Green Space Impact: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Green spaces certainly reduce crime. It is not complicated: criminals can’t steal what they can’t see or it is too difficult to get to. Also possible that well cared for properties to send a signal of a committed and present owner who will defend what is theirs.

It is obvious that successful & well off people will provide the least amount of surface possible for potential intruders to attack. Usually this involves blocking most of the visibility into the property: minimizing the chances of noticing valuable items and elevating the risk of intruders walking into an ambush.

A row of evergreens such as Green Giant Arborvitae, White Pines or Murray Cypress to mark the property boundary around the estate makes sense in most cases. They provide beauty, windbreak, shade, refuge for wildlife and some safety.

Of course, no tree will stop a group of looters from entering a home, but it may just make it less inviting to approach first.