Keeping things over the hedge (or fence)
There are plenty of different barriers, fences and fortifications to choose from, each with their own unique niches that fulfill a certain role. One of the more common reasons for putting up these barriers, aside from improving home security, is to establish a proper perimeter around your property. Another potential reason to set up a proper barrier is to prevent livestock from running amok. Below you can find a list of effective fortifications that can help maintain the safety inside your property. (Related: Cheap and effective ways to improve your home security.)
Hedgerows and plants
Anyone would be quite intimidated by a house surrounded by dense plants and shrubs. Cultivating plants that are thorny or dense around your property is a great way to keep things -- barring the most determined of people -- from crossing into your property. Even then, they would need to have a lot of patience and specialized tools to get through the dense shrubbery.
The only real disadvantage of growing thick hedgerows is that they cost quite a bit to set up, as well as require constant maintenance. They also take time to grow big and dense enough to be a decent barrier, making them more of a long-term investment rather than something you can just prepare on the fly. In any case, plants like boxwoods, cypress or barberry shrubs make great choices for defensive plants.
Concrete walls
While they are heavy to work with, concrete walls are simple defensive structures that can last for a very long time, especially if maintained properly. You can even implement reinforcements of fiberglass rather than metal rebar to keep the walls structurally sound for longer periods. Concrete blocks can be used to make barriers and walls. However, you should avoid the thinner blocks if you want to build taller walls. Solid 4-inch thick capstone can also be used to create your defenses.
Field and wooden fences
If you happen to get a good wire fence brand, field fences can last for decades. You can set up a four foot tall woven wide fence then start planting hedgerows on one side of the fence to form a second barrier, giving you plenty of protection.
On the other hand, wooden fences work much better for making a barrier for privacy rather than major fencing projects for security. This is because these fences are usually made of treated pine, which is fairly weak and breaks down easily over time. Wood fences must also be kept painted at all times and should be treated once in a while to enjoy a reasonable lifespan. The more you ignore painting and treating, the faster they deteriorate. However, if you have a source of free scrap wood in your property, you can set up something cheap to keep you safe while you work on other fencing projects.
Razor or barbed wire
As far as fortifications go, you can never go wrong with the classic barbed wire. Placing them on top of a fence will add another layer of defense, making it significantly more dangerous to trespass into your property. Barbed wire can hurt but razor wire can cause more damage through cuts and lacerations if someone is foolish enough to try traversing your fence. However, using razor wire might be restricted in some areas so its best to put them aside in case of SHTF or check the rules of your area.
Broken glass
If your concrete walls and barriers are about a head taller than your average adult, you can add some broken glass on top by securing the shards with a bit of concrete or mortar mix. While it's a permanent alteration to your barrier, it will prevent people from trying to scale your walls.
Learn more home security strategies at SelfDefense.news.
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