Having the right lighting in your yard can make a huge difference, whether you’re trying to accent a specific tree, plant, or pathway or create a dramatic atmosphere. From simple square fixtures to elaborate post-mount options, landscape lighting St Louis, MO comes in various styles. The variety of fixtures is almost limitless. Postmount lighting also comes in various styles, including columns and posts with different designs. In addition, the layout of the lights is important, so it can highlight certain features in the yard and create interesting shadows.
Path lights
Path lights are a great way to accent your landscape while bringing light to the surrounding area. They provide additional security and can also be used to prevent trip hazards. They are available in many styles, including pendant lights and wall lights. If you’re not a DIY-er, consider hiring a professional to install path lights. Some people even install path lights over beautiful objects, such as statues or plants.
When choosing your lights, make sure they are rated for outdoor use. Many of them will work fine if installed underneath an overhang, but they may not withstand the change in temperature and humidity. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the lights are rated for outdoor use. A popular type is a 100-foot LED strip light, which can be programmed to flash to the beat of the music. Smart LED color-changing lightbulbs can be purchased for less than $15 and can be installed into most existing fixtures.
Floodlights
When used in landscaping, floodlights are great for enhancing the beauty of a landscape and adding a layer of security. While choosing these lights, keep in mind that you should strike a balance between aesthetics and security. Bullet fixtures and lateral wash lights are excellent choices for highlighting bushes and trees. They will highlight the intricate details of your landscaping while still providing enough security to prevent potential intruders from hiding in the shadows.
Spotlights are generally more concentrated and focus light on a single spot, while floodlights have a wider spread. If you’re planning to use landscape spotlights, consider where you want them to be placed, as their beam is broader. Floodlights are usually used to illuminate an area more broadly, like a garden or patio. While spotlights are a great choice for accentuating trees, floodlights also give your yard an overall look.
Spotlights
Spotlights, floodlights, and downlights are the four basic landscape lighting fixtures. Spotlights are adaptable and may be positioned in any direction. Spotlights are often used to highlight focal points, such as a birdbath, statue, or tree. They are also useful for creating dramatic lighting effects and are available in various brightness levels and coverage options. Spotlights can be used indoors and outdoors and are great for accent lighting architectural details and landscape features.
When choosing your landscape lighting fixtures, keep in mind that they must be bright enough to illuminate the area properly. If you plan to have multiple lighting elements, avoid placing them too close together because they will only draw attention to each other. Instead, focus on several different landscape lights positioned at different angles to cast a powerful spotlight on the subject. Landscape lights can be installed in small spaces, too, so make sure to read the instructions for installation.
Inground
Inground are lights that are installed directly into the ground. These lights are most commonly used to light up driveways and walkways. However, they can also highlight garden features, such as flowerbeds and walls. Inground lights have their advantages and disadvantages. However, they are the most practical choice for lighting your landscape. This type of landscape lighting can add ambiance and drama and give silhouettes to the garden features.
You should choose the type of landscape lighting that will last for years. If you want to install a landscape lighting system, make sure you get fixtures made of quality materials. It can be tempting to use cheap fixtures, but these can eventually break or become damaged. Furthermore, they may not look as aesthetically pleasing as high-quality fixtures. To prevent premature failure, you should clean your fixtures with water and mild soap after use. Additionally, it would help if you changed the bulbs periodically.
Hardscape lights
There are several types of landscape lights for different needs. Hardscape wall lights are typically mounted on the underside of stone retaining walls or deck posts and can range in color temperature. Some have mounting plates attached to them, and they can be adjusted to direct the light outward or inward. For a decorative accent, consider LED hardscape wall lights. They are available in different lengths and color temperatures and can be installed in various applications.
Hardscapes are landscape features made of concrete, stone, or other hard materials. Lighting can be placed on these features to accent them, provide extra safety, or add beauty. Wall lights are another option for adding a creative touch to pathways. Special events can also benefit from hardscape lighting. Hardscape wall lights are affixed to the bottom of capstones and overhangs and may provide a decorative touch to any walkway.