Landscaping & Yard Security

A few alterations to your landscaping can be enough to put off intruders. To avoid getting caught, intruders look for property they can get into and out of quickly. Their ideal target is a house surrounded by large hedges and shrubs, which hamper visibility from the street and neighbors houses.

Bushes, Shrubs and Trees: Trim shrubbery and trees so doors and windows are visible to neighbors, and from the street. Trimmed landscaping should not provide concealment for criminals. If you have a second floor, prune trees so they can't help a thief climb in second floor windows. Place trellises where they can't be used as ladders to gain entry to the upper floors.

• Ground plants (shrubbery and bushes) within 4 feet of any sidewalks, driveways, doors or gates, should be maintained at a height of not more than 2 feet.
• Ground plants between 4 and 8 feet of any sidewalks, driveways, doors, or gates, should be maintained at a height of not more than 4 feet.
• Ground plants under windows should be maintained at a height that is below the window sill.
• Trees should be trimmed so that the lower branches are more than 6 feet off the ground.

Place large gauge gravel on the ground near windows. The noise caused by intruders walking on it can become a psychological deterrent. DO not place river rocks or other items near glass windows or doors. You do not want to provide the burglar with his tools!

Plant spiny (thorny) plants along fences and under windows. Such plants will discourage even the most nimble intruder. Protecting with spiny plants is as effective as the use of barbed wire, and a lot more attractive.