You work hard on your lawn all year long – too bad it can’t be appreciated after the sun goes down. Or can it? With the help of landscape lighting, you can upgrade your home’s exterior, and use the extra glow to squeeze in more illuminated hours outdoors and improve your home’s safety and security.

Depending on a homeowner’s desired outcome, there are many different types of landscape lights to choose from. While some homes call for a subtle touch, others provide an opportunity for a more dramatic flair. From pond lights to wall lanterns, the options are plentiful.

Types of landscape lights

Path Lights

Looking for that extra touch to make your guests feel cozy when walking to your front door? You can’t go wrong with path lights. Path lights are used to illuminate sidewalks and pathways, driveways, patios, and pool edges. The small posts have a built-in light and are capped with a plastic fixture. These versatile lights aren’t only used to create an inviting entry. They can also be added to your landscape design to frame out one of your favorite features in your yard.

Homeowners use landscape lighting to cast a dramatic shadow on trees.

Spotlights

Spotlights are the backbone of many great landscape designs. Spotlights come in an array of shapes, from pinpoint to flood, and they can be mixed and matched to achieve a variety of looks. Small landscape spotlights are perfect for highlighting interesting shapes you might have hiding in plain daylight, such as large trees and unique sculptures.

Well Lights

Used to up-light trees, columns, and other architectural features, well lights are a great alternative to spotlights. Well lights, which require digging a hole so that the light will sit flush with the ground, are a go-to in landscape lighting and often used to create dramatic light and shadows on textured, flat planes.

Deck and Step lights

These architectural accents can be installed on deck posts or added underneath stair treads, and they not only make the area look beautiful, but also increase safety. Deck and step lights allow homeowners to get more use out of outdoor sitting areas when entertaining guests or unwinding after a long day.

Save energy with LED bulbs

In past years, the preferred choice for landscape lighting was low-cost halogen bulbs, but now professionals are reaching for LED lights to create homeowners’ dream effects. Though LED lighting is generally more expensive to purchase than the halogen alternative, they are worth it in the long run due to their extended lifespan. Another primary benefit to choosing LED lights is the amount of energy you will save. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, widespread use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States.

DIY or call on the professionals?

In the age of Pinterest, any project may seem do-it-yourself friendly, but the scope of electrical work required to install landscape lighting may vary. For this reason, it’s best to consult the professionals. Though some lights require little manipulation, professional landscapers will not only bring installation knowledge, but they can also provide suggestions on arrangements and techniques that you may be unaware of. In addition, professionals can ensure you’re working with the right voltage for your transformer and make you aware of other important details. If you have any questions about landscape lighting, call C&A Landscape at 850-329-0621.