Landscape Lighting Techniques
- Illuminating your walkways is the most functional use of landscape lighting. Visible paths prevent trips and falls and encourage people to stay on the walkway and out of your garden. Pathway lighting comes in a variety of styles, from solar-powered LED battery lights to hard-wired incandescents. Spacing these lights is essential for proper lighting coverage. Pathway lights are best placed in 8- to 10-foot intervals and can be staggered on either side of the path.
- Focal points of your garden or yard can be enhanced by direct lighting. Focal points may include fountains, decorative flowers and shrubs, trees and other lawn and garden ornaments. Direct lighting illuminates only its intended subject and should be used sparingly to avoid light pollution. Direct lighting may be dimmed, and it can also be in a variety of colors should you prefer. Lights on the ground aimed up into a large tree can provide interesting patches of shadows and light throughout the tree.
- The undersides of large trees can benefit from hanging lanterns to illuminate the canopy above and the ground below. Hanging lamps and lanterns can also provide necessary light over dining and picnic tables, grills and other outdoor furniture.
- Only lighting and wiring intended for the outdoors should be used to light your landscape. If you are in doubt, check with the manufacturer of your lights or consult an electrician.