Area lighting involves the use of lights to illuminate patios, front porches, and other similar areas around a building. This is to make certain areas brighter for purposes like ease of entry, entertainment, and for security reasons.
Do you need uplights or downlights? Uplights illuminate a landscaping feature from below or underneath, and downlights aim the light at the feature from above.
For many people, a lack of light can be as depressing as it is a safety hazard. When you install landscape lighting, you’ll be helping to improve the look and safety of your property while also giving your mood a boost.
Do you ever hate coming home to a dark neighborhood once the sun starts setting earlier in the evening? Let’s talk about how installing landscape lighting can help to brighten up the area immediately surrounding your home.
Pathway lighting is best when it is free from glare and allows for depth perception. Pathway lights are particularly helpful for unfamiliar visitors and/or elderly individuals, and at homes where children (or others) are prone to leave objects laying about.
Good outdoor lighting increases a home’s value, so investing in it is beneficial in both the immediate and long run. Appraisers not only consider exterior lighting important for safety and security, but also include the aesthetic value when making appraisals.
If you have an architectural feature or other focal point that you want to accentuate in your yard, flood lights are the way to go. When positioned just so, flood lights can pull a fountain, beautiful tree, or other element into the tapestry of your outdoor space.
Your landscape lighting professional will use a variety of outdoor bulbs. For example, incandescent bulbs provide a pleasant light, have a short lifespan, and utilize more electricity. Halogen bulbs are similar to incandescent bulbs, but are more efficient because of their longer life and minimal energy use.
When you’re ready to put your home on the real estate market, it’s natural to hesitate before spending any additional money to fix it up. Things that improve your curb appeal, however – like landscape lighting – can help your home sell faster.
Discreet zone lighting throughout your property makes a statement that you are protecting your property. People are less likely to trespass in a well-lit yard, providing you with more security and peace of mind.
One thing to strongly consider when looking at landscape lighting design is the view from your home. Ideally, you want to be able to look out of every window in the house to see beautiful vistas formed by light reflecting off landscape elements.
Rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries, the batteries that are used in solar lights, last approximately two years if taken care of and if the lights are periodically allowed to recharge. LED lights will run for about 100,000 hours and are not replaceable.
When you try to maintain an environmentally friendly home, you may not love the idea of installing energy-hungry lighting in your lawn or garden. Remember, it may be possible to install a solar landscape lighting system that will handle the bulk of its own energy needs.
Safety and security are prime concerns when it comes to external lighting. It is important to illuminate areas that may be prone to accidents or are close to public pathways. You don’t want any dark corners left unlit if security is at the forefront of your lighting needs.
Lanterns are decorative lights that can give your outdoor spaces a fairy tale quality of enchantment. They can be placed on posts in your garden or around garden furniture.
In placing lights, there are several important points to consider, such as the shape and textures of the surfaces to be lit, the shadows the light may cast, visibility and safety issues, maintenance issues, and possible light spillage.
Low-voltage landscape lighting provides an effective option for lighting driveways. Task lighting on decks and patios may be used to illuminate cooking areas, railings, and seating areas. Lighting may also be used to bring attention to interesting outdoor elements, including gazebos, pergolas, and trellises.
In outdoor lighting, the term "downlighting" refers to a light that’s been placed in an elevated location and pointed downward to highlight a large surface area. When done correctly, this type of lighting can mimic a moonlight glow.
If you’ve been thinking of putting your home on the local real estate market, it’s critical to consider your home's curb appeal at all times of day. If your home isn’t much to look at once the sun sets, you may want to consider installing landscape lighting.
Outdoor, nighttime lighting is not focused on reflection, as most surfaces are dark and are not capable of effective reflective lighting. When utilizing outdoor landscape lighting, your lighting professional will consider position and shielding so that glare is prevented.
Did you know that the right landscape lighting design for your home can run overnight and help you ensure your home isn’t a dark, shadowy target for burglars? When you’re ready to explore your exterior lighting options, we’re always here for you.
In landscape lighting design, trees are an ideal candidate for uplighting or cross-lighting features. For instance, a unique branch structure makes an ideal focal point and can really add interest to the entire space.
When choosing fixtures for outdoor lighting purposes, the general rule of thumb is that less is more. Unless you are looking to spotlight a particular feature or area, generally low voltage or solar lighting will be sufficient.
Landscape lighting can send a powerful message to would-be burglars that you care for and maintain your property and are more aware of your surroundings.
Energy efficiency is a priority when dealing with external lighting due to the potentially long running hours and relatively high wattages typically involved. This is one of the reasons it is worth exploring LED lighting as a economical and energy-efficient option.
Q: What is a riser? A: This is a copper or brass stem that you can use if you want a fixture to stand a bit taller. Risers are often very useful for lighting systems.
It’s important to remember that landscape lighting doesn’t have to be a constant drain on your home’s electricity. Let’s talk about the different power options available that can help you get the lighting you want without exploding your electricity bill.
Did you know that the proper landscape lighting does more than just give you light to see by? It also accentuates the beauty of an open space and may even lend a regal air to the grounds and any structures nearby.
In landscape lighting, uplights are lights placed at ground level with the lights aiming upward. These lights are typically used to highlight focal points in the landscape, such as specimen trees and architectural features.
Most designers agree that, with the exception of blue tints on evergreens, outdoor lights should remain fairly colorless. This will keep the entire effect natural-looking and elegant, and avoid any garish-looking colors.
When choosing path lighting for an outdoor venue, keep in mind that your walkways and paths should be illuminated for safety reasons, but this type of lighting can also help set the tone for your yard. Choose lights that instill a feeling of elegance and/or welcoming.
