Thinking landscaping always brings to mind pictures of perfectly trimmed hedges, lush gardens, and welcoming walkways. But the other side of the landscaping coin — which gets much less play — is how some design decisions may inadvertently draw the wrong sort of attention. Even if you’re proud that your yard is pretty, there are some elements that despite your best efforts and photo ops with your loved ones, inadvertently make your home more susceptible to burglars and trespassers.
Criminals by their very nature are opportunists. Your yard can be laid out in a way that protects your property, or makes it easier for someone to target your home. So, let’s dive deep into some of the most common landscaping mistakes and how to eliminate them so that criminals will find your home less enticing.
Overgrown Shrubs And Bushes
Overgrown greenery can make your home look quaint and woodsy, but it also creates a burglar’s dream. Intruders will find tall shrubs near windows and doors to be an excellent place to hide. Without being seen by neighbors or passersby, they can crouch out of sight watching your routine or trying a break-in. Trim your shrubs to about 3 feet tall and plant thorny varieties like holly or roses beneath windows to keep unwanted visitors away.
High Privacy Fences
A tall privacy fence might feel like a secluded retreat in your backyard, but your property is so hidden from view that you and your neighbors can’t even see it. Burglars can freely work unnoticed once they are in your yard if your fence is too high. Instead, go for fences with a combination of privacy and visibility, e.g., lattice-topped or picket fences, that still afford at least a degree of oversight.
The Lighting Around The Property Is Poor
A burglar’s best friend is a dimly lit property. Motion sensor lights are great because they catch the intruder off guard and startle them enough that they aren’t sure if they should continue. Highlight entry points, walkways, and driveways so you don’t have too many dark corners someone might like to lurk in.
Decorative Rocks Near Windows
What if those large rocks you have in your garden for decorative purposes were used to break a window instead? That’s like giving an intruder a ‘starter kit’ for mischievousness. If you like the visual of a natural stone, though, you could use something like pea gravel that is harder to throw or tightly secured individual pavers.
Unsecured Tools And Equipment
If you let a burglar see your ladder or tools lying around, it won’t seem like a big deal, but to a burglar, it’s an open invitation. Shovels, hammers, even wheelbarrows can all be repurposed for breaking into your home. Always place a lock on your shed or garage if you store tools there, and leave the ladders on a chain or otherwise keep them inaccessible.
The House Has Dense Tree Cover
Trees too close to your home can become a “highway” to your second-story windows or roof. Branches are easy to climb and make it simple for intruders to get into areas you thought were out of range. Cut trees back so that there are no branches within six to eight feet of the exterior walls and, if at all possible, plant smaller ornamental trees farther from the house.
Invisible House Numbers
House numbers can be a lifesaver, literally. If your home is too hard to find for police or emergency responders, intruders may have more time to make their escape or get away. Be sure your house numbers are large, easy to read, and lit up at night, so you don’t get confused.
Excessive Landscaping Features
Winding paths, hidden alcoves, and densely planted areas are examples of landscaping that creates too many spots for hiding. A thick hedge could be just the place a burglar could creep behind without anybody noticing. You want to have a balance of that beauty and that sense of openness. You want an attractive yard without hiding places for someone with bad intentions.
Unmonitored Water Features
That beautiful pond or fountain can be a source of pride for your yard, but it can also be a distraction. A 2018 University of North Carolina at Charlotte study found that burglars seek homes with few surveillance designations. If you care more about a water feature than security cameras or lighting, perhaps you’re sending a message of vulnerability. To cover areas around your water features, install discreet cameras.
Unlocked Sheds Or Storage Units
Valuable tools and equipment are often stored in sheds that thieves could steal or use to enter your home. You can add a heavy-duty lock to your shed and also add a motion-activated alarm to scare off potential intruders.
‘Beware of Dog’ Signs Usage
A ‘Beware of Dog’ sign can be scary, but if burglars are looking for security systems, they’ll see it and know there aren’t any. Also, when you don’t back it up with an actual dog, it’s just an empty threat. Experts advise that such signs be accompanied by security cameras visible from the outside or a sticker alerting people to an alarm system, to make your home less enticing to burglars.
