Marietta, United States – August 6, 2019 / Brand Equation /

Landscape lighting when done effectively, has the ability to transform a property after dark, but it can be difficult to know what lights to choose and where they should be installed. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta shares its top types of landscape lighting and what purpose each of them serves.

What Areas and Focal Points Should be Lit Up?

It is tempting when designing a landscape lighting installation to light up anything of interest – every tree, bush and path, but this isn’t practical financially, and aesthetically, it isn’t the best option. It is the interplay between light and dark that makes a good landscape lighting installation effective and improve property curb appeal. Contrast creates interest and well-lit spaces will attract people such as a deck or patio. To decide what should be lit up:

• Identify any distinguishing features in the yard such as a pond, statue or tree. Highlighting them will show off the feature to it’s best advantage at night.
• Consider adding a dramatic flair to areas that may seem ordinary during the day – this could be a stone wall or a line of bushes.
• Remember to consider usability, stairs that lead to a deck need to be lit up as well as any pathways that receive foot traffic to mitigate injury risks.
• Don’t forget about entryways so that family members and guests are able to enter and exit the home after dark in a way that is welcoming and easy to navigate.

What are the Different Types of Landscape Lighting?

While there are many different types of landscape lighting, there are a few basic types that should be used when developing a landscape lighting design.

Path Lighting

This is usually done with path lights and is possibly the most popular type of landscape lighting. Path lights are typically small posts that are installed alongside a walkway. Think about the number of lights needed, they shouldn’t be placed too close together as this may be over-lit and crowded.

Uplighting

Uplighting can be done with spotlights or well lights and is usually used to highlight a taller tree or other structure. Here, it is possible to play around and create a dramatic effect such as lighting the tree trunk, or the underside of the tree’s canopy.

Silhouetting

This is also done with spotlights or well lights, this can highlight dramatic shapes by placing the light behind the feature, while the light source remains hidden.

Shadowing

This the opposite of silhouetting, and happens when the light in front of the feature, casting a shadow onto a wall or flat surface behind the feature.

Moon Lighting

This is very effective if there are larger open-branched trees on the property. Here, the light source (or sources) are placed high up in the tree and pointed down, lighting up the branches and the ground below. Spotlights are usually used for this.

Working with an experienced landscape lighting designer will help to narrow down the options. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems is a landscape lighting contractor in Marietta GA that understands the importance of working with both light and shadow to create the best lighting installation for a home. They’ll ensure that the technical details are taken care of, including the voltage requirements, transformer, and setup of each light so that they work together to achieve the desired effect. They’ll also be able to explain the importance of using LED lighting.

Because there are so many options to choose from, and different configurations available, a professional landscape lighting company can make sure that the final product matches the lifestyle requirements and personal preferences of the homeowner.