Lighting your landscape is probably one of the most
challenging home renovations you’ll ever have to do. It gets tough because
outdoor areas are lit differently during the day and at night. There are also
so many outdoor spaces that you may want to light. You may consider lighting
the pathways or draw attention to a particular object or area in your
landscape. So in general, landscape lighting requires a lot of planning.
Determine the purpose
First, you need to understand why you have decided to
lighten the backyard. Do you simply need to illuminate the area for security
reasons? Do you want to create a relaxing and romantic feel in your backyard?
Understanding what drove you to invest in landscape lighting will help you
identify the best lighting features. You may want to lighten up a path that
leads to your garden in order to mark its boundaries. Sometimes lighting the
area where your water fountain or pond is located will give the backyard a
completely different look.
Decide on the areas that need lighting
There are basically 3 types of lighting for you to
consider: overall lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. Overall lighting
is basically where you want to illuminate the entire space. This is usually
done for security reasons. There are lighting fixtures which are beautifully
designed to illuminate a large space. When you choose outdoor fixtures remember
to check the lifespan and energy consumption of each bulb. Look for
fluorescents that come in a variety of colors and are designed to consume less
energy. LED lights are way better because they have a longer life and consume
very little energy.
Task lighting on the other hand is used for specific
purposes. It can be used to light a path or a secluded pond in your backyard.
It can also be used to light up your swimming pool area. Accent lighting is
meant to draw attention to a specific area or object. It uses spotlights or
floodlights to create this effect.
Problems with landscape lighting
Remember that outdoor lighting comes with its fair
share of challenges. It’s important to understand these from the get go. Positioning
and shielding must be carefully considered when choosing the best landscape
lighting in order to prevent glare. Areas like paths need to be well lit in
order to enhance security and safety. Other areas that need to be well lit
include the entries, driveway and steps.
Landscape lighting must also be properly installed.
Poor installation can lead to light pollution and also create glare. Make sure
the lights are positioned correctly so that you don’t end up wasting energy and
time in outdoor lighting. You can also use reflectors on your bulbs in order to
ensure light is concentrated on areas where you want.
You should also opt for low-wattage bulbs because they
consume less energy and also provide proper illumination. Other features that
you can invest in when installing outdoor lighting include timers and motion
sensors which help to conserve energy and also enhance security.
Posted By: Blackstock Electric http://blackstockelectric.com
Posted By: Blackstock Electric http://blackstockelectric.com