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22Feb2018

 LANDSCAPE LIGHTING – HOW TO GET IT RIGHT?

You did everything to make sure your yard and house look absolutely flawless. But what is the point if all the hard work you put into the landscape is not visible at night? Counter the darkness and put your yard to display even after nightfall using just a single switch and several carefully placed lights. If you do it right, landscape lighting can further enhance what is already there by emphasizing certain things such as prized trees and plantings as well as the architectural features of your house.

The majority of outdoor lighting these days is low voltage, and that is for a reason. Their installation is less costly and they are much safer as compared to 120-volt systems. While the lights in a low voltage system get one-tenth the power, a step-down transformer can ensure there are no boundaries when it comes to the effects that are possible- from otherworldly moonlight beaming down from the canopy of a tree to an understated glow washing all over the garden wall. Apart from choosing the appropriate hardware, artistry also plays a major role in creating an attractive lighting scheme.

Components of a Low-Voltage System

Landscape lighting generally depends on stepped-down power.

Transformer: Decreases a household current of 120-volt to a safer value of 12 volts.

Bulb: Determines the beam width, color, electricity usage and brightness of the light.

Fixture Housing: Helps shape the beam of light and keeps the bulb safe from elements.

Stake: Keeps the fixture in position.

Cable: Takes current to the light through the lead wires of the fixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you DIY or hire a professional?

It is possible to set up a lighting system in a weekend. While it is possible to do it yourself, a landscape lighting professional can help you create the most spectacular effects as they are well-acquainted with the numerous fixtures and various ways of arranging them.

What is the approximate cost? 

The cost of singular fixtures starts at about $20. Cables begin around 70 cents/foot, and a transformer runs for about $200. 

What does the upkeep comprise of? 

Make sure to keep debris and leaves away from fixtures to avoid overheating. Change bulbs if they are burned-out as soon as possible to make sure other components connected to the circuit do not get affected by voltage overloads that can reduce their life spans.

How long does a lighting system last? 

Warranties on transformers and fixtures span from one to ten years, however, stainless steel, brass or copper fixtures will typically shine for an indefinite period.

How to design a plan

If you do not have the time and energy to do it yourself, hire a professional. However, if you want to give your input to make sure the lighting design is completely customized according to your taste, here are some design tips and trick that will ensure flawless landscape lighting:

Trees (downlight and flood, bullet or well)

Make sure that the trunk is bathed in light as well while directing ground lights directly into the foliage. Not doing this can make the illuminated crown of the tree seem like an airborne UFO. To direct light into the foliage from the top, making use of two downlights of 20-watts placed on the tree as high as possible. Direct the beams of these lights so they do not overlap with each other.

Planting Beds (garden)

Keep no less than a distance of 20 feet between fixtures. Continuous illumination can make the lighting look flat and vapid, pools of light that let you perceive the plants one after another will ensure variation and contrast.

Home Facade (wash and bullet)

Aim bullet lights that have bulbs with beams spread of 12-degrees at certain architectural details of your house or its corners; fill the space between these lights with something softer such as wash lights.

Garden Walls (wall, floor or bullet)

Place fixtures near to the base of the walls to let the beams bring out textures in the sharp relief.

Focal Points (wash, flood or bullet)

Emphasize an element that deserves most of the attention—for instance, an arbor, tree swing or a fountain—by directing more than two lights at it. Overlapping light beams can minimize any harsh shadows as opposed to when a singular light is used to illuminate an object.

Types of lights

Garden

Can be placed on canopies over posts of 18 to 24 inches long to direct light downwards to the planting beds. Garden lights also make perfect pathway markers. The finish and style of these lights are on display, unlike other types.

Wash

Gives a diffused, soft light perfect for illuminating garden falls, privacy fences and flat facades.

Bullet

These compact, versatile fixtures frequently have bulbs that give a narrow beam fitted in them—making them ideal for lighting architectural features of the house, garden structures and tree trunks precisely.

Well

The bulb is fitted with a waterproof housing submerged in the earth, so you can observe the light without the fixture is visible. Wall lights are ideal to light up the base of plant foliage. Available with both swiveling and fixed bulbs.

Downlight

These fittings generally placed high on branches or trunks, can be directed at paths, lawns or the foliage of the tree itself to emulate a moonlit vibe. Side glare can be eliminated by using a long, cowl-shaped eyelid or shroud around the bulb. Go for durable brass and copper housings that have LEDs to avoid climbing all the way up for replacements or repairs.

Flood

Generally projects a wider beam as compared to a bullet—more than 40 degrees—and is more bright as compared to a wash light. Side glare can be reduced by using a collar and can be used sparingly to illuminate wide house facades or tall trees.

LEDs

The lifespan of LEDs is as long as 40,000 hours (20 years of consistent use) because they do not have a filament that can burn out or break. They are also tremendously efficient, requiring a power of only 1-11 watts as compared to the 20-60 watts of halogens. This means the installation costs for LEDs are lower owing to smaller cables and transformers required. LEDs also have a lower operating cost and minimize maintenance, leading to over 50% savings as compared to halogen lighting in a period of 15 years.

However, there are also some drawbacks to LEDs. The main being their initial cost which is about $40 for a single bulb, as compared to $5 of a similar halogen. Moreover, the color temperature of a lot of LEDs is around 6000 K so their light is cold and bluish. Search for LEDs around 3000 K for warm color temperature. Another thing to look for is the light output, make sure that the LED is adequately bright.

  • 22 Feb, 2018
  • brad
  • 0 Comments
  • landscape lighting, landscape lighting – how to get it right?,

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