Many key elements and considerations must be addressed when planning
your landscape lighting. Planning and preparation is perhaps the most
overlooked items and can create an unforeseen cost in the future. However,
renovated or existing landscapes are reasonably inexpensive to install.
First, some important guidelines:
Conceal the light source behind shrubs, etc., where possible - except where the
fixture itself is a decorative element
Don't over light - a little light goes a long way
Be creative in using a mixture of lighting techniques for drama and excitement
Arrange for an automatic device to turn lights on and off, such as a timer or
photocell
Be considerate of your neighbors - aim lights so they do not shine into their
windows
The basic steps are simple:
Decide what you want to light
Select the appropriate lighting techniques
Select the appropriate lighting fixtures and accessories
Select the appropriate bulbs
Choose the power supply
Types of Outdoor Lights:
Uplights: Lights placed at ground level with the lights aiming upward to
highlight focal points in the landscape, such as specimen trees, signs, and
architectural features. The lights not only highlight features from the outside,
but they also provide for an extension of the interior living spaces at night.
Fixtures of this type may include spot or flood lights as well as in-ground
fixtures.
Downlights: Lights placed above an object or area and aimed downward to
imitate natural light such as simulating moonlight, or for providing security to
an area, such as at back entrance. Care should be taken to hide or shield these
light fixtures from view to create a true natural light. Fixtures of this type
include spot or flood lights.
Backlights: Lights placed behind artistic objects or plant material to
cast a silhouette on a wall for a striking effect. As with downlights, care
should be taken to place the fixtures so that they are hidden from view. Lights
of this type may include spot or flood lights as well as in-ground fixtures.
Pathlights: Lights placed just above grade level along sidewalks,
driveways, or informal paths in the landscape to safely lead a person from one
location to another. Path light fixtures are generally low to the ground and
cast a spreading light.
Specialty lights: Lights that add accent to a space, especially in the
evening. Their purpose is to set a particular mood or create atmosphere.
Examples of specialty lights include string lights in a gazebo, lights that
resemble patio torches and/or flickering flames, and lights used in underwater
settings to highlight a waterfall or rock bank.
Amount, Specifications & Supplies:
Lighting fixtures chosen based on the landscape, home, budget, and user's tastes
Electrical source (120-volt)
Correct size of wire based on number of fixtures and transformer size
A correctly sized transformer that has been chosen based on number of fixtures
and for such features as indoor or photoelectric control
A length of conduit to run the wire under a sidewalk or driveway
1 1/2" galvanized screws for mounting the transformer (deck or concrete screws
depending on the location)
Small flags or stakes to mark the location of the light fixtures
Electrical staples to attach cable to building
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