How to Light a Landscape
- Up Lighting. Used as an accent to architectural details and add safe passage to dark stairs, deck and step lights are...
- Silhouetting. This is a fantastic effect for highlighting dramatic shapes you might have hiding in plain daylight.
- Shadowing. This is the reverse technique of silhouetting. Placing the light between the main vantage point and...
How to create unique landscape lighting?
Using Shadows to Create Dramatic Landscape Lighting Effects
- Try Moonlighting. Moonlighting means more than just working a second job. ...
- Create Silhouettes. This involves placing lights behind an object on your property, so it becomes a shadowy outline. ...
- Get Shadowing. ...
- Boast Backlighting. ...
- Consider Uplighting. ...
- Amazing Grazing. ...
- Cross Lights. ...
- Find Your Path. ...
- Spot Your Shadows. ...
- Mix the Techniques. ...
What is the best landscape lighting?
- BEST OVERALL: Greenclick Landscape Lighting Extendable LED Lights
- BEST BUDGET: sunpo Solar Lights Pathway Landscape Lights
- BEST WELL: SUNRIVER Low Voltage Landscape Lights LED Well Lights
- BEST FLOOD LIGHTS: Newhouse Lighting Aluminum LED Wall Wash Flood
- BEST SPOTLIGHTS: Lumina 4W LED Landscape Lights
How to set up outdoor landscape lighting?
We suggest following these guidelines:
- For smaller trees up to 1 story or 6-10 feet, opt for 80-120 lumens. ...
- For medium-sized trees up to 2 stories, go with 140-180 lumens.
- Larger trees up to 3 stories require 230-270 lumens.
- And finally, tall trees up to 4 stories or 50-80 feet tall will benefit from a 350-1000 lumen output.
What do you need to know about landscape lighting?
Landscape Lighting Overview. Today, the majority of landscape lighting systems are low voltage to help keep energy use and installation costs down. Most of the systems we install for our clients use between 10-15 V and utilize LED technology for long-lasting life. Although low-voltage lights operate on about 1/10th the power of a standard 120V ...
When should you turn on landscape lights?
Whatever your control system, having your lights turn on at dusk and off at sunset is ideal. Leave your lights on all night to be sure the are doing their job all night and keep your property safe. Then have them turn off at sunrise.
Do you leave landscape lighting on all night?
Home Security Lighting Tips If you have landscape lighting, keep them on for the entire night from dusk to dawn. the entire night. Use garden lights with motion detectors and place them at strategic points around the perimeter of your home. those areas where intruders can hide from view.
How do I start landscape lighting?
5 Tips To Get You Started in Landscape LightingTip #1: Take Advantage of Free Training and Local Support. It's easy to fear the unknown. ... Tip #2: Be the Expert. ... Tip #3: Demos Sell Outdoor Lighting. ... Tip #4: Install Wire during Irrigation Installation. ... Tip #5: Don't Forget about Previous Customers.
How long should landscape lights stay on?
Most of these lights allow you to choose how long you want the light to stay on (usually between 5 seconds and 10 minutes) once the movement has been detected. Most dawn to dusk lights are activated throughout the night, but the motion-activated lights don't remain on that long (depending on your settings).
How do I get my outside lights to turn on automatically?
0:051:08How To Automate Your Outdoor Lights for 10 Dollars - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're back with another quick tip this one's super quick and easy we're gonna use an outdoor lightMoreWe're back with another quick tip this one's super quick and easy we're gonna use an outdoor light sensor and a new LED bulb to make sure that your lights can come on when the Sun Goes Down.
Does leaving outside lights on deter burglars?
Do security lights deter burglars? Yes, they can. Light makes it hard for them to conceal their identity, so they are more likely to find a darker home.
How do low voltage landscape lights work?
Low voltage landscape lights are powered through a transformer that lowers the regular voltage down to 12-volts. These systems are safe to work with, energy efficient and easy to install and move. They are plugged into a GFCI outlet outside.
How do you connect low voltage landscape lights?
7:0110:53How to Wire Low Voltage Landscape Lighting with Wiring DiagramYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto this twelve two wire. And then we're going to strip the ends. To our wire that's going out toMoreInto this twelve two wire. And then we're going to strip the ends. To our wire that's going out to the next light so we're gonna strip. That.
