What is the potential downside of excessive landscaping in CPTED?

Excessive landscaping can indeed obstruct views and create hiding places, which is significant in the context of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). One of CPTED's foundational principles is to promote visibility and natural surveillance in environments. When landscaping is overly dense or not properly maintained, it can block sightlines, making it difficult for bystanders or law enforcement to detect suspicious activities. This lack of visibility may encourage criminal behavior, as individuals may find hidden spots to carry out illicit activities without being seen. Therefore, while landscaping can beautify an area and provide social spaces, its excessive implementation must be carefully managed to ensure it does not undermine safety and security by creating potential cover for criminal acts.