Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a good home security plan. A burglar who is "casing the joint" from the street will choose the house with tall shrubs and trees that provide hiding places. Homes with little or no outdoor lighting are preferred targets as well.
So, how can you landscape to protect against burglars while still creating an aesthetically pleasing yard? Here are a few tips:
You don't need to eliminate trees, but keep them trimmed back from your house; tree branches can be used as a ladder if they are next to a window or skylight.
Mow your lawn regularly; an unkempt lawn can suggest to a thief that the owners are away on a trip.
Store ladders, lawn chairs, and picnic tables out of sight lest they be used as a means to reach high windows.
Trim back shrubs growing near doors and walkways, keeping them 3 feet or shorter in height. Also, don't allow shrubs to block any of your windows.
Adding gravel under windows makes for noisy footing for would-be thieves.
Consider planting thorny bushes (of the low growing variety) around windows. Some examples are: Hawthorne, Rose Shrub, and Barberry.
Forgo privacy and keep your trees and shrubs trimmed back in order to allow a clear view of the outside of your house. Having neighbors that can see your doors and windows can help deter thieves even if you happen to be out of town.
Keep your yard well lit. Motion-detecting lights make decent choices; body heat-triggered sensors are even better (less likely to be triggered by a waving branch or a passing animal).
Dogs are not a complete home security plan, but can make good home protectors because they have keener hearing than humans, along with a propensity for barking at strangers. Dogs training can help your dog learn exactly what you want him to do.
About The Author
TC Thorn writes content for numerous web sites, including a number she owns such as http://www.homesecurityinformation.com where you can find more information on homeowner's insurance and home security.
The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More
These days shower doors come in a wide variety of... Read More
Hardwood is still the homeowner's favorite choice of flooring and... Read More
You may find it difficult to believe that the days... Read More
There are just a few important things to know and... Read More
When we left off last week, we had removed the... Read More
There are some things to consider when creating plans for... Read More
The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your... Read More
Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More
Laminate flooring imitates the aspect of traditional wood. Their biggest... Read More
If you are a consumer who knows just what brand... Read More
When you think about building your new home consider your... Read More
Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can... Read More
Because colors have tremendous emotional impact, understanding how color affects... Read More
I had a customer call me to make a complaint... Read More
You don't want to keep your useless tools in your... Read More
The price of a barrel of oil has never been... Read More
The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More
The traditional look of hardwood flooring is timeless; its beauty... Read More
Maybe getting the silent treatment at home isn't a bad... Read More
Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and... Read More
Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of... Read More
It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture... Read More
Decorating boys bedrooms with licensed characters and themes is an... Read More
Heat your pool with a Solar Pool Heater and save... Read More
Selection of bedstead is also an important thing as selection... Read More
Your kitchen, more than any other room in your home,... Read More
When it comes to cooling our homes and businesses, the... Read More
One of the most rewarding home improvements I made to... Read More
If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably... Read More
It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete... Read More
You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More
Homeowners are getting high-tech when it comes to controlling the... Read More
Whether you're buying a home, or just moving in to... Read More
A Jacuzzi has been popular since the 40's. We stopped... Read More
Gas stoves are those preferred by professionals. The heat distribution... Read More
Babies, babies, babies-yes the topic of this article is based... Read More
Have you been considering selling your home in the near... Read More
Last week, I explained how to remove your old steel... Read More
Cleaning house is one of those things that needs doing... Read More
I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian... Read More
Water heating optionsWhere you live, as well as the life... Read More
It is absolutely necessary to waterproof the foundation of your... Read More
When the wife comes to you one fine day and... Read More
A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools... Read More
For Paint Manufacturers worldwide, there has come a radical new... Read More
If the decision of what type radiant heating system to... Read More
There are a few things you can do to take... Read More
When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it... Read More
Besides providing your home with more living space, a home... Read More
Everyone wants to save money. Don't you? Well, painting your... Read More
"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More
In our past articles I talked about all the steps... Read More
Even though most of the houses are well lighted with... Read More
As the weather hints of warmth and the spring buds... Read More
The allure of carpet lays not only its soft and... Read More
The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized for... Read More
Hiring a professional electrician can be very expensive and is... Read More
Coping with wood movementAll wood workers need to be aware... Read More
In my previous article, "planning for a new deck," I... Read More
The Heat is On with... Read More
(This is the first in a series of three articles... Read More
Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through... Read More
Learning interior design can be a simple or complicated task... Read More
Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More
There's no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to... Read More
Home Improvement |