Your guide to landscaping for home security in Portland
What sort of message does your home’s landscape send to possible burglars? Are you extending an invitation with insufficient illumination and overgrown shrubs? Explore our recommendations on landscaping for home security in Portland and find how you can enhance your property’s defense.
No. 1: Keep your Portland exterior Illuminated
A nicely illuminated property is a nuisance to intruders who would preferably remain hidden in the shadows. Examine your property to find shadowy spots, including the outer border, where unwelcomed company will gain access. Integrate motion-sensing lighting around key entrances like back doors and garages, or use more subtle lighting that stays on overnight.
You may want to install lights beside pathways to help you see after dark and illuminate your property. Accent lights next to hedges and trees expose possible hiding places and deliver a designer touch.
No. 2: Keep up with regular maintenance
What do meticuolously pruned shrubs, routinely cut grass, and weed-free garden beds convey about you? It’s a solid indicator that you pay attention to your yard and probably to your home’s security. Prowlers are much less inclined to walk into a nicely groomed lawn with mindful occupants. Don’t make your home more of a target by giving a poor impression.
No. 3: Use outdoor surveillance in Portland
The one thing intruders don’t like to see affixed to your home is a surveillance device. The mere appearance of video cameras is enough to deter most opportunistic burglars. They are great for your protection and peace of mind as you can review the video clips anytime from your cell phone’s home security app.
Your cameras may even be set up to integrate with other smart devices, as you could have interior light bulbs switch on if surveillance finds someone approaching. When installing, keep them elevated enough to avoid tampering and ensure they’re angled wisely.
No. 4: Make certain you have a clear view
You should have an unimpeded sightline at all times. When planting next to windows, verify that the mature size is three feet or less. Keep all plant life trimmed properly, and don’t use sizable bushes or shrubs beside entryways like garage doors that can function as places to hide. When designing, go with an open, uncluttered landscape that lets you see all parts of your property.
No. 5: Use prickly plant life when landscaping for security in Portland
Create an extra layer of security with spiny, prickly, or thorny plants near first-floor windows. Prospective intruders will want to avoid this defensive plant life and might have to target other principal entryways like front doors and garages, which are usually the most protected. Just use caution when planting them, and avoid places where kids play. And remember to include your home security sign and decal in a visible area to tell burglars your home is secure.
Install the best defense with a Vivint home security system in Portland
The ideal partner for your nicely maintained landscape is a Portland home security system from Vivint. Integrate video surveillance, window and door sensors, motion detectors, and smart light bulbs into a full-featured plan. You might even implement automation, like having indoor lights illuminate if a camera finds a prowler lurking outdoors. Contact (503) 213-9485 today to ask about your options and moderninze your security.