A burglar who is observing a house with a view to breaking in will consider not just the security measures within the house itself, but how easy it is to approach the house unseen. There are many ways in which landscaping the front and rear gardens of the house can improve home security.
Trim Trees, Bushes and Hedges
A burglar will often spend time watching a property before making the decision as to whether or not to break in. This is known as 'casing' the house, and on many occasions this will be carried out behind any hedges or bushes in the gardens.
Regular trimming of bushes and hedges will deter thieves, as they find themselves more likely to be seen casing a house. Trees should also be trimmed regularly, as branches too close to an upper storey window will provide a burglar with access.
Regular Garden Maintenance
An unkempt lawn will be a signal to any would-be thieves that the house is unoccupied, and therefore an easy target. A homeowner should ensure that lawns are mowed regularly.
If the homeowner will be out of town for a few days or weeks, then it is recommended that he or she asks a trusted friend or neighbour to maintain the garden, to prevent the empty status of the house being known to criminals.
Buy a Shed and Fill It
In many instances, garden furniture is left outside in between usage. Sometimes, even ladders are left where they can easily be accessed by criminals to gain entry into the home.
A homeowner should purchase a secure shed and store all tools, ladders and furniture inside when not required, in order to deter thieves and prevent them from easy access.
Lay Gravel or Thorny Bushes
Laying gravel beneath windows or as a surface treatment for a driveway will deter thieves, as footsteps will be clearly heard and advance warning of a possible intrusion given.
Planting thorny bushes and shrubs beneath windows and around the garden acts as natural razor wire. Low-growing bushes are recommended, such as hawthorne, rose shrub and barberry.
Install a Motion-Detecting Light
Fixing a PIR or motion detector light to the outside of the property will deter thieves by illuminating the garden upon recognition of movement.
For those with a larger budget, heat-sensing detectors provide an added level of security, and prevent
the light from being triggered by a passing animal or waving branch.
Simply viewing the property through the eyes of a burglar can identify areas where landscaping can be improved to heighten home security. A local garden nursery can provide sound advice as to how to better protect the home through intelligent landscaping.
Sources Used
- HomeSecurityInformation.com, "Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House From Burglars", accessed 20 March 2010
- HomeSecurityAdvice.com, "Home Landscaping Security Tips", accessed 20 March 2010
Ben Wakeling - Lives in England with his wife and two children. Loves writing, photography, and slouching. Ben is currently posting extracts on a blog ...
