When you think of securing your home, you think alarms systems, extra locks or maybe motion detectors – but do plants come to mind? Well, they should. You might have a full security system in your yard already. Here are a few plants you can put under your home windows that can help keep trespassers off your property.
The Hawthorne
The Hawthorne is a type of tree that grows up to 25 feet high. It blooms pink and white flowers and also grows sharp thorns that can extend to five inches in length making it impossible to climb. There is another variation called the Washington Hawthorne that grows several feet higher for even more privacy.
Pyracantha
The Pyracantha, also known as the firethorn, is the perfect security plant. They can grow up to 20 feet tall and are covered with thorns. They are low maintenance plant making them very easy to take care of.
Roses
Everyone knows that roses have thorns, which is the first reason they are a good security plant. Some species of roses grow a dense thicket that makes them almost impossible to walk through. The thorns and thickness combination will keep intruders away.
Barberry
Barberry is a shrub that can grow up to 16 feet tall. They are commonly used as foundation plants because of they are easy to take care of and adapt easily in most climates. The Wintergreen Barberry grows the most thorns, making it the best type for security. Since they are so easy to grow and take care of, they can often become invasive and spread throughout the yard. From a security standpoint, the invasiveness of this plant is not necessarily a bad thing.
Black Locust
The Black Locust is a medium-sized deciduous tree most common in the southeastern part of the United States. They are known for blooming white flowers that have multiple thorns at the base. A Black Locust can grow anywhere from 40 to 100 feet, making it perfect for a yard or next to a house. In the same family, the Honey Locust grows its thorns on the tree trunk, which is another good choice for a security plant.
These five plants are all good options to plant under or around your windows to prevent break-ins. There are many more options of plants with thorns and spikes, but these five are easy to grow and maintain and will be sure to keep the intruders out of your yard and home.
