Monday, June 1, 2009

Stealth Security - Plants for Protection

Bougainvillea Plant




Protection in plain sight can sometimes be your best defense against unwanted intruders.
Through the use of defensive landscaping you can increase the security of your home while adding additional privacy. Even a thick hedge will discourage many unwanted intruders to go elsewhere. There are many plants that can give you additional security while not being obvious as to their true purpose. Many plants can offer additional protection and security for your home and not detract from its appearance. This is an option that works well in both a rural and an urban setting. When considering plants for protection, you will need to consider a number of factors.
















Plants for Protection

1.) Find out which thorny plants, bushes and vines grow well in your area and can provide a measure of protection and privacy all year long, including the winter months.

2.) Decide which areas of your home are the most vulnerable and plan accordingly.




A.) You can guard walkways and entry areas with plants like Yucca and rose bushes to encourage people to stay on the path and not wander around in other areas you don’t wish them to enter. This can be done without being obvious as to their purpose.

B.) Windows that are at ground level can also be areas of vulnerability when it comes to home security. Plants like Agave and hawthorns can reduce the chances of unwanted persons lurking about outside your windows.

C.) Upper story windows can be protected with plants such as honey locust, prickly ash, and Osage orange. You get shade as well as protection. It is also a good idea not to have trees growing so close to your house that they offer easy access to roof areas or upper windows.

D.) Your backyard can be protected through the use of thorny vines or climbing roses growing along fence lines. This will work to discourage those unwanted intruders who might like to climb. Your neighbors probably won’t think much of a berry vine growing on your fence but will notice a couple of strands of barb wire strung along the top real quick. Barb wire works great in a rural setting but doesn’t appeal to the neighbors in an urban setting.

Determine which plants will give you the maximum protection and that are compatible with your current landscaping and climate. This will help you achieve the maximum security value possible for your home.

Keep your family safe from unwanted intruders the natural way!

Hopefully, unwanted intruders will get the point.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here in Az,we have an ornamental plant called a boiganvilla,I'm sure I butchered the name,but it grow's like a weed,has 1 inch thorn's,and just scary to mess with!It need's almost no water,and even after frost damage,the root's will pop up in no time.I have several about 6 feet tall and as wide along my back fence.I'd almost feel sorry if someone jumped into those!Almost.
Dean in az

Mayberry said...

Good advice RW! I got Prickly pear, and some sort of spikey aloe vera type plants under my windows out front. The rest are inside the fence....

Sunfighter said...

Most people will take a path instead of trudging through thorns. People on paths also make good targets.

I just cut down a bunch of barbed wire on my property, the previous owner loved that stuff.

But I strategically stored it around the property for future use....

Nothing slows them down better than barbed wire...

I do agree, landscaping can be a useful security mechinism.

riverwalker said...

To: Dean in AZ

Nice plant! We have them in Texas also. Added a pic of one to the post so people could get an idea of the thorns these plants have on them. Really wicked! Thanks.

RW

riverwalker said...

To: Mayberry

Prickly pear.....ouch!!!

RW

riverwalker said...

To: hilljack33

When all else fails, barb wire works! Doesn't hurt to have a some extra rolls or strands of barb wire handy...just in case!

RW

Anonymous said...

Hill:
You have the barbed wire,why not make something like a trellis for vine's or such,depending where you are.Grape's,bean's,whatever your area can grow.Put's it to a multiple use,security,camo,and a deterent.
RW:
I was in a race in mexico year's ago,saw a farm in the middle of nowhere,they took bougainvillae branche's,tied them together like a snow fence,(snow,what's that?),and made a pen for goat's! I'm sure it would work for chicken's and more!
Dean in Az

Anonymous said...

Hi,

The Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham TX sells antique climbing roses that get REALLY big, make evil thorns, and lovely rose hips. They are a little pricey but they come self rooted in dirt, not bare root. They are also the onlyplace I have found that organizes the info on the rose bushes so you can pick out the characteristics that you want without you doing the research on every single rose you are interested in. I have four rose bushes from them that are going into the ground along my front fence this week.
If you make your place look like a stalag you send a message that you may have something worth stealng. Roses or other thorney landscaping add beauty, value, and utility to your property and just say "I like plants." Thus the stealth.
The other thing to consider is trimming bushes BELOW window level so people cannot hide in them while breaking in. You also do not want to obscure the views in or out around your gate since that is where you are probably the most vulnerable if someone wants to grab you.
Second line of defense is 2 big noisy dogs. Third is the pit bull that stays inside when I am not there.
Never underestimate the power of looking "normal", it is a kind of visible invisbility.

riverwalker said...

To: anonymous 8:06

You've made some very excellent points. They are great for their "stealth" value. I like plants also! Thanks.

RW

riverwalker said...

To: Dean

Bougainvillea. You were pretty close on the spelling! Almost.

RW

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