USA= if its an obstacle on the sidewalk, sure hit it a 2, 3 times and make sure you don~t destroy the garden or make a lot of noise, or break something. if you are going into the property it~s common sense to ask for permission first.
Brazil= usually no one cares, as long as you don't break anything. maybe ask for permission first.
edit: always be polite and elegant, especially to the homeless, security, elderly and younglings. if someone asks you to leave, leave and dont do anything stupid. American people usually have guns and it~s not worth causing annoyance over a wooden toy.