For many, a beautiful garden is synonymous with an oasis of peace & tranquillity – a refuge from the craziness of everyday life where you can just enjoy the wonders of nature. A well maintained garden with colorful flowers, lush greenery can do wonders to your home and can make your home look serene and beautiful.
Many homeowners may not realize that, underneath all the beauty, their garden could actually be putting their safety at risk. Yes, that patch of paradise can be dangerous, and we can miss those dangers because we’re so focused on the aesthetics, not the practicalities. Here is how.
Overgrown Bushes and Trees
While it may seem very inviting to walk by a lush, overgrown garden, it also may provide an area for someone to hide. You won’t even realize someone is breaking in due to the thick shrubs or tall trees near windows or doors creating the perfect hiding spot for someone to get into your home undetected. Regularly trimming them not only helps to improve visibility but can also help you to sleep easier at night.
Unsecured Garden Tools
After a long day of gardening, many have been guilty of leaving a spade or rake lying around. But these tools can be more than a tripping hazard; they can be used by intruders to break into your home. If your tools are not on hand for use, keeping them in a shed or garage will help prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
Unstable Garden Structures
While your charming pergola or trellis may give your garden character, if they are not properly secured they can be a serious risk. They could come crashing down at the slightest gust of wind or the climbing child. Check regularly the stability of any garden structures, any weak points are fixed before they are a real hazard.
Slippery Surfaces
While fountains, ponds or even something as simple as a birdbath will add to the beauty of your garden, they will also bring the danger of slippery surfaces. These damp areas can easily grow moss or algae, and will quickly turn a relaxing stroll into a slip and fall accident waiting to happen. Surfaces should be kept clean and non slip mats or stones can be added around wet zones.
Poor Lighting
Soft, romantic lighting might be just the thing to set the mood for a night in your garden, but it also makes it easier for those unwanted visitors to get close to your home without you noticing. Areas around the perimeter of your house or pathways are dimly lit, and they make great hiding spots for someone to hide around. Motion sensor lights will illuminate dark areas and scare off burglars and accidents as well.
Unfenced Property Boundaries
Your garden may be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape, but without a clear border between you and the rest of the world, your garden may also invite more than just friendly neighbors. Gardens which are unfenced or low fenced give easy access to intruders or stray animals. A secure fence is not only secure but also demarcates your space.
Compost Bins or Trash Cans That Are Unsecured
Leaving compost bins or trash cans with no top may not seem like a big deal, but they will become a scavenger’s feast. Worse yet, you can attract pests that will attempt to get into your home. Make sure lids are tight and if at all possible bins are stored in secure area.
Hardscaping and Decorative Rocks
Having decorative rocks or gravel in your path is appealing, but can also be dangerous. During storms loose stones can become projectiles, or worse, vandals can use them to break windows. You can go with heavier, more secure landscaping materials or make sure gravel is spread far away from windows.
Poisonous Plants
While it’s easy to overlook, some of the most beautiful plants in your garden could be toxic to pets or children. Foxgloves or oleanders are stunning flowers that are dangerous if ingested. Double check that none of your plants are a health risk if you have young kids or curious animals and take out any that are.
Climbing Plants
Climbing roses or ivy covered walls can look very picturesque but they also act like a natural ladder for burglars. Climbing plants that reach second story windows or roofs can be an easy boost for a would be intruder so keep your climbers trimmed, or avoid putting them near entry points.
Fire Pits or Barbecues Unattended
If you have a cozy fire pit or barbecue, you can enjoy a fun evening by it, but leaving them unattended, especially with live coals, can be a recipe for disaster. Not only could they start a fire, they could also be used as tools by intruders. Never leave a flame unattended and always keep your barbecue out of sight when not in use.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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