Landscape lighting transforms your outdoor living space into a multi-dimensional home. A well-lit landscape creates a safe, inviting environment that is enjoyed by family and guests.

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Whether you are looking to sell your home or just want more people to notice the landscaping you have worked so hard on, adding landscape lighting is a great way to add curb appeal. A well-lit property will draw attention to your landscaping, highlight unique architectural features of the house and increase safety on your walkways by illuminating stairs and dark corners that could be trip hazards.

A professional landscape lighting company can create a plan that highlights the beauty of your yard, walkways and other outdoor features to make them stand out. They will take into consideration the size of your yard, what areas you would like to illuminate and the style of lighting you prefer. Most importantly, they will ensure that your installation adheres to all regulations and is safe.

While some may be intimidated by the idea of installing their own landscape lighting due to the potential of dealing with electrical work and potentially hazardous voltages, the reality is that most systems are now low voltage and can be installed without any major wiring. Using a professional also means you get the best quality fixtures and materials that will be more durable and long-lasting than the cheaper aluminum options found at most home improvement stores.

The addition of landscape lighting can be an instant curb appeal upgrade. You will immediately see heads turn to admire your beautiful yard and landscaping. It is important to consider what areas you would like to highlight and why. For example, if you have a large tree that is a focal point in your yard, highlighting it with uplighting effects will accent it and enhance its beauty.

Other features to highlight include your driveway, walkways, pool and patio areas, water features, flower gardens, or anything else that makes your house or yard stand out. You can even use lighting to draw attention to your front door and accentuate the entryway of your house, making it a welcoming and inviting place for guests and visitors. The right lighting can help your yard become the crown jewel of your neighborhood.

Safety

Many people think of landscape lighting as a way to improve the look of their home and garden after dark. However, a well-designed lighting system can also provide safety benefits. For example, tripping hazards are common in gardens and on paths, but with the right lights, they can be eliminated. This means illuminating walkways to the front door, stairs, and other spots where someone could lose their footing.

In addition to preventing injuries, a properly designed landscape lighting system can deter criminals by making it harder to hide or move around your property in the dark. It’s like the way that you instinctively turn on your interior lights before going upstairs or downstairs; a burglar may think twice about entering your home if it is well lit and easily detected.

Landscape lighting fixtures can range from simple plug-in styles to low-voltage styles that are buried in shallow trenches and connected to a transformer. The latter is the preferred option for most homeowners, as it eliminates the risk of electrical shock and allows for easier maintenance since bulbs can be replaced with ease. It is important to remember that line-voltage lighting is not for DIY use, and should be installed by a licensed electrician.

When choosing fixtures, a general rule is to choose those that have warmer color temperatures (between 2,700 and 3,000 Kelvin), as this creates a more natural looking light. The warmer color also helps to reduce the amount of energy that the fixture uses.

A good landscape lighting plan will also take into consideration the placement of each fixture and how it will be used. For example, spotlights are best positioned near the ground to highlight features and draw attention away from the house, while wash or path lights can be used to mark walkways with a soft glow.

Adding landscape lighting can make your property more welcoming to guests after dark, and is particularly useful for hosting outdoor events during the fall and winter when it’s dark earlier. For example, a holiday party can be made more inviting for your guests by lighting the route to and from their cars, or by highlighting landscape features such as fountains, ponds or walls of your home.

Aesthetics

Landscape lighting is more than simply illuminating your property; it’s an art form that elevates the aesthetic of your home, turning outdoor spaces into a dazzling work of beauty. Strategically placed fixtures spotlight architectural details, illuminate pathways, and create captivating focal points that add dimension to your backyard oasis.

A well-lit exterior creates a sense of safety for homeowners and guests, extending living space both physically and visually. It also increases the visual appeal of a house and enhances the overall look of a property, making it more desirable for prospective buyers. With the right design, landscaping lighting can add up to 6% to your home’s resale value.

The goal of landscape lighting is to highlight elements of the garden or yard that wouldn’t be naturally lit, such as trees, flower beds, and unique landscaping features. By illuminating these elements at night, landscape lighting can showcase their artistry and beauty, and create a stunning aesthetic that’s sure to impress.

One of the most popular uses for landscape lighting is to illuminate pathways and walkways, allowing people to move around their yards safely after dark. Pathways can be lit using a variety of techniques, including path lights, bollard lights, and indirect lighting methods like uplighting and downlighting. Unlike traditional path lights, which are often hidden from view, these newer types of landscape lights are designed to be on display, allowing for greater creativity and variation in the way pathways are lit.

Uplighting and downlighting are both used to indirectly light up areas that may not be easily seen by a passerby, such as the underside of a tree canopy or a wall. The technique highlights the shape of these elements and creates a soft, ambient glow that’s ideal for illuminating walkways or enhancing the appearance of garden features like fountains, benches, and statuary.

Decorative lights, such as front porch lanterns and sconces, are another way to add to the aesthetic of your landscape. These more decorative options can be a great addition to your home’s architectural style, adding visual interest and inviting guests in with a warm, welcoming glow.

Energy Efficiency

Many homeowners hesitate to invest in landscape lighting because of their concern about the impact on their electricity bills. However, there are ways to enjoy beautifully illuminated outdoor spaces without significantly increasing utility costs, including using smart lighting practices like timers and daylight sensors to manage power consumption.

There are many different types of lighting fixtures available to choose from, including up and down lights, step lights, path lights, spotlights, and recessed downlights. Choosing the right fixture for your project is a key factor in energy efficiency, as well as choosing the best brightness level for the task at hand. Using higher or lower brightness levels can dramatically reduce power consumption.

Lights can also be installed in hardscape features, such as patios, decks, retaining walls, or steps. These are especially helpful in creating safe and accessible pathways or highlighting architectural elements that are difficult to highlight with other types of lighting. Adding motion sensor lighting to these hardscape features is another way to add safety and security while reducing power consumption by only activating when someone is nearby.

The main type of power that landscape lighting uses is low voltage, which operates at about 1/10th the amount of electricity as a standard 120V home outlet. This makes it safer for DIY installation, as there is less risk of shock and wires can be run underground without the need for a trench. Using low-voltage landscape lighting can save money on your electricity bill and is often subsidized by local utilities or government agencies.

Line-voltage landscape lighting, found in homes with traditional outlets, is not as energy efficient as low-voltage options, but it can still offer beautiful illumination with a variety of style choices. Many lighting companies have stepped up their landscape-lighting game to include everything from chic classic lanterns to glowing orbs.

Once your lighting is installed, it is important to keep up with maintenance tasks to ensure proper performance and longevity. This includes regularly cleaning the fixture housing and checking for burnt out bulbs. Additionally, ensuring that leaves and debris are cleared away from the fixtures can prevent overheating and extend the life of the fixture.