ComputerHunter.org

 

How to Modify Your Landscaping to Protect Your House from Burglars


Believe it or not, landscaping can be an important part of a good home security plan. A burglar who is "casing the joint" from the street will choose the house with tall shrubs and trees that provide hiding places. Homes with little or no outdoor lighting are preferred targets as well.

So, how can you landscape to protect against burglars while still creating an aesthetically pleasing yard? Here are a few tips:

You don't need to eliminate trees, but keep them trimmed back from your house; tree branches can be used as a ladder if they are next to a window or skylight.

Mow your lawn regularly; an unkempt lawn can suggest to a thief that the owners are away on a trip.

Store ladders, lawn chairs, and picnic tables out of sight lest they be used as a means to reach high windows.

Trim back shrubs growing near doors and walkways, keeping them 3 feet or shorter in height. Also, don't allow shrubs to block any of your windows.

Adding gravel under windows makes for noisy footing for would-be thieves.

Consider planting thorny bushes (of the low growing variety) around windows. Some examples are: Hawthorne, Rose Shrub, and Barberry.

Forgo privacy and keep your trees and shrubs trimmed back in order to allow a clear view of the outside of your house. Having neighbors that can see your doors and windows can help deter thieves even if you happen to be out of town.

Keep your yard well lit. Motion-detecting lights make decent choices; body heat-triggered sensors are even better (less likely to be triggered by a waving branch or a passing animal).

Dogs are not a complete home security plan, but can make good home protectors because they have keener hearing than humans, along with a propensity for barking at strangers. Dogs training can help your dog learn exactly what you want him to do.

About The Author

TC Thorn writes content for numerous web sites, including a number she owns such as http://www.homesecurityinformation.com where you can find more information on homeowner's insurance and home security.







Google News - Top Stories

ABC News

Former Republican NC Sen. Jesse Helms dies at 86
International Herald Tribune - 59 minutes ago
AP RALEIGH, NC: When telling stories about Jesse Helms after his death on the Fourth of July, the politician who took his place in Congress recalled how the iconic North Carolina senator liked to invite pages to sit down and chat over ice cream.
Video: Former Sen. Jesse Helms Dies at Age 86 AssociatedPress
Jesse Helms: a polarizer, not a compromiser The Associated Press
Washington Post - Salt Lake Tribune - Los Angeles Times - Hollywood Today Newsmagazine
all 1,477 news articles


BBC News

Back From AU Summit, Mugabe Sets Terms For Power-Sharing Talks
Voice of America - 1 hour ago
By Ntungamili Nkomo, Blessing Zulu & Benedict Nhlapho Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, seemingly unfazed by African Union and international pressure to compromise with the opposition on power-sharing, said today that he would only negotiate with the ...
Recognise me as Zimbabwe president or no talks: Mugabe AFP
Zimbabwe doesn't need UK firms, says Robert Mugabe Telegraph.co.uk
guardian.co.uk - Xinhua - The Associated Press - Times Online
all 4,813 news articles


Boston Globe

An emotional Bush at last Fourth of July as president
Los Angeles Times - 3 hours ago
It was his last Fourth of July as president -- and his first visit to Monticello, the home of the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.
Video: Bush Invokes Jefferson on July 4 AssociatedPress
President Bush helps swear in new citizens in historic Monticello CNN
Baltimore Sun - CNN International - International Herald Tribune - FOXNews
all 686 news articles


ABC News

Obama mixes holiday barbecue, politics in Montana
Reuters - 1 hour ago
By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent BUTTE, Mont., July 4 (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama mixed presidential politics with parades and barbecue on US Independence Day on Friday, celebrating his daughter's birthday with a picnic and fireworks ...
Obama and family spend Fourth of July in Montana The Associated Press
Obama Enjoying the Red and Blue of Montana ABC News
International Herald Tribune - CBS News - KPAX-TV - Reiten Television KXMB Bismarck
all 374 news articles


The Age

Flames descend canyons in Santa Barbara Co. fire
San Jose Mercury News - 4 hours ago
AP GOLETA - A fast-moving wildfire fueled by Santa Barbara County's notorious "sundowner" winds consumed about a half-dozen outbuildings overnight, but firefighters were able to save hundreds of homes from intense flames in the pre-dawn hours, ...
California Calls Up Extra 200 Troops to Fight Blazes (Update1) Bloomberg
Firefighters hold line on two California wildfires Reuters
San Diego Union Tribune - LAist - FireFighting News.com - Los Angeles Times
all 400 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base