The Do’s and Don’ts of Landscape Lighting

Read This First

Just as important as the interior décor of your home is its outer appearance. This means more than just a pretty paint job and a neat lawn. The lighting you place in your yard also has a significant impact on the look and feel of your home when the sunshine has gone away. Before you start installing lights outside, follow these do’s and don’ts of Nashville landscape lighting. You can also ask Southern Irrigation for help with your landscape lighting projects.

5 Things Not To Do

• Don’t use bulbs with a high wattage, as they emit a harsher light and cause a glare.
• Don’t flood your yard and home’s exterior with too much radiance or there will be no contrast. If places of emphasis don’t stand out, or you can’t see the stars, you have too much light.
• Don’t use all the same type and/or size of fixtures. Variety is key in creating the right ambiance.
• Don’t position outdoor lights so that they shine into your home or your neighbors’ homes.
• Don’t forget about illuminating your house number to make it easy for guests and emergency responders to find you.

5 Things To Do

• Do have an idea of what you want and run it by a professional to ensure it would have the desired effect.
• Do install exterior lighting in areas that need it for safety, such as the driveway, walkway, porch, steps, and entryways.
• Do use LED bulbs for the highest longevity and lowest energy usage.
• Do match the lighting to the location and purpose. For example, a bright, direct light is good over an outdoor cooking area. Soft, colored lights are perfect for accenting beautiful landscaping. Make sure all fixtures are rated for outdoor use.
• Do utilize shields, reflectors, and controls to direct the glow where you want it.

If this seems like a lot to remember, don’t worry. Southern Irrigation has you covered. We provide professional landscape lighting installation in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as maintenance and repair. Our team is creative and quick in bringing your ideas to life. Find out more about how we can illuminate your yard.