Using the proper landscape lighting will allow you to enjoy your yard even after dark. This is an excellent idea if you plan to host gatherings or have a bonfire under the stars, or want to improve the security of your property. Below are a few tips that detail what you should and shouldn’t do when setting up the lighting.

Do:

Use the right number of fixtures.

The lights should illuminate your yard sufficiently, without drawing attention to themselves. If you pack too many lights together in one place, you might shift the attention from other beautiful parts of your landscape. If you only use light to highlight trees, walkways, and patios, it might be challenging to see the entire property, leaving blackness at the edges. Consult a landscape design specialist to help you arrange the lights effectively.

Use multiple layers and intensities.

The landscape lighting should be multidimensional and dynamic. Avoid using the same type of light and brightness of bulb for every part of your backyard. This doesn’t properly showcase the most beautiful parts of your yard, as it is distracting to onlookers. Instead, add bulbs of different wattage to create an interesting space. Also, instead of using one large fixture to light an object, point several small lights toward it to create depth.

Don’t:

Light paths and staircases the same way.

Staircases and paths need different lighting to ensure safety. Pathways don’t create shadows, making them easier to navigate in the dark. However, if you try to light your staircase like a path, the depth of the stairs will cause shadows, making it challenging or impossible to see the bottom. This can lead to you or your guests falling down and experiencing an injury. Place lights on each riser to make navigating this tricky spot easier.

Choose the wrong bulbs.

Some outdoor lighting options are better than others. For example, light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs have several advantages to traditional incandescent ones. Residential LED bulbs last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, and they use at least 75% less energy. This saves you money on replacement bulbs, as well as your monthly energy bill. Although LED bulbs are a larger investment upfront, they’re worth it over time.

Do you need help with your landscape lighting? Turn to the landscaping experts at Arselli’s Landscape & Design in Chillicothe, OH. Their landscapers have more than 20 years of experience and can bring your vision to life. In addition to outdoor lighting, they deal with water features, pathways, trees, and plants, so they can handle all of your landscaping needs. Visit the website for more information about their services. Call (740) 775-8177 to schedule a consultation.