Did you know that more than 75% of Americans say their yard is one of the most important parts of their home?
Your outdoor place is somewhere to spend long summer days, host family cookouts, and play with your kids and pets. But how practical is your current outdoor lighting setup?
Tasteful landscape lights can improve the aesthetic of your yard and make it a nicer place to be in the evenings. There are a few things to consider before you purchase lights for your garden, so we’ve put together this helpful guide on choosing the best landscape lights for your garden.
Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
Where to Use Outdoor Lights
The first thing to consider is where to place your outdoor lights. Which elements should you illuminate, and what should you leave in the dark? When placing your lights, try to highlight your favorite features around the yard, whether that’s a beautiful tree, an ornament, or a water feature.
Landscape lights can also add drama to otherwise unassuming garden features. Light and shadow can help a simple rockery, wall, or lattice take on a whole new personality after dark.
It’s always good to use lighting to create a welcoming entrance and a clear path to your front door. Security lights are another important aspect to consider – you should make sure your back porch is covered with a motion-activated LED.
Landscape Light Options
Before you start setting out your outdoor lighting plan, there are a few common fixtures you should familiarize yourself with. Here are some outdoor light options you should consider:
Spotlights
Spotlights and floodlights are a great way to highlight specific landscape design elements. They project a concentrated beam of light, typically with an aperture of 45 degrees. Use spotlights to cast directional shadows around your yard.
Inground Lighting
Inground lighting is a hardscaped lighting option. By running hardwires through a buried conduit, you can create upwards-facing ground lighting that casts dramatic shadows and adds atmosphere to your landscape.
Post and Bollard Lighting
Outdoor light posts and bollards are a sturdy and functional outdoor light option for your garden. High light posts are a great way to flood your garden with light and illuminate patios or fire circles. Use shorter bollard posts to mark entranceways or line garden paths.
The best landscape designs incorporate numerous outdoor light sources. Check out Long View Lighting for a professional outdoor light installation service you can trust.
Enhance Your Yard With Landscape Lights
Landscape lights are a great way to transform your yard and create an outdoor area your family and friends can enjoy. Both functional and aesthetic, new outdoor lights could be the design element your yard is missing.It’s always good to use lighting to create a welcoming entrance and a clear path to your front door. Security lights are another important aspect to consider – you should make sure your back porch is covered with a motion-activated LED.
We hope this guide helps you put together a lighting plan that highlights the best of your garden once the sun goes down.
If so, check out the rest of our blog for more informative topics and guides.
