I have long held that the origins of a boundary dispute are misunderstood even by the participants. They name errant fencing, trespass, obstruction of view, or some other damage as their motivation. These injuries, real or perceived, are expounded upon by both parties during every site visit. This occurs so frequently, I am forced to reveal to the parties involved that as a licensed land surveyor, I am neither counselor nor priest.

Property owners’ explanations for the dispute range from likely to downright ridiculous. The best example of the latter is the rancorous dispute that arose from the annual gifting of sweet corn. During a particularly poor year for corn, the tribute was skipped. There was none to be had. The lack of corn in the pantry was apparently quite offensive and was avenged by ignoring a friendly wave. After many years, much aggravation, and thousands of dollars, their “boundary dispute” was finally resolved. To the best of my knowledge, the deficiency in corn remains unresolved.