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When designing landscape lighting we use many of the same basics we
use for lighting interiors, except the general lighting aspect. We need to
factor in accent lighting and lighting for safety and function. The
lighting for safety comes into play by means of walkway lighting and
security lighting.
In order to develop a good landscape lighting design the first thing to
do is figure out where the main focus points will be. These will
normally be a few select special shrubs, trees or some other feature.
The rest of the lighting should be a subtle glow. A soft look is much
more appealing that a bright display.
With the improvements in low voltage lighting over the last few years,
my preference is to use them over line voltage. For one thing it allows
the wiring to be installed even after a landscape design has been
installed. There is also a better selection of very appealing fixtures to
choose from.
Types of Lighting
There is a number of ways the landscape lighting can be achieved. Uplighting can be
used to light up a tree or shrub. Cross lighting can be used in this manner as well to up
light from an angle on 2 sides. Another method is to use downlighting from a tree. In
some cases a large tree standing in front of a nice landscape makes a great place to
hide lights that can shine down. Path lighting is an important aspect that needs proper
attention. Walkways should be lit well enough to be traveled safely while not to bright
to take away from the overall picture.
Where to Start
A good way to get started if your landscaping is already in is to go to a point that will
be the most common point of view of the area. If it is the front of a house for instance,
go out to the street in front. Do this around dusk, when it is still bright enough to see.
From this point you should be able to pick out 3 or 4 focal points. Look to see where
you can place lights best to light those focal points and still hide the light behind some
other items in the design. Once you pick out your focal points you'll want to pick
some area that can be washed or grazed with light. This can be sprawling shrubs or
tall grasses or groups of small shrubbery.
The walkway or paths can be lit with path lights set fairly far apart. 6 or 7 feet is not
unusual. If the lights are very small or dim and you need more, consider staggering
them on both sides so they don't seem to be on top of each other.
Don't overlook your house as part of the focal point. Particular items on a house
can provide great focal points. A beautiful entranceway deserves to be visible at night
and adds a touch of security.
Lighting fixture types
There are different types of fixtures for different applications. Well lights are installed
in the ground and sit flush so they are not visible when there is no shrubbery to hide
lighting. Small spotlights can be used on the ground and in trees so that light can be
directed. Walkway lights come in a wide variety of styles and colors to fit any decor.
The bulbs have an effect also. Using floods for grazing and spots to highlight certain
aspects.
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Example of a walkway light fixture
Click on the image for more info
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Example of a floodlight
fixture
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more info
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Example of a well light
fixture
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more info
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This is just a small sample of what's out there in landscape light
fixtures. If you would like more info, please email us.
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