Roses Are Red … And Thwart Burglars, Too

Unfortunately, home invasions are common these days. You probably know some ways to encourage a would-be intruder to move along: having a noisy dog, keeping a television or lights on in the house, having a home security system. But one of the most effective ways to keep your home secure will also increase your curb value at the same time: landscaping. These tips will create an outdoor space that’s inviting to you and hostile to intruders.

1. Natural surveillance. Think like a burglar: would you rather break into a house with lots of convenient hiding places, or one that’s easily visible to neighbors or people driving by? Keeping your yard clear of too many trees and pruning shrubs to 3 feet or less will deprive intruders of an out-of-sight hiding place. Another way to stop burglars in their tracks is to install motion-activated lights that will create an instant, unwelcome spotlight. Even solar garden lights will provide an attractive glow that is unattractive to intruders. And consider using gravel around your house instead of paving stones – it will crunch, and home intruders don’t want to be heard any more than they want to be seen.

2. Natural access controls. If intruders can’t get through a door, they’ll try a window. You can thwart this with Mother Nature’s most beautiful version of barbed wire: roses. Many of these thorny plants have barbs that are downright diabolical, and chances are pretty good your burglar will not have brought gardening gloves or pruning shears. There are many gorgeously prickly varieties from which to choose, depending on your growing zone and gardening ability. If you have a second story, make sure there are no sturdy, climbable trellises (unless they are full of spiky climbing roses) or trees overhanging the roof that could give them access to a second story.