As you create a comfortable and inviting backyard for your family to enjoy after dark, outdoor lighting is an important part of the design. Not only does it showcase your home’s unique architectural details and landscape, but it also provides safety benefits. Illuminating walkways, stairs and pool areas helps prevent tripping and injury. Landscape lighting also increases visibility, decreasing the chances of someone knocking over your favorite plant or ruining the view with a yard tool.
Choose a fixture style and design that complements the look of your home and landscape. Consider the light output (lumens), operational features and control options. For example, if you’re using spotlights to highlight a specific feature, opt for one with a wide beam angle or adjustable option so that you can direct the light precisely where needed.
Also consider the color of your outdoor lights. Clear bulbs can cause glare that interferes with your comfort as you relax in your yard. Opt for frosted or colored fixtures that reduce the amount of light reflected off the surface, eliminating the glare.
Once you’ve chosen a fixture style and design, plan how to install it in your landscape. Be sure to dig deep enough for tall light fixtures like bollards and post lights so that they’re stable in the ground. Generally, lighting installations require working with electricity, so it’s always best to have a professional do the work. They can also assist with planning your lighting zones and helping you determine how many lights are required to adequately illuminate your landscape.