Where to Place Landscape Lighting

When considering landscape lighting for your business property or home, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what is needed. If you need help deciding what lighting you need and where to place landscape lighting, this guide will help you. 

Getting Started

Each property has different needs when it comes to where to place landscape lighting. The best way to identify where to place lighting for your property is by taking a walk around your home or business. Our designers usually begin our process by strolling around the property with our clients and making notes on where lighting would be beneficial or would aesthetically improve the landscape. Ask yourself a few questions as you study your property:

• Are there any dark corners or hidden areas you want to illuminate?
• Where could you place lighting that would increase the safety of your home/business?
• Are there any architectural features that you would like to highlight?
• Do you have water features that would benefit from outdoor lighting?

Answering these questions is a great start to designing a landscape lighting layout for your property. You can start this process on your own or work with one of our professional designers if you need guidance. They can help explain some of the most popular places to place landscape lighting. 

Tree Lighting

One of the most common ways to include landscape lighting is through the use of tree lighting. Tree lighting can brighten up a property and add safety across the yard. Typically, lighting companies use uplighting for tree lighting. Uplighting can utilize ground light fixtures or stake mount fixtures. Ground lighting is installed in the ground and offers a sleeker look, but you will need a professional to install them for you. Stake lights can be easier for a person to install in their own home but are not as durable or weather resistant.

Aesthetically, tree lighting can create very striking effects depending on the placement of the lights. Designers can play with shadowing and silhouetting to highlight lights and darks, and emphasize the movement of the shrubbery. It’s an easy way to add drama to a property. 

Garden Lighting

Similar to tree lighting, garden lighting plays up the movement of plants and shrubbery to create mesmerizing effects. It can create a beautiful backdrop for entertaining guests in your backyard or on your patio in the evening.

Practically, adding lighting to your garden can prevent guests or family from stepping on your plants and flowers. It can also ward off certain animals who would otherwise trample and eat your garden up. Moonlighting is a popular method for illuminating a garden as it creates a natural, soft light that encompasses the whole landscape. 

Path Lighting

Path lighting is used to brighten walkways, driveways, and stairs. It helps guests and family members get from one point to the other and can be used to guide a person in a certain direction. It adds safety to a property by creating a clear path for people to walk on and allowing any obstructions to be seen clearly and visibly. If you have proper stair lighting, no one will miss a step and go tumbling down the stairs. Path lighting can involve ground lights or stake lighting. It depends on the needs and desires of the client.

Fence Lighting

Fence lighting allows you to light up the perimeter of your property, adding safety and protection. You will be able to see every corner of your property and will be able to instantly see any intruders sneaking around the outskirts of your property. It can also help you if you have a pool house or shed or greenhouse that you often walk to a night. You’ll more easily be able to see how to get there safely, and paired with path lighting, you won’t have any problems. 
If you are hoping to add landscape lighting to your property but don’t know where to place it, get in touch with a lighting professional who will guide you through the process. Our designers can help you answer important questions about your property and your expectations for the final lighting outcome. You can set up a free consultation and nighttime lighting demonstration here.