Because there is a huge difference between what a well-maintained yard and an overgrown, neglected garden communicates to onlookers, it’s safe to say that landscaping can have a huge impact on your home’s security.
And while most people think of installing alarms and extra locks on doors inside a home to prevent burglaries, just as much attention should be paid to the exterior of the home.
Considering that a home’s curb appeal can keep potential thieves at bay, it’s crucial for homeowners to understand the landscaping safety precautions that can be taken to ensure that they, their property, and their loved ones are kept safe.
Line Of Sight
Thieves relish the privacy afforded by overgrown greenery by front doors that can stop onlookers from catching them in the act, so it’s a good idea to steer clear of any landscaping options that limit visibility to your home’s entry points. Keeping hedges and bushes trimmed neatly allows for improved visibility – especially near your front door. And while opting for lower fences (around 3 feet in height) may not provide the level of privacy you’d like, they will allow for improved visibility, which will afford you better peace of mind further down the road.
Regular Yard Maintenance
With consistent yard maintenance, the benefits are two-fold: it projects a positive impression onto onlookers while deterring thieves, and it can also help improve your property value. Add in the fact that a properly maintained yard is more inviting for you and your family to go out and enjoy, and you’ve got yourself some solid reasons to turn on that lawnmower every weekend. Depending on what grows in your yard, regular maintenance can include weeding the garden; putting away kids’ toys and bikes; watering the lawn; and trimming long tree branches that may otherwise provide burglars with opportunities to access the upper windows of your home.
Adequate Lighting
According to Install IT Direct, “a well-lit home is less likely to be invaded, and the more lighting you have around your home’s exterior, the better.” Bearing this in mind, it’s a good idea to ensure that your home’s front and back entryways are well lit, and that any dark spots around your property are illuminated by motion-detecting lights. Having these options on deck can discourage burglars from targeting your home because it will be too bright and illuminated to rob.
Misc. Deterrents
Finally, gravel and thorns are some less well-known security options that can be implemented into your home’s landscaping to deter thieves and vandals. By planting thorny bushes like hawthorn or rose bushes around the perimeter of your house and underneath first-story windows, you can limit a thief’s easy access to your home, thereby complicating their ways in and out of the house. Plus, by placing gravel below windows and leading up to exterior doors, you can ensure that visitors to your home – whether wanted or unwanted – are treated to a noisy arrival, which can deter burglars from even attempting to target your home.
Even though it’s impossible to completely prevent crimes from happening, these small improvements to the exterior of your home can make a huge difference in preventing burglaries.
