Six Things to Consider When Installing Backyard Lighting

Installing lights in your backyard is a great way to enhance the look of your yard while maximizing your home’s security, safety and functionality. But, before you head to the home improvement store and pick up just any type of lighting, there are certain things you need to consider so you can get exactly the look you have in mind.

1.) Do you have a source of electricity nearby?

If you are going to be installing any type of lights other than solar-powered, you will need a source of electricity, whether to power the lights themselves or the transformer if you are using landscape lighting. A GFCI outlet should be located in a convenient place in relation to the transformer to avoid using extension cords that can ultimately become a tripping or lawnmower hazard.

2.) Are you looking for your backyard lighting to solve a security concern?

If you want the security of backyard lighting but you don’t want your yard lit up like an airport landing strip all throughout the night, choose lights that come with built-in motion sensors. Be sure to calibrate them properly if you live in a wooded area or else every stray cat or raccoon will end up turning on the lights every time they pass through.

3.) Are you looking to highlight certain trees or flower beds?

Highlighting trees with backyard lights can create an otherworldly atmosphere and the look can be both tranquil and impressive. To accomplish this, you will need exterior, weather-resistant spot lights. However, spot lights are not good to use on flower beds. The heat that they give off could hurt flowers that may be too close to the bulbs and the spot light is overkill for ground-level plants.

4.) Do you want to highlight a certain piece of lawn decoration, like a statue or fountain?

Remember when you were little and you used to scare your friends or family by holding a flashlight under your chin? That’s the same thing effect you will get by illuminating a statue from underneath. You can get a better appreciation for the piece if you shed light on it from above, rather than from below. For the best lighting of a piece of lawn art, a trio of lights works best so every angle can be illuminated.

5.) Are you looking to add accent lights to your patio?

Low-wattage accent lights can add a gorgeous allure to your patio and they won’t be overly-obtrusive to you or your guests. Choose solar landscape lights or electric lights of seven watts or lower for this type of application.

6.) Can you use solar lights instead of electric?

Where applicable, you should try to use solar lighting. It won’t add a cent to your electric bill and it’s one way that you can do your part to live a greener lifestyle. The only thing is, you have to be sure that the sun can make direct contact with the solar cells or you will be wasting your money purchasing this type of landscape lighting.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.