How To Create An Effective Landscape Lighting Plan?

Outdoor lighting is about much more than just functionality and safety. With the right lighting design your yard can be transformed after dark into a place for evening enjoyment and entertainment. This article covers the essential things you need to consider to develop an impactful landscape lighting plan such as fixture selection, placement and controlling costs. It will also provide design tips to subtly direct attention to focal points and create atmosphere. Follow these guidelines to take your landscaping from nice to spectacular after sunset.

Landscape lighting introduction

Landscape lighting is the art of illuminating outdoor spaces using various light fixtures. It involves carefully planning and positioning different types of lights throughout your yard and garden to highlight architectural elements, pathways, foliage and more after dusk. Done right, landscape lighting transforms your outdoor area into a functional and aesthetically pleasing oasis day or night.

Importance of backyard lighting?

There are several key reasons why landscape lighting is a worthwhile investment for your Fredericton home.

It enhances safety by illuminating walking paths, entrances and other areas sucha as driveways where accidents could occur at night.
Outdoor lights also increase security by allowing potential threats to be seen more easily.
Landscape lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere that uplifts your outdoor space‘s ambiance and curb appeal.
You can set specific moods or highlight unique features with different lighting techniques.

Overall, landscape lighting maximizes how much you can enjoy your yard throughout all seasons and hours of the day.

Planning your landscape lighting

Assess your landscape

The first step to designing an effective yard lighting plan is thoroughly assessing your outdoor space. Carefully observe your yard’s size, contours, existing vegetation and structural elements like walkways or patios.

Note focal points that you want to emphasize after dark as well as areas that need functional lighting, such as entries or trash bins. Sketching a basic diagram can help with the assessment process.

Identify focus area

Based on your landscape assessment, identify your highest priority areas for illumination. For most homes, the main entrance, walkways and retaining walls or activity areas are good places to start for safety and enjoyment purposes.

You may also want to highlight unique landscape features near the home using accent lighting. Don’t try to light your whole yard at once – focus lighting where it is needed most and expand your system over time.

Sketch a lighting plan

Once you’ve identified important areas, sketch a simple plan of your yard and mark where you want to place each type of lighting fixture. Note paths using dotted or solid lines and mark focal points with symbols. This preliminary sketch will guide fixture placement when you install and demonstrate lighting concepts to others for feedback before purchasing equipment. The sketch also serves as a reference for future changes to your lighting system.

Selecting the right lighting fixtures

Types of lighting fixtures

Floodlights: provide broad area lighting that is useful for illuminating spaces close to fixtures.
Spotlights: produce strong beams of light that can be aimed precisely at focal points.
Path lights: designed for ground installation along walkways and borders to provide guidance and visibility.
Bollards: upright post fixtures that illuminate open areas and path intersections without glare.
String lights: festive option for trees, shrubs and eaves; make sure LED type is suitable for outdoor use.

Choose the right fixtures for each area

While assessing your yard, identify the purpose and desired effect for each space to guide fixture choices. For example, use spotlights or floodlights for visibility and security near entries or seating areas, softer path lights along nature trails, and uplighting or downlighting to highlight landscape features.

Uplighting washes buildings and trees with texture, while downlighting provides task lighting and illuminates pathways. Bollards work well for illuminating open zones. Then consider the fixtures’ construction compatibility with your landscape – rust-resistant options for moist areas, for instance.

Choosing the right equipment like spotlights, path lights, bollards, uplights or downlights maximizes your lighting design goals for each specific area.

Energy efficiency & sustainability

Use LED lights and drivers which use 85-90% less energy than tradition halogen or incandescent lighting. Install electronic timers or motion sensors so lights aren’t on all evening unnecessarily. And employ light-colored paving to reflect ambient light for a brighter feel with fewer fixtures.

Solar landscape lights run entirely on daylight, eliminating wiring runs and energy bills. They’re a convenient option for accenting hard-to-reach foliage or outlining pathways without outlets nearby. Their low maintenance and reduced environmental impact makes solar a sustainable choice.

Keep upgrading your outdoor lighting over time

Rather than a one-and-done installation, treat landscape lighting like your yard itself and grow the system gradually. Replace outdated fixtures with newer energy-efficient LED models as needed. Evaluate lighting effects after a season’s use and add transformers or fixtures where more light is desirable. Upgrading keeps your lighting scheme unique and optimized.

Looking for best landscape light installation services in Fredericton?

If you are looking to have landscape lighting installed in your yard but don’t want to take on the project yourself, consider hiring a professional landscape lighting company. Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete is a top provider of landscape lighting installation services in Fredericton. With over 15 years of experience, we have the expertise to design and install fully customized landscape lighting plans. We can complete projects of any size, from simple path or walkway lighting to elaborate designs that fully illuminate large yards and outdoor spaces.Our technicians will work with you to understand your design goals before professionally installing and testing your new landscape lighting system. Contact Atlantic Hardscape for an exact estimate – we have the skills and resources to transform your property with beautifully designed and fully functional landscape lighting.

To close

Assess your landscape by observing size, contours, vegetation, existing structures, and noting focal points and areas needing lighting. Sketch a basic diagram.
Identify priority lighting areas such as entries, walkways, seating areas and unique landscape features near the home. Focus on illuminating the most important spaces.
Sketch a simple lighting plan of your yard showing where you want to place different fixture types like path lights, spotlights, uplights. Note focal points and paths.
Research various fixture types like floodlights, spotlights, path lights, bollards, string lights to choose options suited for each lighting area and compatible with your landscape.
Consider energy efficiency by using LED lights on timers/sensors and reflective paving to minimize fixtures and energy use. Solar lights also reduce wiring and environmental impact.
Quality lighting highlights focal points while qualified help creates a dazzling illuminated oasis for nights and seasons to come.

FAQ about landscape lighting design

How do you make a lighting layout plan?

We carefully observe your existing landscape features first. Then we use a diagram or sketch to map out paths and intended fixture placements based on your priority lighting needs.

What are the rules of thumb for landscape lighting?

Consider your home’s style and highlight focal points when planning lighting placements. Use a mix of fixture types like pathway, uplight and spotlight combinations. Choose energy-efficient LED bulbs and automatic timers to minimize power usage. Regular maintenance of fixtures ensures optimal light output over time. An effective design subtly accentuates existing landscaping after dark rather than overpowering it.

What is the best color for landscape lighting?

The color selection for landscape lighting depends primarily on the mood or atmosphere you want to create in your outdoor space. Warm white colors in the yellow-orange spectrum around 2700-3000K are generally recommended to achieve a cozy, inviting ambiance. These tones flatter landscaping features and architectural elements naturally. Cool white colors between 5000-6000K tend toward blue-purple hues and work well for adding drama or accenting after sunset. Considering factors like your home’s style, the plants you want illuminated and the desired atmosphere at night will help determine whether warm or cool lighting tones are preferred.