Pitfalls to Avoid when Lighting Your Landscape

It’s easy to see the allure of landscape lighting. After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy their backyard or garden well into the night? With the flick of a switch, you can transform an ordinary space into something truly magical.

But before you start wiring your yard for lights, there are a few things you should know. Lighting your landscape improperly can do more harm than good.

Pitfalls to Avoid when Lighting Your Landscape

Pitfalls to Avoid when Lighting Your Landscape

Here are four mistakes to avoid when lighting your landscape.

Using too many light fixtures

When it comes to landscape lighting, more is not always better. Using too many light fixtures can be quite detrimental to the look of your yard. When choosing light fixtures for your landscape, be selective. Choose a few well-placed fixtures that will enhance your yard’s natural features. Ideal spacing between fixtures is about 10 feet.

Not considering the direction of the sun

When placing light fixtures in your landscape, it’s important to consider the direction of the sun. You’ll want to place fixtures in areas where they will get enough sun during the day so that they can charge properly. Placing fixtures in shady areas will result in dim lighting at night.

Not using proper bulbs

Not all light bulbs are created equal. When choosing bulbs for your landscape lighting, be sure to pick ones that are designed for outdoor use. These bulbs will be able to withstand the elements and provide adequate lighting for your landscape. The best types of bulbs for landscape lighting are LED and halogen. Recommended watt is 10-15.

Not using a timer

One of the best ways to save energy with landscape lighting is to use a timer. Timers allow you to set your lights to turn on and off at specific times. This way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn the lights off or leaving them on all night. Be sure to get a timer that is rated for outdoor use.

By avoiding these four common mistakes, you can be sure that your landscape lighting will be a success. With the right fixtures and bulbs, you can enjoy your yard well into the night. And with a timer, you can save energy and money.

Before you start wiring your yard for lights, it’s important to have a plan. Decide where you want to place your light fixtures and what type of effect you want to achieve. This will help you choose the right type of light fixture and bulbs.

Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to get started! Be sure to follow all of the safety precautions when wiring your yard for lights. And always consult a professional if you’re not sure how to do something. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and safe landscape lighting system for your home.