11 Landscape Lighting Tips to Make Your Property Pop

Learning how to install the perfect landscape lighting can be a confusing project for homeowners. There are multiple types of lighting arrangements, and each yard is completely unique. However, there are some general landscape lighting tips applicable to just about everyone. Here are the things to keep an eye on when setting up a new outdoor lighting scheme.

1. Put Safety First

Landscape lighting is all about eye-catching visuals, but safety is even more important. Start any project by prioritizing safety. This means that you should illuminate areas that serve a practical purpose before moving on to aesthetics. 

Set up different outdoor lights around stairs, driveways, and pathways first, and consider downlighting these areas to make walking easier. Also, take a look at the electrical system to make sure everything is up to code and that it can handle the new lighting arrangement.

2. Focus on Functionality

Beyond safety, functionality is key. Make sure the yard is well-lit and that you eliminate any dead zones. Start by creating a detailed map of the property, which should include pathways, trees, and key landscape features. This will act as a blueprint for light placement. 

Add lighting to make sure each specific part of the yard is covered. Don't worry, there will be a time and a place for showing off your unique style down the road.

3. Don't Forget the House

The exterior of the house also deserves some of your time. Focusing on the house helps set the tone for the rest of the property. 

Position lighting fixtures to highlight walls and unique architectural details, like brick chimneys or unique window trim. Use soft LEDs to cast a warm glow that shows the exterior of the home in the best possible way. You'll be surprised by how much this adds to the aesthetics of the landscape. 

4. Avoid Clustering Too Many Lights Together 

This may sound counterintuitive, but avoid clustering multiple lights together. Though this seems like an easy way to create a unique aesthetic, it actually draws eyes to the brightness of the lights instead of the beauty of the surrounding landscape. 

If you really want to emphasize a particular fixture, try angling some spotlights toward a focal point. This will create depth and a silhouette. 

5. Consider Low-Voltage Lights

Low-voltage lights are preferable for multiple reasons. They are more energy-efficient than other types of light bulbs, which will keep those utility bills manageable. Lights with higher voltages also tend to produce a harsh glare when in use, which is the last thing you want when setting up an outdoor ambience. Opt for LEDs over incandescents, as the former offer greater efficiency and last longer. 

Generally speaking, choose lights at around 20 to 40 watts for ambient lighting and decorative pathways. Go up to 40 to 80 watts for driveways and yards and 80 watts and higher for security lighting.

6. Embrace Solar for Energy Efficiency 

Solar panels lower energy bills and make your home more efficient overall. Set up some solar-powered lights in sunny parts of the yard. That way, they'll charge all day and glow all night. 

Add some timers and sensors so the lights only operate when needed. This can drastically reduce, or even eliminate, that monthly energy bill. As a bonus, solar-powered lights have come a long way, so you'll be able to find some unique pieces that match your personal style. 

7. Use What's Already There

The best way to incorporate landscape lighting is to use what's already there. Why build something to hold string lights when you already have trees? The same goes for exterior walls, larger plans, decking, and more. 

Any of these things can be incorporated into the lighting plan. All it takes is a bit of creative thinking. Also, don't forget about small and out-of-the-way places. They deserve some lighting love, too. 

8. String Lights Are Good for DIYers

Just starting? String lights are excellent for beginner DIYers. They are easy to place or string, and are available in many color variants. String lights provide ambience and look great for lighting a pathway or accentuating a particular area.

9. Don't Rely on a Single Type of Light

Once you've learned the ins and outs of string lights, including the best way to keep them powered, consider moving on to other outdoor lighting types. This will further diversify the aesthetic, truly letting the yard stand out from the neighbors. I

Consider things like path lights to illuminate walkways and spot lights to add a tasteful accent to a favorite fixture. 

10. Embrace Your Personal Style

Embrace your personal style and lean heavily on the flair. You can always remove it later to simplify things. Try something like mounting lights high in trees and angling them downward to mimic moonlight. 

You can also use staggered lighting along a walkway or well lights to upwardly illuminate a garden. There really isn't a wrong answer here, as long as it looks good to you. 

11. Hire a Pro 

Landscape lighting is more art than science, so it can be beneficial to bring in a pro. Contact a local landscaper to discuss options. They'll be able to come up with multiple plans of action by analyzing the landscape and pre-existing fixtures. 

Most pros have contacts in the lighting industry to get pieces at wholesale prices, and these savings can be passed on to you.