Over time home security trends have taken innovative measures to ensure our safety and peace of mind. Homeowners spare no expense procuring the most efficient, technologically sound systems on the market. Security standards have increased dramatically from digital security systems to the ability to control aspects of your home from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet or laptop. However, as the old saying goes, sometimes the answer is right under your nose, or in this case, around our home. Landscaping the property around your home to increase security is a well-overlooked option for homeowners.
Don’t Help Burglers Rob You
Although homeowners desire a yard with plenty of foliage for shade and cover, too much foliage, in the wrong locations create a cover for buglers and otherwise unwanted guests. Burglars are generally attracted to yards with plenty of cover. Discourage these unwanted attacks by eliminating obvious hiding spots on your property. Keep foliage short. Make it a habit to trim overgrown trees and plant smaller shrubs opposed to giant bushes around your home. Make sure any entrances to your home are open and visible as possible. Doors and windows, which are easily visible from the street or a neighbor’s house, are less likely to be targeted by criminals.
The Best Defense Is A Good Offense
Using this theory of landscape protection to its fullest potential will involve pulling out the ninja of plants; thorny shrubbery. This landscaping strategy is the ultimate deterrent. Planting elegantly attractive bushes and flowers with thorns create an obstacle most intruders are not looking to contend. These spiky plants turn a simple “grab and go” job into a military combat zone that isn’t worth the effort. Intruders are less likely to try to hide in thorny bushes no how inconspicuous the size. Rose or holly bushes are both attractive and effective when it comes to keeping intruders at bay. Strategically place this plant underneath easily accessible windows as an added layer of protection.
Now You See Me, Now You Don’t
The next line of defense is motion sensor lights. Most of what a burglar does is done under the cover of darkness. The mere idea of a well-lit area can deter any potential burglar. Motion-sensitive lights are an important component of safe entryways and even safer windows. Install motion sensitive lights near key entry points, like doors or ground-level windows. In addition to these motion lights, monthly checks to verify that any existing lights on the exterior of your house are in working order are beneficial. Consider installing automated lights that turn on and off at specific times (try to fluctuate these times as not to create a noticeable routine) on any side doors or garage entrances.
Overall, these are simple adjustments that can be made to your home and landscape from products purchased at a Home Depot or your local gardening supplier. If you have any questions about residential or commercial alarm systems, don’t hesitate to call Delco Alarm at 610-459-0800. Delco Alarm is based out of Aston, PA and provides service to the tri-state area including West Chester, Aston, Media, Chadds Ford, Chester, Kennett Square, Newtown Square, Glen Mills, Malvern, Exton, Downingtown, Philadelphia, Wilmington, DE and New Jersey.