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A guide to landscaping for home security in Cedar Rapids

April 01, 2024
Home with new plants in mulch bed and wheelbarrow in yard

What will prospective intruders think when they come across your property’s landscape? Are you extending an invitation with poor lighting and untended greenery? Review our tips on landscaping for home security in Cedar Rapids and see how you can boost your property’s defense.

No. 1: Keep your Cedar Rapids property well-lit

A well-illuminated exterior is an annoyance to intruders who would prefer to stay hidden in darkness. Investigate your yard to pinpoint poorly lit spots, including the outer edges, where uninvited company will gain access. Incorporate motion-sensing lights around main entrances like garages and patio doors, or consider less-intrusive lighting that you keep lit after dark.

You could install lights next to pathways to help you see at night and illuminate your yard. Accent lights shining on walls or fences expose possible hiding areas and deliver an appealing touch.

No. 2: Keep your yard looking nice

What do meticuolously pruned shrubs, routinely cut grass, and weeded gardens communicate about you? It’s a clear indicator that you are attentive to your landscape and probably to your property’s security. Thieves are much less willing to tresspass a well-groomed yard with mindful homeowners. Don’t cause your home to be more of a target by giving the wrong impression.

No. 3: Invest in exterior cameras in Cedar Rapids

The one thing thieves don’t like to see perched around your home is a surveillance camera. The mere appearance of video cameras is enough to frighten off most threats. They are terrific for your safety and reassurance as you can check the video stream whenever you like from the security app on your cell phone.

Your cameras can even be programmed to link with additional smart devices, as you can have interior lighting illuminate if a video camera spots a stranger lurking. When getting them installed, keep them elevated enough off the ground to impede tampering and make sure they’re angled properly.

No. 4: Make sure you have an unobstructed sightline

You need to have an unobstructed perspective from your interior. When installing plants near windows, verify that the mature height is less than three feet. Keep your plants pruned sensibly, and avoid using larger bushes or hedges near entrance points like garages that can function as hiding spots. When crafting a design, go with a clean, open landscape that permits you to glimpse all parts of your outdoor environs.

No. 5: Employ prickly plant life when landscaping for security in Cedar Rapids

Implement an additional layer of defense with spiny, prickly, or thorny plants next to ground-level windows. Prospective intruders will try to avoid this defensive greenery and may be forced to target other principal entries like front doors and garages, which are typically the most protected. Just be careful when installing this greenery, and avoid spots where children play. And don’t forget to position your home security sign in a noticeable area to tell thieves your home is secure.

Install the best defense with a Vivint home security system in Cedar Rapids

The perfect partner for your nicely maintained landscape is a Cedar Rapids home security system from Vivint. Include surveillance cameras, entrypoint sensors, motion detectors, and smart lights into a comprehensive plan. You might even customize automation, like having inside lights switch on if a camera discovers an intruder loitering outside. Dial (319) 419-4827 today to discuss your options and upgrade your security.