Landscaping and Exterior Lighting

Landscaping and Exterior Lighting

Landscaping Considerations

Improperly planned landscaping can actually create an environment that's conducive to crime. Landscaping design and safety requirements can differ greatly from site to site. Even though, there are several basics that speak to crime prevention and personal/property security. Creating natural visibility in an environment is paramount to creating a safe place. Line of sight visibility to and from parking lots, homes, walkways, businesses and common areas removes the security of concealment from the criminal. Here are some basic rules to follow:

Trees and shrubs should not:

  • Be planted next to buildings where they can provide second story access.
  • Be planted next to lighting sources where, after time, they can obscure the light output.
  • Be planted next to entrances or alcoves where they can reduce visibility.

Trees and shrubs should:

  • Be maintained at certain heights and levels to provide for proper line of sight visibility.
  • Trees - canopy should be trimmed at 7 feet.
  • Shrubs - no higher than 36 inches.

Concealment Areas:

Landscaping can create a multitude of concealment or entrapment sites. These are areas where individuals can hide or entrap a victim. Planting around hidden alcoves and corners is discouraged for this reason. If plants are present in these areas, particular attention should be paid to the height requirements outlined above.

Defense Plants:

Landscaping can be used as a tool for crime prevention as well. Use defense plants (thorny plants or plants with needles) as barriers to vulnerable access points, such as below bedroom windows, or along fence lines to prevent access.

WARNING: Don't let trees and shrubs become overgrown where they impede walkways, lighting sources and creates concealment or entrapment zones. Keep landscaping well groomed and you'll be creating a safer environment.

Lighting:

Exterior lighting is extremely important in residential security. Each exterior doorway should be lights to prevent a burglar from concealing his activities. Yards and windows should be lighted to prevent concealment. Ornamental porch, yard post lamps and garage coach lights are a means of eliminating night blind spots.

Yard and entrance lights can be equipped with sensors which will turn on at dusk and off at dawn.

Motion lighting:

Is activated by motion through a sensor mounted on the light fixture. The sensor can be wide or narrow angled depending on your needs. They can be set to activate at dusk and stay on for a predetermined amount of time (typically 3 - 5 minutes). Make sure the sensor is set high enough to scan the upper body area of an average height adult or your lights will go off for every stray cat in the neighborhood.

Photocell:

Lights that come on automatically at dusk and shuts off at dawn. This is great for areas where you want constant illumination without having to worry about timers.