Your home and, more importantly, the people in it are the most important things in your life. How to best protect them should take serious consideration. Understandably, home security systems are a common and smart choice. Adding an alarm and exterior cameras, along with monitoring services, do offer protection.
But poorly lit exteriors can limit a security system's effectiveness and put your family at risk. And if you don't want cameras and full monitoring services, outdoor lighting can immediately make your home safer. Here are a few ways to increase home security with outdoor lighting.
1 - Make coming home or leaving at night safer
A dark entrance to your home isn't just unsettling. It's the place where you are most likely to be confronted on your property. Proper lighting around and leading up to entry points of your home makes it easier to see and feel safe. Stepping out the door shouldn't be a concern, either. While a light next to the door may be bright enough to find your keys, good lighting will highlight enough areas for you to see your surroundings and safely navigate any stairs or walkways. Studies show that burglars are less likely to try and enter a home with proper lighting as it greatly increases their chances of being detected.
2 - Increase the nighttime visibility of the entire property
If you've ever been in your yard at night, you know the dark spots to avoid. Anyone who has walked their dogs in the evening knows those spots in the yard where it is hard to see them. These dark spots can feel threatening even if they aren't. Proper landscape lighting should ensure the entire property is lit so you can see every corner. And it can be accomplished without floodlights that detract from the attractiveness and enjoyability of your home. Tree uplighting, pathway lights, and fence lighting can increase visibility on the property while also making your home more beautiful.
3 - Eliminate blind spots for security cameras
If you install security cameras outside your home, they should be able to see what is happening, day or night. Unfortunately, the wrong lighting can cause issues. Too dark areas may be impossible for a standard camera to pick up anything at night. On the other hand, the wrong lighting can blind some cameras, making it equally challenging to record activity. A lack of light or choosing the incorrect lighting negates the purpose of the camera when it is supposed to protect your property. A professional lighting designer should consider everything, including the placement of security equipment such as cameras.
4 - Detect movement on your property
No, we're not talking about massive flood lights that blind your neighbors whenever a squirrel moves. One of the better ways to keep your property safe, especially when you're outside, is to prevent people from even considering stepping foot on your property. As mentioned earlier, burglars are less likely to target a well-lit home. Perimeter lighting is effective in preventing illegal entry. This lighting can be installed along fencing or trees that border your yard. When properly installed, this lighting will, in fact, add more visual interest and depth to your property that can be enjoyed from your patio. You can watch children or pets in the evening, extending your outdoor activity and adding another method to increase home security with outdoor lighting.
Correctly lighting your home's exterior and landscape should deliver a sense of security while offering you a relaxing environment to enjoy with family and friends.
Be sure to discuss any security concerns with your lighting designer. They can help secure your property and design a system to make living at home more enjoyable.
Additional Considerations to Increase Home Security with Outdoor Lighting
Strengthening Community Security
Your commitment to home security can extend beyond your own property lines. By working together with your neighbors to enhance outdoor lighting, you can collectively strengthen the security of your entire community. Here's how neighborly lighting can make a difference:
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Shared Spaces: Identify shared spaces within your neighborhood that could benefit from improved lighting, such as alleyways, communal parks, or entrances. Collaborate with your neighbors to install well-placed lights in these areas to deter potential intruders and create a safer environment for everyone.
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Coordinated Efforts: Consider coordinating lighting initiatives with your neighbors. Discuss which areas need attention and pool resources to make improvements. This collaborative approach enhances security and fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
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Visibility and Vigilance: Adequate lighting in common areas encourages neighbors to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Well-lit streets and walkways make it easier for residents to spot unusual or suspicious activities, reducing the likelihood of security threats.
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Consistency: Strive for consistent lighting throughout your neighborhood to eliminate dark spots and potential hiding places for intruders. Encourage everyone to invest in energy-efficient outdoor lighting that enhances security without excessive energy consumption.
Remember, community security is a collective effort, and well-planned lighting initiatives can contribute to the safety and peace of mind of everyone in your neighborhood.
Increase Home Security with Outdoor Lighting: Plants and Lighting Techniques
Creating a secure outdoor environment involves more than just lighting; it's about integrating landscaping elements for added security. Here's how you can combine plants and lighting to enhance your home's safety:
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Natural Barriers: Use carefully placed shrubs and trees to create natural barriers around your property. These landscaping features can deter potential intruders while also providing concealment for security lighting fixtures.
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Strategic Placement: Work with a professional landscaper to strategically position plants that won't obstruct lighting but will enhance security. Low-lying shrubs near windows and higher foliage near property boundaries can create a layered security approach.
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Pathway Illumination: Illuminate pathways and walkways with well-placed lighting fixtures. Path lights, strategically positioned amid landscaping, guide guests while deterring potential intruders by increasing visibility.
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Motion-Activated Lighting: Combine landscaping with motion-activated lighting. Motion sensors integrated into your landscape can trigger lights when movement is detected, effectively deterring unwanted guests.
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Balance and Aesthetics: Ensure your landscape and lighting design maintains an aesthetic balance. The goal is to create a secure and beautiful outdoor space that enhances your home's safety and curb appeal.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: Ensuring Reliable Ways to Increase Home Security with Outdoor Lighting
When it comes to enhancing your home security with outdoor lighting, professional installation offers distinct advantages over a DIY approach. Here's why relying on professionals is the better choice:
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Expertise and Experience: Professional lighting designers and installers have the knowledge and experience needed to create a tailored lighting plan that maximizes security while enhancing aesthetics. They understand how to position fixtures, select the right lighting technology, and ensure proper installation.
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Customized Solutions: Professionals assess your property's unique security needs and design a lighting system that addresses specific vulnerabilities. They consider factors like entry points, blind spots, and the strategic placement of fixtures.
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Advanced Technology: Professional installers can access the latest lighting technology, including smart lighting systems and energy-efficient fixtures. They can recommend and install cutting-edge solutions that enhance security and convenience.
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Reliability and Maintenance: A professional lighting installation comes with reliable performance and ongoing maintenance. Professionals ensure that your system operates flawlessly and offer maintenance services to keep it in optimal condition, providing peace of mind.
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Compliance and Regulations: Professionals are well-versed in local regulations and lighting ordinances. They ensure that your outdoor lighting meets legal requirements, preventing potential issues or fines associated with non-compliance.
While DIY projects can be appealing, when it comes to home security, the expertise and reliability professionals offer are essential to achieving a truly secure and well-designed outdoor lighting system. Invest in professional installation to ensure your home and family's safety and peace of mind.
Light Up Nashville is a local business that has been lighting up Nashville since 2012. Our team of experienced professionals has been creating and installing unique and elegant outdoor lighting designs and providing maintenance and repair services to homes and businesses across Middle Tennessee. Our award-winning company has been voted 1st in Nashville House & Home for landscape lighting for four consecutive years and Best of Houzz for the last three years.
Located in Goodlettsville, Light Up Nashville services Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Gallatin, the surrounding areas, and beyond.