Do you need a special transformer for LED landscape lights?
LED lights also give lighting designers greater controllability over the effects they are looking to create. Without the need for larger transformers that require more involved planning & engineering, LED lamps have also brought a strange myth to landscape lighting: that landscape lighting is simple & easy to do.
What does dusk to dawn mean on a motion light?
Dusk to dawn lights are special LED lights that are able to measure the level of light in their surroundings and adjust accordingly! Dusk to dawn lights include a special photocell placed inside that is sensitive to light. When the photocell is being exposed to sunlight, the light bulb will not turn on.
How do you make outdoor lights from dusk to dawn?
1:3110:15Automated Outdoor Lighting - dusk to dawn, or scheduled - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSame time you can do that by adding a photoelectric switch. And that's a little sensor that you canMoreSame time you can do that by adding a photoelectric switch. And that's a little sensor that you can put on the light fixture. Itself now to make it work on julie's house.
Can you leave solar lights out in the rain?
Can you leave solar lights out in the rain? Yes, most well-manufactured solar lights can be left out in the rain and maintain their functionality. Although some units are not completely waterproof, most sealed solar lights with a weatherproof resting of IP65 can withstand extended rainy conditions.
Are pathway lights tacky?
The lights used for walkway lighting are similar to those in the photo above. They produce indirect light. All they do is make a house look cheap and tacky.
What percent of outdoor lighting in the US is wasted?
30 percentIDA estimates that least 30 percent of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. alone is wasted, mostly by lights that aren't shielded. That adds up to $3.3 billion and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year!
How do I keep my path lights straight?
Depending on the type of soil you have, you may need to use your long screwdriver to make the initial hole. If so, take your screwdriver and push it straight down into the dirt, pull it out, and then insert the stake. If your soil is soft enough, just push the stake straight into the ground, instead.
How can I light my backyard without electricity?
DIY Outdoor Lighting Without Electricity: 11 Easy Ideas#1 Transform Your Yard with Tiki Torches.#2 Decorate with Candles.#3 Illuminate Your Yard with Luminaries.#4 Set Up Solar Panels.#5 Bring Light to Your Yard with Battery Powered LED Lights.#6 Buy Bluetooth Lights.#7 Pick Up a Battery-Powered Outlet.More items...•
Why install landscape lighting? 3 reasons and benefits to why you should
1. Landscape Lighting increases your property value and appeal By installing any addition to your home you increase its property value, however, the right landscape lighting will instantly make your home look more inviting and beautiful.
A How to Step-by-Step Guide for Buying Landscape Lighting
Step 1: Define the number of zones you will be lighting Your first step in purchasing landscape lighting is to figure out how many zones you have around your home.
What type of lighting is the least expensive?
Information: This type of lighting can easily be installed by a do-it-yourselfer. Least Expensive: Solar lighting. Information: Since solar lights rely upon the rays of the sun and an inbuilt photovoltaic device to work, they do not necessitate installation costs or a lot of money to operate.
How much does landscape lighting cost?
Most Expensive: High-voltage landscape lighting at $100 or more per light#N#Information: Add on the cost of labor for the electrical contractor installing the wiring to cost of lighting for an additional fee.
How to highlight a statue in a garden?
If you wish to highlight a single item in your garden like a statue, gazing ball or fountain, you should consider using a few landscape lighting fixtures with lower intensity bulbs. Place these at various angles and distances. A single bright light shining directly on the object will create harsh shadows.
How to light a bench in the backyard?
Match the reason for lighting to specific locations in your backyard. You may want to illuminate a bench along the path with a pole-type lamp placed behind it. A soft mood can be achieved by hiding landscape lighting under shrubs. A path may require a series of short stake lights along its border on one side or on both sides (Image 1). A water fountain can be enhanced with a spotlight (Image 2), and a pond can have soft lighting around its perimeter.
What kind of light is best for a garden path?
A single bright light shining directly on the object will create harsh shadows. Landscape lights that make soft spots of light are good for garden paths. Space the lights at equal distances along the path you want illuminated. Blue tinted lights allow for a moonlight-type mood in your garden landscape.
What is a well lit landscape?
