How Landscaping Can Protect Your Home From Burglary

Home security systems and alarm monitoring are great ways to protect your home from burglary. But did you know that landscaping should be included in your home security prevention plan?

An overgrown lawn with untrimmed hedges cries “easy opportunity” to burglars. A freshly cut lawn, trimmed bushes and flowers give the impression that someone is home. A little landscaping could be the difference maker in providing a little extra protection to your home while you’re gone.

If you’re going on vacation for a few weeks, follow these tips to make sure your landscaping is up to par.

• Cut your grass, be sure to rake and sweep trimmings
• Trim tree branches near home and rake dead leaves
• Water your followers and set any sprinkler systems if available
• If you have any fruit trees, pick up fallen fruit
• Be sure perimeter lighting is working
• In winter, be sure driveways are plowed by a service or neighbor

Besides landscaping, be sure to cancel newspaper and mail delivery while you’re gone. Also, store bicycles, mowers, grills and other valuable outdoor items in a secure place such as a garage or basement.

Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute to do this. Who really wants to do yard work right before vacation? We suggest cutting your grass and trimming bushes a few days before you leave. Then on the day before your vacation, you can focus on a few last-minute things such as fallen fruit and watering.