How Does Your Landscaping Influence Home Security?

Do gardening and landscaping habits have a direct impact on home security? A recent study from Vivint looked closer at how strategic landscaping influences home security, perceptions of security, and how a plants serve as a deterrent to theft and offer peace of mind. In a time when smart home systems, security cameras, and outdoor motion sensor lights are readily embraced to enhance home security, the study points out an often overlooked aspect: Landscaping.

"Millions of Americans already use their landscaping as a first line of defense against burglars," shares Mark Delcorps, Vivint PR team. "36% believe a well-kept yard not only enhances curb appeal but also sends a clear message of vigilance to potential intruders. Roughly 63% perceive yard neglect as indicative of overlooking other safety measures."

Only 1 in 8 Americans say that they intentionally choose landscaping features and plants as a function of home security, but a much larger percentage — 36% of respondents — have a different point of view. This percentage feels that if their own lawn was unkempt, they were putting their space at risk to potential burglars. The survey also reports that a whopping 63% perceived that if their neighboring homeowners neglected lawn care, they were also neglecting other forms of home security. This isn't the message homeowners want to be sending to would-be intruders.

Committing to routine lawn care and making thoughtful landscaping choices can go a long way at improving your natural security barrier — with or without having additional systems in place. For homeowners who already use landscaping plants as a preventative measure, the study groups selected plants into three categories:

• Thorny plants: Roses (used by 42% of respondents), Barberry (11%), and Hawthorn (8%)
• Dense shrubs: Used by 45% of respondents, with Boxwood (21%), Holly (20%), Privet (8%) noted as leading varieties.
• Tall trees: Used by 42% of respondents. Pine (20%), Maple (14%), Oak (12%) were leading varieties.

In addition to thorny bushes, , 28% of respondents cited that noisy ground cover also contributed to their home feeling safe. Common varieties include Pachysandra, Creeping Myrtle, and Ivy.

Other Plants That May Offer Peace of Mind

Improve security measures, enhance your protective barrier, and deter unwanted visitors with a combination of plants that feature sharp thorns, pointy leaves, and thorny branches. The thoughtful placement of shrubs and plants to create physical barrier can supplement other forms of home security, especially near vulnerable windows or spots with access to balconies.

• Pyracantha (also known as Firethorn)
• Prickly Pear Cactus, Barrel Cactus, or other Cacti (they're all painful deterrents)
• Yucca
• Hawthorn
• Agave Americana
• Bougainvillea
• Crown of Thorns
• Californian Fuchsia
• Giant Rhubarb
• Blackthorn plants
• Pampas grass. Looks delicate and soft, but it'll cut your skin like little razor blades.
• Bamboo
• Osage orange (Maclura pomifera)
• Mesquite
• Blackberries or raspberries
• Chinese Jujube (Red date)
• Oregon grape holly

Best Practices for Safeguarding Your Home

While plants make an excellent barrier and can be used to ward off potential intruders, other security measures also help protect your home and community.

• Install motion-activated lights
• Trim shrubs for clean appearance
• Install a locking mailbox
• Remote or app-controlled garage door opener
• Use high-quality door locks. And, if using a smart lock, use visitor codes.
• Install a doorbell camera or a peephole camera
• Use mulch to polish landscaping beds
• Install a security sign
• Incorporate landscape lighting, like uplights and downlights
• Clear fallen branches and leaves promptly
• Lock windows
• Replace glass basement windows with glass block
• Install security cameras with motion sensor lighting