A home’s yard, garden, and architectural features are often a big investment of time and money. Landscape lighting can be a good way to enhance them.
Properly installed landscape lighting can create unparalleled atmospheres – and increase the value of your property! Here are five reasons to consider landscape lighting: 1. Flexibility. Contact Landscape Lighting Harrisburg PA now!
When you have landscape lighting on your property, you and your guests can safely navigate your yard at night. This is especially important if you have stairs or uneven areas where someone might trip. Additionally, it will help to deter criminals and trespassers. The lighting will draw attention to the front of your home and make it less appealing for thieves to target.
You’ll need to take care of your landscape lights so they don’t fail, but this shouldn’t be too difficult for most homeowners. Most issues can be solved by turning off the power and examining the fixtures for any signs of wear or tear. If you notice any wires that are exposed, it’s best to call an electrician for repairs. If you have a system that’s older than 15 years, it may be time to upgrade to new fixtures and wire.
The most common problem that can affect your lighting is a malfunctioning connection. This usually occurs because water has gotten into the connectors. This can be caused by a number of things, including rodent damage, vigorous landscape maintenance, or even just weather. To prevent this from happening, your installer should use waterproof connectors.
Another problem you might run into with your landscape lighting is that one light is brighter than the others. This is often due to the bulbs you choose. LEDs are more energy efficient than halogen bulbs, so they use less power and won’t heat up as much. However, they also tend to fade more quickly than halogens.
It’s important to choose a bulb with the right wattage for your landscape lighting system. You don’t want to add bulbs that exceed the transformer’s wattage capacity, as this can cause the breaker to trip and disable your lights. This is why it’s a good idea to have an electrician help you choose the right bulbs for your landscape lighting system.
Maintaining your landscape lighting will prevent many problems, but there are a few safety issues you should be aware of. Make sure you’re turning off the power before you examine your lights, and always use insulated tools to ensure that you don’t get shocked.
Aesthetics
Landscape lighting is a great way to accentuate your home’s unique architectural features. However, it is important to remember that the lights should not overpower your landscaping. Using the proper lighting techniques and carefully selecting fixtures can help create the right balance.
Accent lights are ideal for highlighting specific plant specimens, water features, and other features around your home. They can also be used to highlight walkways, patios and gazebos. When angled correctly, up-lighting can make trees and other tall features stand out, down-lighting gives off a more “moonlit” effect and cross-lighting helps show off non-uniformly shaped hardscape or softscape elements.
Many homeowners struggle with determining the appropriate wattage for their landscape lighting. Too high a wattage can result in too much light, which is not only obtrusive but can cause damage to delicate plants. Conversely, too low a wattage can result in not enough light and an unattractive glare.
Getting it right requires professional guidance. A good landscape lighting designer can take the time to study your property, understand your aesthetic preferences, and work within your budget to ensure that your landscape is properly illuminated. The right lighting design can transform your home into a stunning nighttime oasis that enhances both curb appeal and resale value.
Your landscape is an extension of your home and a reflection of your taste and style. Inviting guests to your yard is an opportunity for them to get a glimpse of the warmth and hospitality that you are known for. By highlighting entryways and welcoming features like a stylish door, you can encourage them to explore your outdoor space with a sense of welcome.
Whether you are entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet evening with your loved ones, the right landscape lighting can set the perfect mood for any occasion. In addition to enhancing the beauty of your outdoor spaces, landscape lighting can provide a wide range of safety, security and utility benefits that will benefit you and your family for years to come. Schedule a landscape lighting consultation today to see how you can incorporate this versatile option into your yard.
Mood
There’s no doubt that proper landscape lighting can turn your Suburban Chicago home into a magical oasis. But if it’s done incorrectly, your yard can look overlit or unnatural, causing a number of issues. The best way to avoid this is by working with a professional. With an experienced team and a keen eye for design, you can create the perfect mood for your landscape.
The most common landscape lighting mistakes include using too much light, using the wrong type of light, or installing it in the wrong place. A lighting system should be layered, with path lights illuminating walkways and driveways, spot lights highlighting specific features, and flood lights illuminating large areas of garden beds or walls.
It’s also important to consider color temperature when choosing bulbs for your landscape lighting. Warmer temperatures (like those found in halogen bulbs) enhance warmth and make your landscaping look more natural, while cooler colors (like those in LEDs) mimic the moonlight and can appear stark or artificial.
Many homeowners think that fewer lights is better when it comes to landscape lighting, but this is a mistake. Having too few lights can leave your landscape looking sparse and dull, while having too many can lead to overshadowing and glare.
For example, you should position your path lights in a natural zigzag pattern, alternating from one side to the other. This creates a more natural feel and helps guide you as you walk along the path. If your path curves, you want your lights to follow the curves, as well.
If you have a beautiful tree or structure in your yard, highlight it with landscape lighting. This draws attention to the feature and creates a focal point in your yard. However, it’s important to remember that the lighting shouldn’t be too bright, as this can overpower the beauty of the tree.
Lastly, be sure to have a plan when designing your landscape lighting. You can save money and energy by planning ahead. You’ll also avoid the headache of having to replace bulbs or repair damaged fixtures.
Security
Home security is a priority for most homeowners, and landscape lighting can help. Illuminating your property makes it more visible, deterring criminal activity by making it easier for neighbors or passersby to spot suspicious behavior and intervene or call the authorities. It also eliminates dark hiding spots where criminals can operate undetected.
Professionally installed landscape lighting combines both a visual deterrent with improved visibility to ensure your home and property are protected 24/7. When combined with motion sensors, lighting can become a proactive defense mechanism that can prevent crimes before they occur.
Lighting can highlight the key features of your home, transforming it into an impressive nighttime showcase for guests and residents alike. Landscape lighting can also accentuate the natural beauty of your yard, adding to the ambiance and curb appeal of your property.
With proper maintenance, your landscape lighting can last for years to come. However, the lifespan of your lights can vary depending on how often they are used and where they are located on your property. Regular cleaning of your lighting fixtures is crucial for maintaining proper function and appearance.
When considering lighting upgrades, be sure to select energy efficient LED bulbs over traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs use less power, emit less heat, and have a longer lifespan – all of which can significantly reduce your electricity bills and impact on the environment.
There are several ways to light your landscape, including path lights, spotlights, and garden lights. Path lights are great for improving safety by illuminating walkways and driveways, while spotlights and garden lights illuminate specific focal points like trees or architectural details. Timer systems can also be used to create the illusion of simulated occupancy, further deterring criminals from approaching your property.
While DIY landscape lighting can be rewarding and fun, it’s essential to work with a professional. Poor installation and incorrect fixture selection can have a negative impact on your safety, your home’s value, and the functionality of your outdoor space.
Landscape lighting uses low voltage wiring, which can be dangerous if exposed to weather elements or touched by children or pets. Installing a transformer can help to lower the voltage to a safe level, but it’s still important to avoid touching the wiring to protect your family and pets.