A well-lit landscape should have both functional and decorative light fixtures. In this outdoor space, wall sconces on the house provide adequate illumination for entertaining, while the garden fixtures and the lights strung through the trees bring a whimsical feel to the patio at night.
What color lights are best for a moonlight garden?
Blue tinted lights allow for a moonlight-type mood in your garden landscape.
What is the Best Landscape Lighting?
Most landscape lighting today is low voltage, and with good reason. Unlike 120-volt systems, it's safer to work with and less costly to install. And though low-voltage lights receive one-tenth the power, thanks to a step-down transformer, there's no limit to the effects they can achieve, from ethereal moonlight beamed down from a tree canopy to a subtle glow that washes over a low garden wall. More than just picking the right hardware, a pleasing lighting scheme is also about artistry.
What temperature do LEDs have?
Also, many LEDs have a cold blue light with a color temperature around 6,000 K (kelvins). Look instead for a warm-color temperature, about 3,000 K. And don't forget to look at light output, in lumens, to make sure you're getting enough brightness. LED performance is improving, but it still lags behind that of halogens.
How much does a 10 light system cost?
Cables run 70 cents per foot, and a transformer can be had for about $200. A 10-light system installed by a pro typically starts at about $2,000 to $2,500.
How long do transformers last?
Warranties on fixtures and transformers range from one to 10 years, but fixtures made of brass, copper, or stainless steel should shine indefinitely.
How to prevent overheating in a light fixture?
Keep fixtures free of leaves and debris to prevent them from overheating. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately so that others on the circuit aren't subject to life-shortening voltage overloads.
What size canopies reflect light?
Canopies on top of 18- to 24-inch posts reflect light down into planting beds. Can also be used as pathway markers. Unlike other lights, their style and finish are on display.
What determines a light's brightness, color, and beam width, as well as electricity usage?
Bulb: Determines a light's brightness, color, and beam width, as well as electricity usage.
How does moonlighting work?
True to its name, moonlighting creates a glow similar to moonlight. Moonlighting is created by placing light fixtures high inside the foliage of a tree, angled down. The lighting within a tree’s branches and foliage make interesting shadows on the ground, as well as a soft glow from within.
How far below the surface should water lighting be installed?
To properly illuminate underwater stairs in a spa or pool, fixtures in that area should be no more than 12 inches below the surface.
What is the effect of washing a feature with soft light?
Washing a feature with soft light, and illuminating the background surface casts an often magical set of shadows to appear on walls or the facade of a building. Low lighting angled up creates a grand shadow bigger than the original.
What is the technique used to draw attention to a featured object such as a statue?
Use this technique to draw attention to a featured object such as a statue. Accenting uses up-lighting or down-lighting to emphasize the object, creating a unique contrast of shadows.
What is the best flood light?
For best results, a wide-angle flood light with low wattage is preferred over a spotlight. Experimenting with height and angle is also recommended to find the perfect light.
What is the number to call Northern Michigan landscape lighting?
Give the northern Michigan landscape lighting company with all the design, installation and maintenance experience a call today! (231) 348-2624.
Where is in grade lighting installed?
In-grade lighting is often installed at the base of a stone wall or other hardscape feature.
How Many Landscape Lights Can You Install on a Low Voltage Transformer
Transformer power spec considerations: Calculating Voltage Amps as opposed to Watts, will show you the true power draw on your line, and this is why it is advisable to use this number to ensure you don’t purchase a landscape lighting transformer that isn’t adequate to power your lighting design installation, since it will only cause issues for you down the road eating into your profit and your customers happiness..
Small Landscape Lighting Design Plan Power Calculations
So, if you want to connect ten landscape spotlights to a small transformer, and the lights utilize 2W / 4VA / 20 watts halogen equivalent light output power each, you would want a 100-watt transformer. (Example of calculations: 10 lights X 4 VA = 40 voltage amps).
Large Landscape Lighting Design System Power Draw Formula
Again, if you want to connect twenty landscape lights to a low volt transformer, and the lights are pulling 4W / 7VA / 35 Watts of halogen power draw on the system, you would need a 300 watt transformer.
Wire Plays an Important Role in Your Lighting Design Considerations for Power
Additionally, when considering what wire gauge to use for your landscape lighting design installation, its best to understand that different gauges have their own pros and cons.
