Landscape lighting is a great way to highlight your home’s features and create ambiance. However, it is important to work with a reputable contractor who can plan the layout so that it makes sense.
A common mistake that many people make is not planning their lighting design properly. This can result in several problems, including over-illumination and glare.
Over-Illumination
Landscape lighting is meant to highlight your property’s best features, not blind you or your guests. Yet, when you’re DIYing your own installation or working with a less-experienced professional, it’s easy to go overboard and end up with glaring lights that are more uncomfortable than captivating.
One of the biggest mistakes in landscape lighting is using too many fixtures or installing them too close together. When you have too many lights, the lights may work against each other, creating glare where you don’t want it. This can also create hot spots where the light is concentrated and detract from the overall effect.
It’s also important to remember that not every part of your outdoor space needs to be illuminated. Depending on your property’s size and layout, you may only need to light walkways, a few trees or other focal points in order to create an inviting space that feels safe and comfortable. Lighting everything can over-illuminate the space and detract from your home’s curb appeal.
Another common mistake is placing lights directly at eye level. This can make people feel uncomfortable and can also be a safety hazard. A great way to avoid this mistake is to use fixtures with glare shields to help block the light from your visitors’ eyes.
The key to a successful landscape lighting design is a meticulous plan. This will help guide the decision-making process during installation and ensure that your lighting displays are effective, efficient, and captivating. To begin the process, you should first consider what kind of ambiance you’d like to create and from there you can choose the appropriate fixture types, intensities, and placements. Ross NW Watergardens can create a custom plan for your landscaping, taking into account all of the factors discussed here to achieve a beautiful and functional result. Contact us today to schedule your free low voltage lighting consultation!
Poorly Placed Lights
A well-planned landscape lighting system can help you see your property at night, while also creating a beautiful ambiance. However, without the right plan in place, this type of lighting can be too bright or create glare where you don’t want it. To avoid this mistake, work with a professional to develop an effective lighting design that meets your aesthetic goals, according to metroplexlandscapelighting.com.
It’s common for homeowners to choose their landscape lights based on the look of them, but it’s important to focus on the effect they will produce when installed. For example, you shouldn’t install warm lights on your driveway to highlight a tree because the color of the light will alter the appearance of the tree’s foliage. Instead, opt for a cool-colored fixture that will enhance the beauty of the tree and help you achieve your desired look.
Another landscape lighting mistake that can be easy to make is using too many fixtures. This can lead to a cluttered look that detracts from the ambiance you’re trying to create. Additionally, if your lights are too close together, they can interfere with each other by creating glare or shadows where you don’t want them.
It’s a good idea to start with the least amount of lighting you think is necessary and add more later. A professional will be able to help you determine exactly how much lighting is needed to provide the desired look for your Central Florida property. They can even install the lighting for you, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your new outdoor lighting. Contact Ross NW Watergardens today to set up your free landscape lighting consultation.
Too Much or Too Little Light
Landscape lighting is an investment and it’s one that can truly make or break your ability to use your outdoor space well after dark. So you’re going to want a company that takes the work seriously, has experience and knows what they’re doing. The difference between a great landscape lighting project and one that looks like it was completed by an amateur is like night and day.
A key part of landscape lighting design is achieving the right balance between light and shadow. Too much light and you lose the contrast that brings your landscaping’s best features to life. Too little and you end up with deep shadows that hide the details of your home, plants and trees and can create harsh glare that’s difficult to live with.
Another mistake is not using enough lighting to illuminate your walkways and paths. While some areas are best served by brighter fixtures such as decorative lighting or security lights, most walkways and other functional areas require softer, more subtle lighting so you can see where you’re going and not trip over the skateboard or kids’ rake that someone left in the path.
Finally, it’s a mistake to not properly protect and connect the power cables. This is especially important when buried underground wiring is used as it’s susceptible to corrosion, electrical resistance and short circuiting caused by moisture. Proper use of high quality, direct burial wire connectors prevents these problems and keeps your system safe for years to come.
Lighting Overkill
Landscape lighting can add an extra level of beauty and ambiance to your property. It can also be an effective way to increase safety and security. However, if you don’t have the right knowledge or hire the wrong professional, your lighting project can turn into a nightmare. Fortunately, the majority of landscape lighting mistakes are easily avoidable by understanding what to look for and by working with an experienced contractor.
One common mistake is adding too many lights to a landscape. Whether DIY or hiring a less experienced contractor, it’s easy to over-light your property. You don’t want your walkways to resemble airport runways, nor do you want your fixtures to be overly bright and blinding to the eye. Instead, you should aim for a subtle glow that gives the impression of natural light.
Another way to avoid over-illumination is to use the proper fixture type for the space. For example, spotlights should be used to highlight individual objects or areas, while floodlights are better suited for larger areas such as walls and landscaping beds. It is also important to choose fixtures that blend well with the architecture of your home. For instance, a modern home may pair best with classic light fixtures, while an older-style home can mesh with more decorative options.
Lastly, it is important to avoid using non-waterproof connectors. This can cause moisture to build up in the wiring, which can eventually short out the fixture and create a fire hazard. Instead, you should always use waterproof connectors when installing landscape lighting. Fortunately, these connectors can be purchased at most hardware and garden stores. Investing in quality outdoor lighting products is an investment you will be happy with for years to come.
Not Taking into Account the Size of Your Outdoor Space
There’s no doubt that a well-lit outdoor space can add a sense of security and warmth to your home after dark. However, when it comes to landscape lighting, the goal isn’t just to light up every fixture in your yard—it’s about creating a specific effect and balancing the lighting throughout the entire space. This is why it’s so important to work with a professional when planning your lighting layout. A pro has a real eye for the process, and they know how to light things up without overdoing it.
For example, if you’re trying to highlight an architectural feature on your house, use spotlights or floodlights to shine light directly onto the object or plant. Then, adjust the angle and distance of the light until you achieve the desired look. Similarly, if you’re looking to illuminate your walkways or driveway for safety purposes, you can do this by using path lights and illuminating them in a straight line. This will provide the necessary illumination and keep your guests from tripping or stumbling over any obstacles along the way.
Taking into account the size of your space is also important when it comes to designing a layout. If your space is very large, it’s important to evenly distribute the lighting to avoid any shadowing or glare. This can be done by placing lights at varying points around the area or by using a zig-zag pattern on curved walkways.
There’s no doubt that landscape lighting is a great way to enhance your home, but it’s also easy to make some mistakes when installing the fixtures. By working with a professional and keeping the above mistakes in mind, you can be sure your lighting system will meet all of your needs and help to create a beautiful home exterior.
