One thing that adds instant curb appeal to any home is landscape lighting. Properly placed and timed, landscape lighting can make even the most plain of yards look like a destination getaway. However, adding outdoor lighting is not as simple as it seems and must be done with safety in mind at all times. Outdoor lights should never come into direct contact with anyone or anything near them that could cause harm if they fell over or were tipped over by some other means that might happen. Follow these five tips on how to properly add and position your outdoor landscape lights and you will be sure to enhance the overall look of your property.

How and Where To Position Your Lights

There are several ways to add and position landscape lighting throughout your yard and you will want to consider all of your options. Start by thinking about where you need the lights to be and then work from there. For example, if your pool is close to a busy street it is important that the light draws attention away from the road, not towards it making it more dangerous for drivers as they came down a dark stretch of road. This can be achieved by adding a spotlight on another side of the yard away from traffic or even installing a fountain with lighting coming from above. In addition to safety concerns, positioning of outdoor lights will also depend on aesthetics and how much control you wish to have over them at any given time.

Overall Cost and Upkeep

As with all investments in home improvement projects, come additional costs that may or may not be anticipated. For example, landscape lighting is power hungry and depending on the strength of the lights you choose to add to your yard; they could cost a pretty penny in electric bills. Also note that many types of outdoor lighting fixtures require that bulbs be replaced every year or two which is something else to keep in mind when looking at what type of light fixture to add.

How Bright Should my Lights be?

Brightness is another important consideration when adding new landscaping lights. Not only will too much light disrupt sleep patterns and be a nuisance for anyone trying to get some shut-eye but it can also create visibility problems for those who live nearby as well as block out all opportunities for nighttime observing such as stargazing. If you are planning on adding a fountain or water feature to your yard, know that most of those types of lights use LED technology which is not as bright as regular bulbs and rarely emits any kind of heat.

How Many Light Fixtures Do I Need?

When trying to decide how many lighting fixtures you will need for your outdoor landscape, you should take into account all the areas that might need some additional light such as steps and walkways, paths, flowerbeds and other landscaping features. Don’t forget about high traffic areas where guests could be walking either on their way to a party or heading out at night. It is recommended that an average sized yard have at least three different fixtures per 100 feet of exterior space whether it’s landscaping lights or spotlights depending on the terrain and the location.

Anchoring Your Lights

When installing new landscape lighting it is important that you consider where to place not only the light fixture but also how well it will be able to stay in place without tipping over or being blown down by high winds. The best option is to sink 4-inch wood stakes into the ground at least 2 feet deep which may require adding gravel or sand down first depending on the type of soil you have. Another popular landscaping tip is to use garden ties instead of concrete screws, especially when attaching lights because they are easier to remove later should you want to make changes.

Consult With a Professional

Before tackling any large scale outdoor landscaping project, consult with a professional landscaper who can help advise you on steps that will improve your overall lighting throughout the property. For more information about adding professional lighting to your property, give us a call at781-828-2029 or contact us here for more information.

Today, many homeowners value the exterior of their home just as much as the interior. They spend a sufficient amount of time and money maintaining the appearance of their lawn, garden, and overall landscape. Just as you would want proper lighting in your house, it’s equally as important to have a well-lit yard. You may have heard of landscape lighting, but don’t know exactly why it’s necessary. Checkout some of the top benefits that landscape lighting can provide for your exterior.

Beauty and Aesthetics:

You’ve spent hours choosing the right foliage, intricate textures, and structural designs to maximize the beauty of your outdoor space. In the light of day, the beaming sun rays highlight all your hard work. However, why let the beauty disappear when the day fades into the darkness of night? Landscape lighting can be used to display your gardens, decorative walkways, or any other focal points through all hours of the night. See how our shadowing, uplighting, and backlighting can accentuate your yard’s best features.

Extend outdoor hours:

Daylight may last longer during the summer months, but why stop at sunset? Landscape lighting can help increase your time spent outdoors. You can enjoy patios, pools, and outdoor entertainment for even longer. Transform your backyard to a volleyball court for a fun game with friends and family, or give your backyard a resort-like feel for a relaxing wine night. Add brighter fixtures or low lighting to create just the right mood for whichever summer activities you choose.

Ensure Safety:

When having outdoor gatherings in the evening, it’s important to have appropriate lighting to protect both your guests and your vegetation. Steps or abrupt changes in elevation, debris in walkways ways, protruding tree branches, and other walkway hazards can be avoided with landscape lighting. People can see clearly where they are going and can be safely guided away from any risky areas.

Security Purposes:

A well-lit landscape can discourage potential intruders from lurking around your home. With no dark area to hide, it makes them less likely to target your house for vandalism or robbery. Landscape lighting shines a clear light around your home, making any suspicious activity easy to identify.

Landscape lighting can bring your bring your property to life. After all, the exterior is the first part of your home that visitors see, so it might as well be beautiful!