Many people enjoy working in their yard while the weather is warm, but did you know that planning your landscape design is more than just aesthetics? Sure, you want everything to look nice, but with some intentional placement, you can discourage possible intruders and reduce the chance of a robbery.

1. Pass on the mulch. Instead of using this soft, quiet material, use pea gravel in flower beds under windows. These small stones make a crunching sound when someone is walking on it, which could make a possible intruder look for a quieter target.
2. Trim tree branches that extend near windows. Most thieves aren't going to walk in through the front door, so look up and see where they might have easy access to a second story window. Cutting branches near the house will limit their options.
3.  Make sure your house is visible from the street. Large hedges and solid fences may provide privacy, but they also give an intruder a place to hide. Think about installing decorative fencing that you can see through and low bushes to give some design features that will look nice, but remain uninviting to thieves.
4. Be intentional about planting under windows. Bushes with thorns such as roses, holly or bird's nest spruces are a great deterrent. In desert climates, needle bush, Spanish bayonet or a prickly pear cacti will make a person think twice. Keep them trimmed low, so hiding near a window is not an option.
5. Lights are a great deterrent as well. Installing some landscape lighting with motion detectors will look nice as a landscape feature, which can also scare off anyone who is not supposed to be there after dark.

You can decrease your chances of having to deal with a break-in if you're smart with your landscape choices. The plants, materials and lighting you use not only look nice, but can be used in a way that deters possible intruders.

Protect your property. Call RCU Insurance Services at (707) 576-5120 for more information on Santa Rosa, CA home insurance.