A short note on landscaping

Landscaping can be an indispensable tool for security, not to mention how much better it can make any building look. For security it can provide some very real benefits, and I'm not talking about those "tips" for home protection like placing thorny bushes around windows (which works or doesn't depending on who you consult).

So here are a few basics for incorporating security functions into your landscaping.

The most important bit has to do with Natural Surveillance, or making sure that everyone is able to see the goings on in a given area. To do this keep shrubs relatively low, particularly closer to the building, to reduce potential areas of concealment. Then keep trees high, or "canopy" them, with the lowest branches somewhere above five feet (six is event better). There reason for adjusting the trees is to highlight the silhouette of a person standing near it. The head is one of the most identifiable features on a human silhouette. This coupled with improved lighting makes it much harder for someone to conceal themselves around a building.

From there is becomes possible to use landscaping for "wayfinding" or assisting persons to remain on the proper path. Shrubs and trees can help guide people without the use of fencing, bollards or chains. It looks nicer, costs less over time, and can be just as effective. For instance, if folks like to "cut across" the lawn on their way to a nearby attraction then a row of shrubs can help deter this behavior. Again the shrubs can be kept relatively low and the height can be compensated with depth. While it might be easy to just over an 18" high row of shrubs, it is much more difficult to do the same for a row that is, say, four or five feet deep. Different types of shrubs can add color and texture for visual appeal while making it uncomfortable to force passage. Some shrubs are particularly adept had creating a sort of "tanglefoot" entrapment that is difficult (or even treacherous) and uncomfortable to pass through. Here again, lighting can help enhance the shrubbery by lighting the path around the plants to further assist in guiding individuals.

There. A couple of quick thoughts on the uses of landscaping in security.