There’s no doubt that incorporating outdoor lighting into your landscaping adds beauty and value to your home. From the purely aesthetic reasons of highlighting your outdoor features to the important benefit of added security, a thoughtful landscape lighting system is transformative. But to enjoy these benefits, each detail needs to be considered carefully to ensure the right balance between function and beauty.
One of the most common outdoor lighting mistakes is using either too little or too much light. While you definitely want adequate lighting for practical reasons, overly bright lights are harsh and may cause glare, ultimately diminishing the calming mood proper outdoor lighting should supply.
How to Avoid It: To ensure that you are providing the right amount of illumination, use a layered lighting approach. This might look like using a mix of spotlights, intelligent lighting, and path lighting. This allows each feature to be properly highlighted without overwhelming the space. Choosing eco lighting solutions (low-wattage) can also help reduce light pollution while maintaining ambiance.
One of the main reasons people install outdoor lighting is for the added safety and security it provides–especially at night, or if you are away. Focusing only on lighting social areas can lead to safety hazards (like trips and falls) and may leave your property vulnerable to intruders.
How to Avoid It: Install motion sensor lights in key areas like drive and entryways to deter unwanted visitors, and use low-level path lighting to guide guests safely along stairs and walkways. Ensuring your property is well-lit not only improves security but also adds to its overall curb appeal.
Many homeowners still use non-sustainable, outdated bulbs, which consume more energy and require frequent replacements. Upgrading to eco lighting options can significantly cut down on energy use and maintenance costs.
How to Avoid It: Choose low-wattage fixtures that provide efficient illumination while reducing energy costs. These often last longer, require less maintenance, and contribute to a more sustainable landscape lighting system. Intelligent lighting features also add to an energy efficient lighting configuration.
Possibly the most important tip to achieve the rich benefits of good outdoor landscape lighting, is choosing to work with landscape professionals who specialize in sustainable outdoor lighting. Groundhog Landscaping’s Eco Springs branch provides expert low-voltage landscape lighting for GTA and Toronto outdoor lighting projects. We consider both your security lighting concerns and social lighting concerns, while giving you intelligent, sustainable options that harmonize with nature. Request an estimate today and let’s bring your outdoor lighting dreams to life!
