Prevent Burglars with These Landscaping Tips

In these modern times, we often look to high-tech, electronic solutions to all of our problems. We forget that there are other time-honored and well-proven methods we can utilize to get what we want in life. For example, we tend to rely on electronic home security systems to protect us from burglars. We might even go so far as to post cameras around our homes to deter intruders or to catch them in the act. But, we don't stop to think that something as simple as how we landscape our yards can make a difference. Surprisingly enough, you can prevent burglars with these landscaping tips.

Trim the Hedges

Houses that are easily visible from the street are going to make less desirable targets than those that are hidden behind a bunch of vegetation. Keep your shrubs trimmed low so you don't afford a burglar protection while he's trying to break into your home. This is just one of the landscaping tips that can make a big difference to prevent burglars.

Keep shrubs to less than three feet. Any that grow next to the house should not only be trimmed, but they should not be allowed to block the windows, either. A great landscaping tip for these areas is to plant bushes that have thorns because no one is going to climb through them to get to your window. Alternatively, you can add gravel in the areas around your windows in order to make a noisy surface for potential burglars to walk on.

Clean Up the Yard

Nothing attracts a burglar quite like a family on vacation. If your grass is getting too long and the flower beds are uncared for, a potential intruder may interpret that as an empty house. Since he's going to get less resistance and be more likely to get away with a crime when the family is away, he.ll choose this type of house.

While it may not seem like all that remarkable of a landscaping tip, simply keeping your grass cut can actually prevent burglars. In addition to keeping the lawn mowed, you will also want to keep things fairly tidy. Ladders or lawn chairs left in the yard can be used by burglars to gain access to your windows.

Pay Attention to Lighting

When you design your landscaping, be sure to include a plan for how your house and yard will be lit at night. It is thought that the number one deterrent of would-be burglars is a well-lit yard. You can include walkway lighting and motion-detector floodlights to prevent burglars and make your yard a safer place at the same time.