Backyards are an important part of the homeowner lifestyle. From spending time with friends and loved ones to tackling difficult recreational projects, this space accommodates everything you need. However, backyards can be some of the most susceptible to unauthorized entry, putting your family and belongings at risk. These are some simple ways to improve the security of your backyard so that you can preserve your home and rest easy at night.
Install Landscape Lighting
One of the first things you can do is install enough landscape lighting to cover your property. While outdoor lighting fixtures work great to emphasize certain aspects of your yard’s design, they also help deter potential intruders. There are few things that stun a robber more than suddenly losing their cover at night, and backyard sensor lights will cause most of them to abandon their mission entirely. So, if you want to better protect your yard, especially after hours, installing some lighting in these areas is something to consider.
Build a Backyard Fence
If you have an open backyard that blends into that of your neighbors’, installing a fence around the perimeter can help as well. Adequate fencing not only hides the items you want to keep out of the public view, but it also makes it difficult for intruders to enter your yard. Now, they’d need to climb over something rather than simply stroll in. Plastic fencing boards made with HDPE are particularly effective at keeping individuals out of your yard, as they boast higher strength characteristics and can resist damage better than even wood.
Use Hedges as a Barrier
Tall and thick hedges also make great barriers for your backyard. Prickly to the touch, these plants discourage individuals from pushing through. They can successfully obscure many of your possessions just like a fence can. In addition to the bulked-up security, this strategy is an effective way to increase the appearance of your property and expand curb appeal. Just make sure you don’t plant too many of them, as they can make your home look too hidden and, therefore, a more attractive target.
Secure Any Outbuildings
Another simple way to improve the security of your backyard is by increasing the defenses of any outbuildings you have. Sheds and storage huts are wonderful places to keep tools, recreational items, and seasonal décor. But, since they’re outside, they’re also the easiest place for thieves to break into. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you install sturdier locks on shed doors and upgrade the hardware to something that isn’t as easily broken. This way, you’ll never need to worry about the occasional opportunistic theft again.