Things To Consider When Selecting Landscape Lighting
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Landscape lighting can be an excellent addition to any property. It is an effective means of not only allowing you to navigate through your yard at night, but it can also help bring the focus to a particular area if that is your goal. There are many options available for landscape lighting and while you can always have a professional assist you in choosing the right one, it is a good idea to have some general idea of what you are looking for. Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right lighting for your yard.
Location And Function
The very first thing you want to think about is what function the lighting will serve and where it will go. If the light will be highlighting a certain feature of your yard, it should ideally go near to that feature. If the light is designed to help you get around your landscape at night, you may choose to place small lights along the pathways in your garden or opt for more lights that are larger and can illuminate a larger area. Ultimately you will decide where you want the lights to go and what function they will serve but a professional can help you.
Lighting Method
Once you know where you want the lights to go and what function they will serve, you are better equipped to select the lighting method. There are several main methods for lights and a professional can help you select the right one for your needs. Up light involves light that is placed on the ground and shines up while down light is mounted up high with the light shining downwards. Ground light is also located on the ground but shines straight out instead of up. Spotlights can highlight specific objects and backlights go behind objects to make them stand out. Each of these options can work well as part of a larger landscape as long as they are used correctly.
Power Source
Your final consideration for the lighting is the power source and the main options are electric power or solar power with benefits to each. Electric wires tend to be more reliable, but more expensive to run longterm. They also sometimes require you to use wires. Solar lights are more environmentally friendly and basically free after installation but not as reliable as they need sunlight to charge.