Your landscape is the key to increasing your curb appeal. Although many people spend a lot of time and money making sure their landscaping is fresh, clean and enhances their homes’ facades, not many recognize the value proper lighting can add. You may think it doesn’t matter what your home looks like at night, but adding lights not only enhances your home’s appearance, but it also adds security. These are a few tips for lighting your landscape.
Create a Plan
Before you research local providers, e.g., landscape lighting St Louis MO, you need a plan. Walk around your yard at night. Really spend some time. Determine where lights are needed for safety, such as on walkways and steps, and what features you want to highlight, such as water features and fire pits as well as certain plants and trees.
Determine your total wattage by multiplying the square footage of your landscape by 1.5. Research the different lighting you can purchase, such as spotlights, stakes, poles and soft lights. Do you want strings around your pergola or deck rail as well? Be careful not to overlight your landscape or it will look flat and unbalanced. Avoid allowing your light to encroach on your neighbor’s yard.
Choose Your Desired Lighting
You can use three types of lighting outdoors. First, you can purchase solar-powered lights. These lights can be a bit more expensive, but they need no electrical input. However, their solar panels need to be mostly unobstructed so the lights can charge during the day.
Line-voltage lighting requires professional installation, but they are the best lighting option for security, moon and spotlighting in large areas. However, these lights use the same voltage as your home appliances and require circuits and a junction box.
Low-voltage lighting can be plugged into any outlet. These lights have easy installation processes, are energy efficient and have reasonable costs without affecting your illumination.
Your home will shine during the day and at night with proper landscape lighting. Take time to plan and research your lighting options and consult a lighting professional if you have questions or concerns.