The value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable. Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish. Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens.
Backyards have come a long way over the last several decades. Once reserved as play areas for children and stomping grounds for the family dog, backyards have become oases for homeowners and their families. Outdoor living areas are wildly popular, and no such area is complete without exterior lighting. In fact, a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that 85% of home buyers want exterior lighting, making it the second most desired outdoor feature (patios topped that list).
Exterior lighting can have a dramatic effect on landscaping and can be relatively inexpensive.
When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various tips in mind to create a relaxing mood on their properties at night.
Consider uplights. Uplights are installed in the ground and direct light up at a tree or onto your house, focusing on particularly cool features. If focused on nature, this can create a dramatic effect that makes it possible to enjoy majestic trees at night just like you might when spending time in the yard during the day. (Note: Uplighting is discouraged and in some cases illegal by zoning bylaws in various Vermont towns, as it causes “light spill” or “light pollution” that can impact wildlife and prevent communities from collectively enjoying the night sky. If you choose uplighting, be wary of these unintended consequences and consider the orientation and timing of use. Down lights can create similar effects without the consequences.)
Consider downlights. Similar to uplighting but in reverse. Try wiring a light up high and having it focus below. Many homeowners already have exterior lighting lining their walkways and patios, but focusing on trees can create an entirely different look. Though it’s possible to install exterior tree lighting on your own, landscaping professionals with lighting experience know which fixtures will pair most effectively with the trees around your property and how to arrange them for maximum effect.
Opt for warm light. Warm white light creates an inviting feel around the property. In situations with lower levels of ambient light, such as in exterior lights around a property, people typically prefer warmer light. That’s because warm light tends to be easier on the eyes and directs attention to the features of the landscape, which is many homeowners’ goal when installing exterior lighting in their yards.
Utilize a timer. Modern exterior lighting timers make it easier than ever to control the lights outside a home. Many such timers even adjust for the changing seasons and the shifting hours of daylight. That means homeowners shouldn’t have to tinker with the timer once it’s set.
Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property and extend a homeowners experience of their outdoors, all without breaking the bank.
