How Can Landscaping Increase Home Security?
When it comes to home security, many people think about alarm systems, deadbolts, and even family pets. But one element many people forget about is landscaping. Yes, landscaping can be used to make your home aesthetically pleasing, and even increase property value by up to 12%, but it can do so much more.
How you choose to landscape your front, side, and back yards can significantly impact your home’s vulnerability to burglars. While it is nearly impossible to make your home absolutely burglar-proof, there are a few things you can do to make your home less appealing to burglars.
The first thing to think about is plants and trees. If you have tall trees close to your home, burglars may try to use these as a access point to get into your home. So by choosing to move any nearby trees to a different location, you can remove that easy access point.
It can also be a great idea to place bushes and shrubbery in front of any first-story windows. With bushes or shrubbery in the way, burglars will be more hesitant about trying to enter through the windows. Or if they do try, you’ll have a better chance of hearing them trying to get in.
When choosing plants to place in front of access points or throughout your yard, you can even consider plants with thorns or other sharp parts. Spiky plants make it more difficult for burglars to hide in your yard. These plants can be both aesthetically pleasing and effective as a security measure.
When it comes to deterring burglary, motion-activated lights can be extremely successful. Motion-sensitive lighting can be a great option for darker areas on your property, which are often chosen as a hiding spot. If someone with ill-intent does try to enter your property, you and your neighbors will be able to tell if the lights come on.
Lighting, in general, is a good safety measure. If you have a path leading up to your front door, you should ensure the path is well-lit. This not only makes it safer and easier for guests to find their way, but it will discourage potential burglars from trying to enter. Additionally, you should consider placing a porch light for added security at both the front and the back of your home.
Lighting and lawn maintenance should also be used to eliminate potential hiding spots. Lights should always highlight particularly dark corners of your lawn, especially those with nearby bushes or shrubbery that can be used for hiding. Furthermore, keeping bushes trimmed can help prevent creating an ideal hiding spot on your property.
In knowing that three out of four homes in the U.S. will be burglarized in the next 20 years, it’s important you do everything you can to keep your home safe. Landscaping and lighting can not only make your home look good, but it can help protect your family too.
