Lighting is going to be a big feature in landscape design. The freedom to enjoy a garden after the sun goes down adds another dimension to the pleasure it offers. From family gatherings to entertaining to just being able to unwind in peace at the end of the day, the ways a garden can be used after sunset are endless. Of course, you cannot do much sitting or wandering around in the dark. That is why outdoor landscape lighting is so important and why it is expected to be a major landscape design trend this year. The landscape lighting installation must be done in a way that ensures that the lighting is neither too bright nor too dim while also ensuring that the beauty of the garden is most effectively presented. That is why landscape lighting design is so vital. This is a job best left to a professional landscaping company that has the expertise to do it. Outdoor lighting is not the same as indoor lighting and there are several technical and safety issues to keep in mind to ensure that the lighting does what it is supposed to do and does it safely and reliably. That said, it is also important for homeowners to understand the basics so that they can work with the professionals to get the exact outdoor landscape lighting they want.

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Also Read: Emerging Landscape Design Trends Expected in 2024: Part 1

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Landscape Lighting Basics

• Start by focusing on what you want from your garden after sunset, not on the kind of lighting that you can use or how bright the effect should be. The technical issues can be worked out after the overall concept has been finalized.
• Consider the house. It cannot be a dark blob while the garden is a place of light and beauty. The outdoor lighting should also reflect off the house and underline any structural features you want to highlight. This is a great way to integrate the house with the garden.
• Think of the different ways the garden will be used at night. If entertaining is going to happen, then you need some areas of brightness. A barbecue too will need a separate lighted space. If it will be used as a place for relaxation or informal gatherings, the lighting will be different. Since most gardens are multifunctional, a professional landscape designer will be able to give you the lighting advice you need to get the effects you want.
• Lighting fixtures should not be grouped. Instead, they should be spaced out to avoid creating overly bright spots.
• Also, avoid placing lights in straight lines or geometric patterns as these make the space look more like a formal structure and not a natural space.
• Use the right type of bulbs (Edison, LEDs, etc.) to add to the impact of illumination.
• Do not ignore the small places. Ignoring the illumination of less-used small pockets can create ugly black spots.
• Do not overlook the home security aspects when thinking about your outdoor landscape lighting.

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Also Read: Embrace Your Community: Top Reasons to Choose a Local Landscaping Service

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Now that you understand the basics of landscape lighting, it's time to talk to a professional landscaping company that knows how to create the lighting effects you want and can do a job that will give you many years of trouble-free enjoyment.