What Landscape Lighting is used for?
Many homeowners dream of an aesthetically pleasing space both inside and outside their homes. While decorative plants and well maintained grass contribute to the curb appeal of your property, you can take it a notch higher with landscape lights. You may be wondering what landscape lights are, and why they are important? Lighting up your landscape at night not only creates a pleasant effect but also enhances the security of your home. Landscape lighting will make your outdoor space usable at night. It is also useful for highlighting paths on your landscape and therefore making it safer. If you’re thinking of installing yard lighting or upgrading the lights you already have, you should consider the options outlined below.
Types of Landscape Lighting
Spotlights
Spotlight is a general term used to describe any light that points in one direction. The lights can be further categorized based on their orientation. For example, Spotlights that face upward at a wall are known as uplights.
Spotlights come in a wide range of brightness as well as the area that they can illuminate. They can be used to illuminate areas on the landscape or specific features such as walls, statues, or plants.
Flood lights
These landscape lights are generally used for brightening large areas such as patios and driveways. They are placed above the area. These lights are often very bright and are the most common choice for enhancing security on a property.
Up/Downlights
These spotlights are placed with a specific orientation to achieve a specific effect. For example, uplights are placed along fences or below statues to illuminate the statue or fence. They can be placed strategically to create beautiful patterns. These lights often aren’t very bright. They are usually soft lights that give a warm effect.
Step Lights
These lights are not only useful for adding to the aesthetic appeal of your landscape but also for enhancing safety. Step lights are installed under each step or on the side of the steps to illuminate the steps and prevent tripping when using the steps at night. They create a soft and aesthetic pattern that enhances the curb appeal of the property.
Garden Lights
Do you have a feature that you love in your garden? Garden lights are perfect for showcasing your garden plants at night. They are also great for illuminating pathways within your landscape. These lights are mounted on poles that are driven into the ground. A row of lights lighting your pathways will create a soft and whimsical effect in your garden.
Bollard Lights
Like garden lights, these lights are mounted on posts. However, the posts in this case are short. The lights are often used to light up pathways. They shine in every direction. They are a great way to enhance the safety of your property and prevent accidents.
String Lights
You can create a truly magical space with string lights. These lights are similar to Christmas lights. They are perfect for creating a warm and inviting outdoor space at night. They can be strewn over trees or other features on your landscape to create your ideal space. It will be like sitting under the stars at night.
What to Choose in Landscape Lighting?
Are you ready to transform your landscape with outdoor yard lights? There are several factors you should consider when choosing your outdoor lights. These include:
Durability
Choose fixtures that are designed for use in outdoor spaces. They should be made from materials that can withstand exposure to the elements such as powder-coated aluminum. They should feature construction that is water resistant.
Energy efficiency
Your landscape lighting will be on throughout the night in some cases. It is therefore important to choose lights that are energy efficient. Lighting with LED bulbs or those with built-in LED arrays are the best option for illuminating your landscape without worrying about the cost.
The wattage
It is important to choose the right wattage for the application of the yard lighting. For example, use higher wattage light bulbs in dark areas. You can save soft lighting or lower wattage lights for application such as illuminating stairs.
At GMC Landscapes, we’re experts in the installation of outdoor yard lights. Get in touch with us to help you select the right lights, have them installed for the best effect, and for any other landscape lights services.