How to Plan Proper Landscape Lighting Installation

When it comes to landscape lighting installation, it is important to get the job done right. Before you get started, make sure to discuss your goals for the lights and their positioning in the landscape. In addition to the goals you and your client have for each light, you should also discuss how the lighting will work and how to conceal the source of light in the landscape.

Determine the number and size of lights you need to install. You’ll also want to know how much wire you need. The wattage of each light will dictate how much wire you need. Copper wire and marine-grade tin-coated wire are both good options. Once you have your lights chosen, you’ll want to install the wires.

If you want to make the most of the space on your property, you should consider installing landscape lighting. It can add to the overall aesthetic of your home and make it safer at night. You can install outdoor spotlights to highlight particular features, floodlights to illuminate a larger area, and driveway lights to make it easier to find your home at night.

Lighting should highlight the seasons. You can highlight the changing foliage with warm colors in the spring, and the fall foliage will be magnified with the right shade of light. Adding the appropriate amount of light will also help alleviate the winter blues. Correctly installed landscape lighting will blend in with your landscape during the day and provide subtle light at night.

If you are planning to install landscape lighting for your yard, consider hiring a professional. A professional will help you decide what type and how many lights to add. The lighting installation will provide you with the peace of mind that you need if something goes wrong. In addition to proper installation, you should also be aware of the common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to landscape lighting. Some homeowners make the mistake of using too many lights and not using enough.

A digital voltage meter is important to ensure that your landscape lighting is receiving the correct voltage. A basic voltage meter can cost about $25 at Radio Shack. Halogen lights should receive around 10.5 to 12 volts to function properly. Low readings are a sign of a bad connection or too many lights on the circuit. If this happens, you can make minor adjustments to the voltage with the transformer.

When planning the installation of low voltage landscape lighting, take into account seasonal factors. If your house is in an area where snowfall is common, you may want to consider placing the lights in areas that are inaccessible to shovels or plows. You also need to take into account any underground utilities. Often, these are marked by utility companies.

Cost is an important factor when it comes to landscape lighting. Depending on the location and type of lighting, landscape lighting can cost anywhere from $50 to $500. Lighting your landscaping will make your home look more attractive, and will highlight trees, bushes, flowers, and other elements of your property. It also helps to accent driveways, patios, lawn statues, and other areas that may not be noticed during the daytime.