A landscape lighting plan helps you understand the fixtures and lamps you need, where to place them and the best order for installation. In addition, a good plan can help you develop measures to mitigate potential challenges you may experience when installing the lights. This guide will help you create a plan for your landscape lighting projects.
Basic Materials Needed
One of the main reasons you should create an outdoor lighting plan before implementing your landscape project is to identify the materials you need. This ensures you don’t miss out on any essential lighting items and have the budget before starting.
The following are the main components you’ll need:
- Low-voltage transformer: The transformer is the system’s power supply and is mounted near the house. You can also attach it directly to the structure or in the basement.
- Fixtures: Fixtures contain the source of lighting that illuminate the garden or other outdoor space. The fixtures get power from the low-voltage transformer.
- Wire: You need cables to connect to the transformer. Select the right size of wire for a good connection. Each wire is rated according to the size of its conductors.
Types of Landscape Lighting Fixtures
Fixtures are some of the most critical components of landscape lighting. Different types are available, and you should choose based on your specific needs. For example:
- Path lights: These are used to aim the light beam down to encompass an entire landscape area.
- String lights: These are mostly used for decorative purposes. You can hang string lights anywhere, and they’re easily customizable.
- Spotlights: These types of lights, also known as uplights, are mostly used to highlight trees and shrubs.
- Fountain lighting: These can be used to add a touch of magic to pools.
- Bollard lights: These lights are often used to illuminate driveways.
- Step lights: These lights are mostly mounted to the risers of steps and are great for ensuring a safer walking path at night.
- Floodlights: Floodlights can enhance outdoor security. They are similar to spotlights but have a wider angle and a higher wattage.
Landscape Lighting Techniques
When planning landscape lighting, consider the lighting techniques that would be appropriate for the location and function. The technique will inform the choice of the right fixture to use. In addition to uplighting and path lighting, these are some common techniques:
- Moonlighting: The fixtures are installed between tree foliage facing down or high above structures. The goal is to illuminate the target area with ghost shadows.
- Silhouetting: Soft light is used behind planting materials to create a silhouette.
- Shadowing: Light fixtures are placed directly in front of a tree. You can also place the light in front of a statute. This technique creates dramatic shadows on the surface behind it.
How to Plan Landscape Lighting
Follow the steps below to plan your lighting project.
1. Consider Your Goals
Think about the outdoor space you want to light and its function. Is it a walking path or driveway that should provide proper lighting for vehicles and pedestrians? Identify areas that are potential safety hazards when it’s dark. Some types of lights are also used to illuminate social spaces like decks or patios for dinners or evening hangouts.
2. Brainstorm Ideas and Draw Your Design
Gather ideas from landscape or outdoor spaces similar to the site you want to light. The images and layouts will give you an idea of how to design landscape lighting for the yard.
Once you have the ideas, you can draw the design, starting from the buildings and perimeter and working inward. This will help you choose the right system for your yard. You’ll be able to see the whole space at a glance and spot the key features you want to highlight. The design can help you avoid mistakes like putting too many lights in a specific location and leaving other areas dark.
3. Determine the Materials and Tools Required and Set a Budget
Based on your design, you can estimate the number and type of fixtures, wires and other materials and tools you’ll need to implement the project. You should also determine the exact locations for the fixtures. Consider electrical capacity and optimal spacing when choosing where to install the fixtures.
Set a budget based on the materials and tools you need. In addition to the fixtures, some of the items you may need include wire, landscape lights, a tape measure, wire strippers, wire cutters, silicone boxes to protect connections, a voltage tester, a transformer and transformer mounting hardware.
4. Install Your Lighting System
You have the drawing, have identified the requirements and have set a budget — you’re ready to execute the lighting project. Most lighting systems can run from a single power source, so you should only need to map where you’ll place each fixture and note the cables required to make the connections. Once you install your lighting system and test the lights, bury any wires to keep the scene visually clean and to eliminate tripping hazards. Consult a professional electrician if you need assistance during installation.
Best Practices for Landscape Lighting
Your goal is to ensure each section of your landscape is properly illuminated and that the lighting serves its function for that area. The goal for each light installation may vary, ranging from security enhancement to adding ambience, and you can tailor each project to achieve your goals.
Follow the tips below for optimal installation:
- Choose the right transformer: Add the wattage of all the bulbs or integrated fixtures to select a low-voltage transformer with a wattage greater than your consumed wattage.
- Calculate the length of cables: Calculate the gauge and length of cables required to reach the transformer. Invest in a little bit more than you think you’ll need to account for any measuring errors.
- Follow regulations: Research to determine if there are specific regulations you’re supposed to follow. For example, if you plan to use a voltage greater than 120, you must comply with rules and guidelines set by the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Find a Brilliance LED Distributor Near You!
Creating a landscaping lighting plan will help you identify the right items you need before you start the installation. The right fixtures and lighting system can make a big difference in your work. Brilliance LED provides high-quality performance LED lamps and a variety of landscape fixtures. Our products are designed with durability, function and purpose of application in mind. We are committed to offering products that stand the test of time.
Find a Brilliance LED distributor near you to get the best fixtures and lamps for your landscape lighting project.
