Tips on Using Landscape Lighting Effectively

Landscape lighting serves a twofold purpose. The first is to make the landscape more usable. The second purpose of landscape lighting is to make the landscape more attractive at night. This can be achieved when the lighting is soft, consistent and simple. There are other things a homeowner can do to be sure the landscape lighting is effective.

• Effective landscape lighting should be less than the lighting used indoors. The lighting should be fairly mellow so there is just enough lighting to see what is being done and no more.


• The lighting should be consistent so the landscape does not look uncoordinated and messy. This does not mean you should only use one type of light or brightness. It means you can vary the lighting in intensity and color. For example, mix 150-watt spotlights with 2-watt LED rock lights. The purpose is to use the lower watts for smaller objects or the ground while the higher watts are for larger objects.


• Try to limit the number of themes and focal points with the landscape lighting. Too many themes and focal points can be confusing. Use only one theme and one focal point because less it more.


• Lights that line the pathways and walkways should be aimed towards the ground. This will allow people to see where they are going. These lights can impair night vision if they are aimed upward making the landscape unsafe.


• When deciding on how and where to use landscape lighting, consider the paths people take, and how the area gets used. Consider where people sit and the direction they are sitting but do not install it aims directly on the crowd. Consider steps, low points or other areas that could pose a danger.


• Consider using low voltage lighting for the landscaping. Not only does it create the right ambience for the landscape but it also conserves energy.