If you have outdoor architectural and design elements, be sure to discuss these with your landscape lighting specialist, who will create light washes or grazes, will light paths to these spots, or will uplight or downlight these areas to their best aesthetic and safety advantages.
Did you know that having well-designed and tastefully lit outdoor living spaces built on your property raises your home's curb appeal? However, even more important than the curb appeal is the increase in value that these amenities bring in.
Illuminating an area or particular feature from above is often the best choice for safety, security, or special effect. Lights shining down can illuminate a broad area, are difficult to tamper with, and are less likely to be hampered by landscape or weather concerns.
One reason LED lightbulbs are favored for landscape lighting is that they offer a very crisp light that’s really able to bring out the features of a home or landscape. In addition, LED bulbs are available in warm white, white, and cool white tones.
Did you know that light is typically divided into three layers based on the light’s function? Overall light provides illumination for an entire room or space, while task lighting is used for specific purposes. Task lighting is also put in place for specific purposes, for example, to light a pathway. Accent lighting brings attention to an object or an area.
Although your landscape design will likely get more attention during the days when the sun is shining, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy its beauty at night. If you’re interested in landscape lighting options, we’re always happy to help.
So what exactly is shadow lighting when it comes to landscape lighting? This is lighting that emits a light onto a surface that is in front of another object, such as a wall, garage, or tree. Basically, this technique casts a shadow on the object behind it, creating a beautiful overall effect.
Landscape lighting can show off your flower gardens after the sun has gone down. Lighting on outdoor buildings and trees can create a cozy mood for evening social gatherings.
When planning out your landscaping lighting, you need to look first at those high-traffic areas that should be illuminated for safety, security, and functional reasons. This would include all driveways, walkways, decks, and steps.
You’ll want to choose a lighting system that can handle the weather in your area; if you install the system well and keep checking it regularly, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Q: I want to create a pathway through my garden so that my children quit cutting through the vegetable patch in the evening. What would be a good way to do this? A: Give us a call, and we can talk you through the best options.
Want to make your patio, deck, or other outdoor gathering/entertaining space feel downright elegant? Consider having a chandelier light installed onto a patio cover or pergola for an inviting look and to create wonderful ambience.
When thinking about landscape lighting, remember your flowerbeds. Keep in mind that many flowerbeds border walkways, making them a great option for landscaping lights that both accent and provide safety.
When it comes to choosing landscape lighting for trees and large bushes and plants, the type of light you choose will depend on the size and structure of the plant. This might be anything from a spot beam to a flood light.
It’s important to remember that your lawn and garden aren’t simply things for you to enjoy when the sun is shining brightly. Installing the right landscape lighting can help you enjoy your landscaping any time of day or night.
If you work an alternative schedule, you may find that it’s rarely still light outside when you’re coming home from work. Whether you arrive home in the afternoon or the middle of the night, the right landscape lighting can help to ensure you aren’t coming home to dark surroundings.
When it comes to choosing landscape lighting, keep in mind that you won’t necessarily need the highest wattage of lighting. When you are outside at night, your eyes naturally acclimate to a low level of light, so they do not need a huge amount of supplemental light.
In landscape lighting, uplighting focuses on creating drama via bold shadows and other strong effects. For instance, when you aim light upward into a tree or across an architectural feature, you can emphasize the contract of dark shadows and bright light.
Did you know that most professional landscapers use LED lighting almost exclusively? One reason for this is homeowner convenience: LED bulbs generally have a 10-year warranty, so they don’t need to be replaced for a long time after installation.
When deciding on outdoor lighting in the driveway area, keep in mind that in most cases very few lights are needed for functional purposes, since all cars have headlights. However, to create ambiance, you might want to consider some subtle lighting in the surrounding landscaping.
A tree, statue, flag, fountain, or a special feature is often best highlighted by a spotlight. An important consideration in spotlighting is directing the light in a way that illuminates the subject without creating unwanted shadows, glare, or light spillage.
When deciding on outdoor lighting in the driveway area, keep in mind that in most cases very few lights are needed for functional purposes, since all cars have headlights. However, to create ambiance, you might want to consider some subtle lighting in the surrounding landscaping.
Unfortunately, some landscape designs create shadowy places around your home that can be perfect for burglars to hide in. If you’re interested in landscape lighting that may increase your home’s security, we’re always happy to discuss the options.
An important part of any landscape lighting design needs to focus on functionality and safety. Specifically, all walkways, steps, and driveway paths need adequate lighting for people to be able to safely walk in the dark.
A tree, statue, flag, fountain, or a special feature is often best highlighted by a spotlight. An important consideration in spotlighting is directing the light in a way that illuminates the subject without creating unwanted shadows, glare, or light spillage.
When deciding on outdoor lighting in the driveway area, keep in mind that in most cases very few lights are needed for functional purposes, since all cars have headlights. However, to create ambiance, you might want to consider some subtle lighting in the surrounding landscaping.
Lit pavers provide aesthetically appealing lighting that not only draws attention to various areas in your yard—particular bushes and trees, flowers, and other areas of interest—but also provides lighting for pathways to make strolling enjoyable, appealing, and safe.
The most common way to power a landscape lighting system is with electricity—line voltage or extra low voltage. This can work in tree-mounted, stationary, and portable lighting.
Unfortunately, some landscape designs create shadowy places around your home that can be perfect for burglars to hide in. If you’re interested in landscape lighting that may increase your home’s security, we’re always happy to discuss the options.
An important part of any landscape lighting design needs to focus on functionality and safety. Specifically, all walkways, steps, and driveway paths need adequate lighting for people to be able to safely walk in the dark.
A tree, statue, flag, fountain, or a special feature is often best highlighted by a spotlight. An important consideration in spotlighting is directing the light in a way that illuminates the subject without creating unwanted shadows, glare, or light spillage.
