Having nice and well-kept landscaping is an advantage for any home. When you have nice landscaping, it can greatly improve your curb appeal, which can also increase your home’s value. When you are looking to invest in new landscaping for your home, there are a lot of options to consider. One great idea would be to invest in new landscape lighting. This guide will provide various tips and factors to consider when you are creating a new landscape lighting plan.
Benefits of Landscape Lighting
There are various advantages of landscape lighting. One of the main benefits is that it can improve your curb appeal and the appearance of your property when the sun goes down. This can help to highlight the unique features of your property and landscaping. Landscape lighting can also help to improve the ambiance of an outdoor living space and create a unique garden in your home.
Types of Exterior Lights
When you are going to create an outdoor landscape lighting plan, there are various types of lights that you will want to consider incorporating. Some of the most common types of home exterior lights include the following:
- Garden lights. These lights are generally characterized as light bulbs that are placed on a two-foot post that is then placed in the ground. The top will then have a canopy that is used to create a glow and a shine on low-lying plants in a garden.
- Wash lights. A wash light offers a softer shine that will cover a larger area. They are similar to flood lights and can be strategically placed to offer a full glow in your home.
- Bullet lights. A bullet light is similar to wash lights in terms of placement. However, they tend to offer brighter and more intense lighting and will place a smaller beam on a targeted spot.
- Well lights. Well lights are commonly used in gardens. They are placed on the ground and will display a beam of light upward. This can be a great way to light up the bottom of a tree or the edge of a home.
How to Create a Home Landscape Lighting Plan
When you are going to invest in landscape lighting, you first need to have a quality plan. Your landscape lighting will have to highlight key features of your home, which can include features on the exterior of your home, plants that you are proud of, and other key features. You will then need to plan out where all of the equipment will be located, the source of electricity, and other factors.
Generally, when you are going to create a landscape lighting plan, the process will start with a basic sketch. This will include an outline of your home, the property’s layout, the location of the driveway, decks, large plants, and the landscaping. This will then identify the source of electricity, places where wires will be run underground, and the location of any transformer, if necessary. This plan can then be used to identify where lights can be placed to best accentuate your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking to have landscape lighting installed, there are various questions that you may have. These FAQs could address many questions or concerns that you may have about the investment and the process to have it installed.
How Much Will the Lighting Plan Cost?
A landscape lighting plan can be a dramatic improvement to your property, particularly at night. However, there are costs that go along with it. When you want to have this installed, you will need to pay for lights, cables, labor, transformers, and even electrical system upgrades. In general, you should expect to spend at least $2,000, but this can go up significantly depending on the fixtures you choose and the overall scope and size of the lighting plan.
How Long Will Everything Last?
Quality electrical fixtures and cables today are built to last. Many of these fixtures are made of brass, stainless steel, and other strong and durable materials. Furthermore, if they are buried properly, the cables and wires should be protected and will not need to be replaced. Quality electrical systems and transformers can also last for decades if they are properly cared for. In many cases, you may also be able to get a warranty for the individual parts and fixtures.
How Do I Maintain the Lighting System?
Similar to any other fixture or appliance in your home, there is some maintenance that is needed to keep the lighting system in good working order. The most important part of the maintenance system is to replace light bulbs on occasion. Proper LED bulbs can last for well over a year depending on how often the lights are turned on. However, to keep the system looking its best, you should replace the bulbs as soon as they go out. You also should check wires and cables on occasion to ensure they have not been damaged by animals, debris, or bad weather.
Should I Do It Myself or Hire a Professional?
An important question to ask when you are going to invest in new landscape lighting is whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional. While there are some improvements you can easily make on your own, having a professional handle much of the work is always a good idea. When you hire a professional, you will be in good hands, and they can handle all aspects of the lighting plan including the planning, installation, and ensuring you have any necessary approval.
When you are looking for a professional landscape company in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, calling Blooms Landcare is always a good idea. They offer a range of home landscaping services, including creating lighting plans. This can help to magnify the features of your home and make it a great place to live.