How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?

How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?
A great way to enhance or improve the design of your landscape is by making use of outside lighting. There are many different options and styles of outside lighting to choose from. This helps make it easy to find lighting that suits the home exterior lighting design you are aiming for. However, choosing outdoor landscape lights is not as simple as deciding on what light you like the most. There are a few other factors that need to be taken into consideration in order to install the best possible landscape lighting system for your home.

How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?

What to Keep in Mind as You Start the Lighting Plan

Of course, the first thing you will need to consider is the area or space you want to include lighting in. Choosing an area to install outdoor lighting will start you in the right direction of what kind of strength you will require from the light source, whether it’s an area that people will walk through or if it’s just to enhance a part of the design from afar. Deciding on the area will also determine the lighting techniques that will be used for optimal effect. There are a few lighting techniques that can be found below.
You will also have to identify the power source that is required for the area where you want to add lighting. Some types of lights only require solar power for a battery to charge. Other types of outdoor lighting may need to be plugged in because of the voltage that is required. Next, decide on the lighting fixtures that you would like to incorporate into your landscape design. Ensure that they are able to have the power input they need to work effectively.
Lastly, choose the correct bulbs to fit into the lighting fixture and light up the area as best as possible.

Understanding Lighting Techniques

There are a few different techniques that landscape lighting designers use in a lighting plan. Each technique provides a different style of lighting depending on the area or objects it is aimed at.

Spot Lighting

The spotlighting technique is when a spotlight is used to create a direct beam of light on a specific area of the garden such as a plant or fixture. This is more for highlighting a specific part of the landscape.

Grazing Technique

The grazing technique is when a light is put directly onto a feature to highlight the surface of the area. This might include the bark of a tree or the area of a masonry wall. This lighting technique is not meant for smooth surfaces.

Shadowing Technique

The shadowing lighting technique is done by shining a light onto an object in such a way that it creates a unique shadow behind it.

Silhouette Technique

The silhouette technique involves placing a light behind the object which in turn creates a light that highlights the shape of the object or feature from behind, creating the silhouette look.

Water Lighting

Water lighting installation is a common but very effective method for improving the lighting design in your landscape. This is when areas such as a pool or water feature have lights added to create a beautiful look.

The Bulbs are Just as Important

After selecting the technique you would like to use to highlight your landscaping, choose lightbulbs that will help serve their purpose. There are many different outdoor lighting options on the market. However, LED lights are the best outdoor lighting option because of the brightness they provide with minimal power input. LED lights also last longer, so they will not need to be replaced as often as other types of lights. It is also important to make sure that the lightbulbs you choose can withstand outdoor temperatures.

SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado

Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us Today.

How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?

How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?
A great way to enhance or improve the design of your landscape is by making use of outside lighting. There are many different options and styles of outside lighting to choose from. This helps make it easy to find lighting that suits the home exterior lighting design you are aiming for. However, choosing outdoor landscape lights is not as simple as deciding on what light you like the most. There are a few other factors that need to be taken into consideration in order to install the best possible landscape lighting system for your home.

How Do You Plan Outdoor Landscape Lighting?

What to Keep in Mind as You Start the Lighting Plan

Of course, the first thing you will need to consider is the area or space you want to include lighting in. Choosing an area to install outdoor lighting will start you in the right direction of what kind of strength you will require from the light source, whether it’s an area that people will walk through or if it’s just to enhance a part of the design from afar. Deciding on the area will also determine the lighting techniques that will be used for optimal effect. There are a few lighting techniques that can be found below.
You will also have to identify the power source that is required for the area where you want to add lighting. Some types of lights only require solar power for a battery to charge. Other types of outdoor lighting may need to be plugged in because of the voltage that is required. Next, decide on the lighting fixtures that you would like to incorporate into your landscape design. Ensure that they are able to have the power input they need to work effectively.
Lastly, choose the correct bulbs to fit into the lighting fixture and light up the area as best as possible.

Understanding Lighting Techniques

There are a few different techniques that landscape lighting designers use in a lighting plan. Each technique provides a different style of lighting depending on the area or objects it is aimed at.

Spot Lighting

The spotlighting technique is when a spotlight is used to create a direct beam of light on a specific area of the garden such as a plant or fixture. This is more for highlighting a specific part of the landscape.

Grazing Technique

The grazing technique is when a light is put directly onto a feature to highlight the surface of the area. This might include the bark of a tree or the area of a masonry wall. This lighting technique is not meant for smooth surfaces.

Shadowing Technique

The shadowing lighting technique is done by shining a light onto an object in such a way that it creates a unique shadow behind it.

Silhouette Technique

The silhouette technique involves placing a light behind the object which in turn creates a light that highlights the shape of the object or feature from behind, creating the silhouette look.

Water Lighting

Water lighting installation is a common but very effective method for improving the lighting design in your landscape. This is when areas such as a pool or water feature have lights added to create a beautiful look.

The Bulbs are Just as Important

After selecting the technique you would like to use to highlight your landscaping, choose lightbulbs that will help serve their purpose. There are many different outdoor lighting options on the market. However, LED lights are the best outdoor lighting option because of the brightness they provide with minimal power input. LED lights also last longer, so they will not need to be replaced as often as other types of lights. It is also important to make sure that the lightbulbs you choose can withstand outdoor temperatures.

SOLMAUNA Creations & Landscaping Designs in Colorado

Our team of landscape designers brings a unique combination of landscape architecture education paired with extensive knowledge of plants to the table. Contact us Today.