Going Green with Security
Going "green", the popular term for adding a bit of environmental responsibility to one's life, is all the rage lately. Generally, such efforts encompass activities such as recycling, installing more energy-efficient appliances and foregoing single-occupant vehicles for commuting in exchange for busses or biking. Home security can be a very green affair, as well, and some of the best security measures require no electronics or electricity at all.
Planting shrubs and bushes whose natural defense mechanisms make it difficult for thieves and prowlers to do their work is a technique as old as the human desire to defend our territory. Generally, the plants that are the most effective toward such efforts are those with thorny bushes. Standing in such a bush while casing a property or working on a window is nigh impossible. There are certain plants which are very effective for this, some of which are explored below.
The Oregon Blackberry is a good choice, depending upon your region. This bushy plant is equipped with plenty of nasty thorns. Anyone unfortunate enough to jump into one of these bushes is in for a very painful surprise and not likely to stick around for very long. These bushes are good around the perimeter of a property. They're also quite beautiful, a nice side benefit to planting them.
Roses, of course, are one of the most beautiful plants around. Planting rose bushes under a window not only beautifies the yard, it makes the location where the bush grows quite inhospitable for intruders. Check with your local nursery to see which roses will do well in your area and make certain that your chosen bushes have long thorns. The "Voodoo Rose" is highly recommended for its particularly gruesome thorns.
The Washington hawthorn is another good choice. It's lush and beautiful which makes it a rewarding gardening project and the nasty spines put up a formidable defense, both for the plant and for your property. Another good option is the Oregon Grape Holly. These bushes will deter just about anyone from hanging around where they're planted.
If you live in an arid or semi-arid environment, you have access to the nastiest plant of all, the cactus. Even gentler seeming plants such as the Yucca have wicked spines which can make the most dedicated thieves think twice about approaching a window.
When working with these plants, make certain to wear protective clothing. Helpful as they are, these plants can't distinguish between friend and foe! Nylon clothing and heavy gloves are highly recommended.
Should the thief in question manage to penetrate your green defense perimeter, a monitored alarm is the best way to protect the house itself. These systems are very affordable these days, costing about the same per month as broadband Internet, and offer excellent protection. They consume low amounts of power in their operation but are always ready to respond when the areas of the home they protect are compromised, making them something of a green investment, as well.
About the Author:
Alarm systems from ADT are the best you can get. A home security system from ADT can help protect your home and family with state-of-the art equipment and round-the-clock monitoring.
