“What is landscape lighting good for?”—Elaine on Seinfeld

Consider the function of your landscape lighting before deciding how it should look. You can light up a pathway to prevent tripping or to create a welcoming entrance for guests. Contact Orlando Landscape Lighting now!

Look for fixtures that can be customized in terms of color temperature, lumens and beam spread. Also, choose a light with a photocell or timer to save energy.

Curb Appeal

There are many factors that contribute to curb appeal – a clean, well-maintained home and attractive landscaping are just two. However, outdoor lighting takes curb appeal to a whole new level. Well-positioned lighting illuminates features like fountains, ponds, flower gardens, patios, pergolas, and other architectural features. When paired with the right light fixtures and bulbs, these elements come alive at night and showcase their beauty for all to see. Landscape lighting transforms the outside of your home into a bold, illuminated showcase that impresses visitors and passersby.

Besides illuminating architectural and landscaping features, landscape lighting can also highlight specific plants or areas of the yard. Illuminating features like topiary or statuary creates a silhouette that adds design complexity and interest. This technique is especially effective when used around entryways or to illuminate pathways that lead up to your home.

Not only does this create an appealing visual effect, but it’s a safety feature that improves the way people move through your property at night. Making sure walkways, stairs, and entrances are well-lit helps prevent tripping and falling accidents. Additionally, a well-lit home looks more occupied and less inviting to potential burglars.

Curb appeal is important not only because it gives you a good first impression, but it also increases your property value. A well-lit home is more attractive to prospective buyers, and it will increase the likelihood of a quick sale.

Adding lights to your home’s exterior is an easy and cost-effective way to make it look more attractive. But it’s important to have a professional design and install your landscape lighting so you can get the most out of it. A well-designed and maintained lighting system will continue to enhance your home’s curb appeal for years to come. Maintaining your landscape lighting system includes regularly cleaning or replacing the bulbs and checking for any wiring issues. It’s an easy way to keep your property looking its best. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of landscape lighting. We’re happy to help you create the beautiful, welcoming, and functional outdoor space of your dreams.

Safety

A well-lit house deters trespassers and gives first responders clear visibility when they’re coming to your rescue. It also means that your guests and party-goers can safely navigate the property and find their way back to their parked cars or houses.

Illuminating landscape features like fountains, ponds, or beautiful trees can increase the safety of your yard after dark, especially if you have kids who like to play outside after the sun goes down. A properly lit landscape will also help prevent tripping hazards that can lead to injuries for your family and guests.

One of the most important aspects of any lighting setup is its durability. Landscape lights must be able to stand up to a wide range of weather conditions. This includes rain, snow, heat, and wind. This is why choosing fixtures that are rated for outdoor use is crucial. Stainless steel or copper fixtures are a great option, as they can withstand the elements better than aluminum options.

Another aspect of landscape lighting that should be considered is its wattage. A poorly chosen wattage can lead to a system that’s inefficient, overly bright, or not functioning at all. It’s a good idea to consult with an experienced professional, as they can recommend the right wattage for your lighting needs.

If your outdoor lighting is powered by low voltage electricity, there is a slight danger involved if the wires become exposed to the elements. However, this isn’t a problem if you have a transformer installed. This will reduce the voltage to twelve volts, which makes it less dangerous for family members and pets to touch. It’s also recommended to bury the wiring at least 6 inches deep to protect it from moisture and garden tools.

Having your landscape lighting professionally installed can help ensure the safety of your property after dark. It can also save you money in the long run, as professionally-installed systems are more likely to function correctly and efficiently. This can result in a lower electricity bill, fewer replacement bulbs, and reduced maintenance. A professional installation can also spot issues that might be costly to fix later down the line, such as a broken light or faulty wiring.

Ambiance

Whether it’s an elegant, formal entryway, a sprawling backyard garden or a gazebo, your landscape is a showcase of design, architecture and plant life. Done well, landscape lighting highlights your outdoor features at night and lets you enjoy them long after the sun goes down.

Unlike traditional house lights that shine in a single direction, landscape lights can be focused to spotlight specific items or features, such as a tree, bench or water feature. They can also be used to illuminate pathways and accentuate hardscapes, such as walkways and patios. This type of landscape lighting also focuses on creating shadows and contrast to highlight textures and shape.

A good landscape lighting system should be able to create any mood or atmosphere using light and shadow. Color temperature can set a specific mood, moonlighting can evoke serenity, silhouetting can add drama and grazing can highlight textures and detail. Using these techniques, landscape lighting helps to transform outdoor spaces by highlighting their beauty at night.

With a little experimentation and planning, it’s easy to find the perfect light fixture for your space and budget. You can start by grabbing a flashlight and heading out into your yard at night to play around with different types of lighting and environments.

Many landscape lighting fixtures are “lamp-ready,” meaning they take a standard light bulb. This allows you to customize the brightness (lumens), color temperature and beam spread of your fixture, making it simple to find a look that suits you. It’s also easy to swap out a burned-out bulb, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the entire fixture.

Decorative area lights like bollards and path lights are eye-catching luminaires, both in their daytime form and at night. These lights accentuate plants and vegetation and can also be used to illuminate walkways, ensuring safety and providing a welcoming ambiance. Their intricate designs help to create impressive visual elements that stand out in any landscape.

Security

As the sun sets, a well-lit property stands out as a welcoming beacon that also bolsters security. By illuminating entry points, pathways, and dark corners, landscape lighting creates a secure environment that deters trespassers and provides peace of mind for homeowners.

Creating a plan ahead of time is a great way to narrow down your landscape lighting options, allowing you to find the perfect combination for your home and yard. Consider the type of light, how it will be used, and what you want your lights to highlight. Having a clear vision of your project can help during the installation process, preventing snags that may delay the completion of your project or even result in costly mistakes.

If you choose to illuminate walkways and paths with spotlights, consider a warmer color temperature (around 3000K) to highlight the natural beauty of your landscaping features and architectural details while creating a relaxing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you choose to illuminate porches, stairs, or areas of your property that are more focused on security, it may be best to opt for a cooler white light (around 4000K). These brighter lights will provide increased contrast, enabling people to see potential dangers or obstacles in their path.

Most burglars look for easy ways into homes, such as entering through doors and windows or climbing trees to get to the window. Fortunately, landscape lighting can help you prevent these types of break-ins by illuminating the boundaries of your property using uplighting or moonlighting techniques. These techniques involve placing fixtures in the ground or in the tops of your trees to illuminate them from above.

You should always be sure that your landscape lighting is kept on from dusk to dawn to deter burglars. Depending on your preferences, you can use photocell timers or an astronomical timer to control the timing of your landscape lighting. By combining these lighting options with smart controls, you can easily adjust your landscape lighting for any occasion or activity. This can also be a great way to save energy and reduce your lighting footprint, while adding a layer of sophistication and depth to your landscape.