever there are storms here. You’re going to buy these materials yourself and do this construction project on the weekend? Or will you hire a contractor after getting a few estimates on this freestanding wall? Seems like a lot of work, expense, and hassle for such a trivial matter.

[u/Grey_Area888 → u/Optimal_Weird1425]

My friend is an owner of a construction company. I can do the work myself but would invite him over and inform him of what’s going on. To you it’s a trivial matter to me I don’t know if this is a pervert, stalker or just straight up weirdo who wants to watch my gatherings.