Landscape Lighting Basics

Quick Links

1. Why Install Landscape Lighting?
2. Why Use Low Voltage & What Is It?
3. Planning a Landscape Lighting Layout
4. Types of Fixtures and Their Purpose
5. Common Uses and Terminology
6. Transformers, Voltage and Options
7. Kits
8. Lighting Tips
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Shop Landscape Lighting!

Why Install Landscape Lighting?

Aesthetic Benefits

• Safety: Good lighting on steps, walks and driveways help avoid accidents
• Security: Floodlighting and other landscape lighting will deter prowlers and vandals
• Investment: Grounds which are dramatically lighted at night look like a luxurious estate, increasing the resale value of your property

Practical Benefits

• Show off the beauty of your home after dark
• Highlight favorite flowers and shrubs
• Dramatize trees, pool, fountains and masonry texture
• Accent statuary and other focal points
• Relax in your backyard or entertain on your patio or deck

Why Use Low Voltage & What Is It?

Voltage = the measurement of the rate at which energy is drawn from a source that produces a flow of electricity in a circuit. A typical outlet is rated and should be 120V or what's known as 'line voltage'.

Low voltage is typically rated at 12 volts.

A 12-volt system, which requires a transformer, has a number of advantages for the average or smaller property:

• Simple do-it-yourself project; lower overall cost
• More energy-efficient and often more light output per watt
• Little or no risk of shock or other electrical hazard
• Minimum disturbance to lawn and garden (Cable can be buried without conduit and junction boxes or it can be left above ground)
• Easy relocation of fixtures when desired

Planning a Landscape Lighting Layout

Important Guidelines:

• Conceal the light source behind shrubs, etc., where possible - except where the fixture itself is a decorative element
• Don't over light - a little light goes a long way
• Be creative in using a mixture of lighting techniques for drama and excitement.
• Arrange for an automatic device to turn lights on and off, such as a timer or photocell
• Be considerate of your neighbors - aim lights so they do not shine into their windows

Types of Landscape Lighting

Example	Type	Function
	Cylinder, Box Shape and Bullet Shape	These designs help focus and direct the light beams. Some also cut off glare and protect the lamp and socket from debris and moisture
	Spread and Diffused	These low level units are designed to cast illumination in a broader pattern for: flower beds, perimeter plantings, driveways, steps and paths
	In-ground or Well Light	Burying these fixtures flush with the ground conceals the light source. Use for up-lighting trees and shrubs, an grazing textured walls
	Spot or Accent Lights	Versatile/adjustable fixtures used for uplighting, cross lighting, accenting and grazing. When mounted high up these provide focused downlighting and moonlighting
	Wall Bracket, Ceiling Close-up, Chain hung Lantern	Mounted at entry doors, over garages and on porches, these stylish units cast light outward either direct or diffused
	Bollard and Post Lights	These standing fixtures light pathways, steps, garden walks, deck and pool areas. They also provide attractive light patterns for driveways
	Swimming Pool and Fountain Lighting	These fixtures are installed in sides and at ends of swimming pools and bottoms of fountains. Wet niche fixtures can be removed for lamp changes, while dry niche fixtures require access to the back of the pool shell. Colored lighting is popular for this application

Common Uses and Terminology

• Down Lighting or Area Lighting

Mount lighting units high up in trees or on the house to cast broad illumination over wide areas. Floodlighting enables you to entertain in your backyard or outdoor area after dark, and does double duty for security and safety. For highlighting flower beds, paths or steps, the down light is positioned close to the ground.

• Up Lighting

Lights aimed upwards (sometimes buried in the ground) create a highly dramatic effect akin to the theater Use it with interesting trees, a statue or textured wall surfaces. Autumn leaves or swirling snow provide spectacular views.

• Moonlighting

Like down lighting, but using soft light sources positioned very high up, this technique simulates the lovely effect of moonlight filtering through branches, casting attractive shadow patterns.

• Diffused Lighting

Where you require circular patterns of light on flowerbeds, larger shrubbery or ground cover; spread light covers a wider area with low-level illumination. Some units, such as these bollards, cast softly diffused lighting for patios, decks, driveways and pathways. Wall brackets provide a similar lighting function.

• Accent or Spot Lighting

These lights focus a controlled, intense beam to highlight the focal points in your garden; flowers, small shrubs and statuary. This creates sparkling islands of interest in your landscape lighting plan.

• Shadowing

Light the object from the front and below to project intriguing shadows on the wall or other vertical surfaces.

• Grazing

Positioning the light close to an interesting surface can bring out the texture of tree bark, a masonry wall, wood shingles or an attractive door.

• Silhouetting

When you conceal lights behind and below a tree or bush, you achieve that same wondrous effect as seeing it on a ridge silhouetted against the sky at dusk.

• Cross Lighting

Illuminating a tree or statue from two or more sides reveals the three-dimensional form in a striking perspective.

• Pool and Fountain Lighting

Underwater lighting creates dramatic effects in pools and at fountains. Install a dimmer for turning lights up to add excitement. Note: Water may be used as a mirror by lighting the area behind the reflecting surface.

Transformers, Wattage & Options

The transformer is the 'power block' or device that alters the line voltage from an outlet or circuit and changes it to another voltage, or in this case 12V 'low voltage'.

Most transformers will have a wire and plug that you can simply use with an exterior outlet located in an adjacent area.

Choosing the correct transformer depends on the number of fixtures being used and the total wattage of all the lights in your plan. Wattage ratings are found on the bulbs themselves. A larger wattage typically means a brighter output.

Landscape Lighting Kits

Landscape lighting kits are available from most lighting manufacturers and typically include some or all of the following items. If you find a kit that you like and are unsure as to what is included please feel free to contact us for further clarification.

• Fixtures
• Bulbs
• Connectors
• Transformer
• Wire

Lighting Tips

Take the time to install correctly. Lighting fixtures will last longer, cast more light where you want it and require less maintenance.

The farther a light is from the transformer (and the more lights installed between it and the transformer), the less light it will put out. A good rule of thumb is to put no more than 100 watts of lighting on one line. If you want to put ten 20-watt lights on a circuit, make a tee connection with five lights on one line and five on the other. You can also minimize voltage drop by using a thicker gauge wire.

Always leave a little extra wire as you hook up the lights. This will give you the freedom to move a light after you've hooked it up for testing or after you've installed it.

Burying the wires should be your last step. Lay everything out, hook up your lights, test your voltage, and look at your results at night before burying the lines.

Buy a larger transformer than you'll initially need so you can add lights later as your landscape (and imagination) expands. If you'll be installing 400 watts of lights, buy a 600-watt transformer.

Purchase a transformer with a built-in photocell and timer. Orient the photocell with some western (sunset) orientation so it doesn't turn lights on too early.

Avoid over lighting. Outdoor lights look best as accents, broadcasting pools of light. Flooding sitting or planting areas with "stadium lighting" can make them look washed out.

When lighting a path, decide whether you want to light only the path or both the path and the features around it. As a rule, the broader the field you want to light, the higher the light pole you'll need. Path lights with a 20-watt halogen bulb at a 24-in. height should be spaced every 10 ft.

Consider seasonal factors. Install lights where they won't be easily damaged by plows or shovels. And bear in mind that some plants, like hydrangea bushes, sumac and dogwoods with colorful stems, look excellent lit up, even when they're leafless.

Frequently Asked Questions