Creative Ways to Use Landscape Lighting

Outdoor landscape lighting provides safety, security, and character to any home or garden. The design versatility of landscape lighting is only limited by the topography of the land and the needs and budget of the owner. The PRO Landscape Lighting design team will evaluate the site and design a landscape lighting plan that suits your property’s specific needs.

Installing outdoor landscape lighting in an urban or suburban setting will require some planning and preparation. The University of Minnesota Extension service details some points to consider when planning an outdoor landscape lighting system:

Site Considerations

The amount and type of lighting will depend on the function and character of the landscape and the needs of the owner. A variety of lighting types may be used in outdoor landscapes including path lighting, security lighting, up-lighting, down-lighting, and more. A number of important issues should be addressed before designing and installing an outdoor lighting system:

• Consider outdoor lighting only after all of the landscaping elements are installed. This will allow you to see all the aspects of your design and how outdoor lights will accent them. Make your lighting system flexible to change as plants grow.
• Before starting to dig, utilities should be called to locate all underground pipes and wires. If there is an irrigation system, it will also be important to know the locations of controller wire, pipes, and sprinkler heads.
• Check with your local municipality to determine if a permit is needed and to locate property line easements.
• If you have sidewalks and/or driveways cutting through proposed lighting areas, it will be necessary to run a cable underneath them. It is best to hire a professional to install conduit under these obstructions.
• A licensed electrician will be required to wire an outdoor receptacle and/or switch to control the new lighting system and may also be needed to establish a circuit and install the fixtures for outdoor flood lamps.

Types of Outdoor Lights 

Up-lights: ground-level light fixtures that aim upward to illuminate tree branches, signs, or landscape or architectural features. Up-lights add the glow of ambient light around outdoor living spaces like pools or patios.

Down-lights: most commonly experienced as flood lights or utility lighting. They provide security and visibility around entrances and parking lots. Decorative downlights are often hidden from direct view (such as being recessed into an overhead surface).

Back-lights: used behind plants, art, or architectural features to cast dramatic shadows and dappled light. Very often back lights are used at ground level.

Pathlights: 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: add accent to a space in the evening to set a mood or create atmosphere. Twinkle lights in trees or rope lights on a gazebo are some examples of specialty lights in a landscape.

At PRO Landscape Lighting, Inc. we pride ourselves on quality workmanship and excellent customer service. No lawn or home is too small; contact PRO Landscape Lighting for a free estimate today.