Curb Appeal and Home Security: Common Landscaping Mistakes that Attract Burglars
Are you proud of the curb appeal of your home, having spent countless weekends perfecting your landscaping to make your yard stand out in the neighborhood? While it’s satisfying to create a visually appealing exterior, have you considered that some popular landscaping techniques could inadvertently make your home a target for burglars? Surprisingly, the very features that enhance the look of your property can also make it more vulnerable to break-ins. With a burglary happening every 26 seconds in the United States, it’s crucial to be aware that burglaries often occur due to opportunistic thieves targeting easy marks. Your landscaping choices can either deter or attract unwanted guests, so it’s time to reassess some common habits to ensure the safety of your home. Let’s explore five landscaping mistakes that could compromise your home security, along with alternative solutions.
1. Tall Shrubs and Bushes Near Windows
While it’s tempting to plant tall shrubs under your windows for privacy and aesthetics, these dense plants can provide ideal hiding spots for burglars. Overgrown shrubbery obscuring windows offers intruders cover to go unnoticed, particularly at night. To enhance your home security, keep shrubs trimmed low, ideally below window level. Consider planting thorny bushes like holly or barberry to deter intruders from approaching. Alternatively, opt for lower-profile flowers or ground cover for a safer alternative that maintains visibility around your property.
2. Easily Climbed Decorative Fencing
Though decorative fencing like picket fences or ironwork can enhance your yard’s charm, if it’s easy to climb, it won’t offer much protection against intruders. Fences that are too short or have widely spaced designs can facilitate burglars’ access to your property. To improve security, choose fencing that is at least six feet tall and challenging to climb. Vertical pickets with pointed tops or solid panels without handholds are effective deterrents. If you already have a decorative fence, consider adding trellis panels with thorny climbing plants to discourage scaling and make your property less accessible to burglars.
3. Insufficient Outdoor Lighting
While a well-lit garden can showcase your landscaping at night, many homeowners either neglect outdoor lighting or use it ineffectively. Dark areas around your home, including unlit entryways and pathways, create opportunities for burglars to approach undetected. Installing motion-activated lights near entrances, pathways, and dark spots is a simple and efficient way to deter crime. Solar-powered lights offer a cost-effective solution for illuminating walkways and driveways. Regularly check and replace burnt-out bulbs to maintain effective lighting that enhances your landscaping while signaling that your property is monitored and well-maintained.
4. Obvious Placement of Spare Keys
The age-old practice of hiding spare keys under rocks, inside fake sprinklers, or beneath flowerpots may seem convenient but poses a significant security risk.
Recent findings indicate that nearly 30% of burglars gain entry through an unlocked door or by using a hidden key. Instead of concealing spare keys outdoors, consider entrusting a spare key to a reliable neighbor or investing in a secure lockbox with a code. If necessary to hide a key, opt for an unexpected location far from the front entrance and change its placement routinely. Furthermore, consider upgrading to a smart lock system that eliminates the reliance on physical keys altogether.
Unsecured garden tools and ladders left in plain sight pose a security risk, as burglars can exploit them to break into your residence. For instance, a ladder propped against your home provides easy access to second-floor windows, while heavy tools can be utilized to breach locks or windows. To deter opportunistic break-ins, always store ladders, tools, and outdoor equipment in a locked shed or garage when not in use. If secure storage is not available, utilize a heavy-duty lock and chain to secure items together. Taking a few extra moments to properly stow away belongings can significantly enhance your home’s security.
When landscaping your property, prioritize security over trends. Implement practical changes like trimming shrubs, upgrading lighting, and securing outdoor items to maintain a beautiful yard while minimizing vulnerability to burglars. Remember, effective landscaping should be both visually appealing and functional, safeguarding your home and loved ones. By incorporating security measures into your landscaping strategy, you can achieve an aesthetically pleasing yard without compromising safety.
Have you ever modified your landscaping with security in mind? Feel free to share your insights or experiences in the comments section below!
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(Source: “5 Popular Landscaping Tricks That Are Making You a Target for Burglars” – Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money)
