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Landscape Lighting Tips >> Planning & Preparation

Planning Your
Landscape Lighting

First, some important guidelines:

  • Conceal the light source behind shrubs, etc., where possible - except where the fixture itself is a decorative element
  • Don't over light - a little light goes a long way
  • Be creative in using a mixture of lighting techniques for drama and excitement
  • Arrange for an automatic device to turn lights on and off, such as a timer or photocell
  • Be considerate of your neighbors - aim lights so they do not shine into their windows

The basic steps are simple:

Note: For professional results, it's best to consult with an American Lighting Association Certified Lighting Consultant at one our showroom locations.




 

Selecting Your
Landscape Lighting Fixtures
  Type Function
Cylinder, Box Shape
and Bullet Shape		 These designs help focus and direct the light beams. Some also cut off glare and protect the lamp and socket from debris and moisture.
Spread and Diffused These low level units are designed to cast illumination in a broader pattern for: flower beds, perimeter plantings, driveways, steps and paths.
In-ground or Well Light Burying these fixtures flush with the ground conceals the light source. Use for upLighting trees and shrubs, an grazing textured walls.
Spot or Accent Versatile/adjustable fixtures used for uplighting, cross lighting, accenting and grazing. When mounted high up provide focused downlighting and moonlighting.
Wall Bracket,
Ceiling Close-up,
Chain hung Lantern		 Mounted at entry doors, over garages and on porches, these stylish units cast light outward either direct or diffused.
Bollard and
Post Lights		 These standing fixtures light pathways, steps, garden walks, deck and pool areas. They also provide attractive light patterns for driveways.
Swimming Pool
and
Fountain Lighting		 These fixtures are installed in sides and at ends of swimming pools and bottoms of fountains. Wet niche fixtures can be removed for lamp changes, while dry niche fixtures require access to the back of the pool shell. Colored lighting is popular for this application.
Timers,Transformers
and Other
Accessories		 Automatic timers, photocells, or motion sensors which turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn make landscape lighting convenient and energy saving. See manufacturers' catalogs for other accessories which may be required.

Note: For areas of rough usage, vandal-resistant fixtures are available.


 

Selecting the Appropriate Bulbs
The wide variety of available bulbs (called "lamps" in the industry) means that you can tailor your choice to your needs.
  • Bulb type and light output
    You might prefer soft illumination in some areas, bright in others. Watts are a measure of electricity consumed, but some bulbs yield more light than others of equal wattage. Remember the longer the distance of light throw, or the greater the intensity desired, the more light output required.
  • Efficiency and energy savings
    Some types are more efficient than others. Low voltage for example, can save energy by concentrating light beams, but it generally lacks the equivalent beam throw of line voltage. Newer 65-and 120-watt incandescent bulbs yield up to 25% more light. New compact fluorescent bulbs provide soft lighting and the highest energy savings. Mercury vapor bulbs offer strong illumination with energy savings, but project a cool color suitable only for greenery.
  • Cost and durability
    It may seem obvious that bulbs which deliver more light and are more efficient generally cost more. Some cost considerably more. But you must also compare the rated lamp life, since some lamps costing several times more usually last several times longer.
Incandescent
A
 Standard type commonly used around the home. Inexpensive, but yields less light than other incandescents.
Incandescent
R
 Reflector type, either flood or concentrated spotlight. About twice the light output of A bulbs.
Incandescent
PAR
 Projector type for maximum output about four times that of A bulbs. Best for floodlighting and long light throws.
Quartz/Incand.
Tungsten-Halogen
 Compact light source which provides a consistently bright light. Also available as a reflector (MR) and as a projector (PAR) type. These fit into smaller and less obtrusive fixtures.
Fluorescent
 While long tubes are primarily used for walls, banisters and signs, compact f luorescent bulbs provide a soft light quality and the highest energy savings. (Some temperature restrictions apply.)
Mercury Vapor/
High Pressure
Sodium
 This family, known as high-intensity discharge, provide intense light at low energy cost. Their color renditions limit use, and they do not go on immediately-they must warm up.
Note: Most of the above types are available for either 120-volt or 12-volt systems, but you must specify the system. Fluorescent, Mercury Vapor and High Pressure Sodium are for 120-volt only.


 

 

Choosing Your Power Supply

Recent advances in landscape lighting allow you three options

System Fixture
1. 120-volt line voltage
(standard in most homes)		 Line voltage
2.12-volt low voltage
(used in autos)		 Low voltage
3. 120-volt with 12-volt
branches or circuits		 Line and low voltage

A 12-volt system, which requires a transformer, has a number of advantages for the average or smaller property:

  • Simple do-it-yourself project; lower overall cost
  • More energy-efficient and often more light output per watt
  • Little or no risk of shock or other electrical hazard
  • Minimum disturbance to lawn and garden (Cable can be buried without conduit and junction boxes or it can be left above ground)
  • Easy relocation of fixtures when desired

On the other hand, a 120-volt system generally lights larger areas more brightly, and provides longer beam throws. Commercial area lighting and security lighting, for example, usually require the powerful beam throw of the 120volt system. It is designed for permanence, and rigid installation required by local and national electrical codes.

One alternative, where feasible, is to install a 120-volt line and then add 12-volt branches or circuits using transformers.

You may want to arrange for convenient switching-in the kitchen or master bedroom.

If the installation is do-it-yourself, be sure to check the local electrical code.

 

  
Reprinted with Permission from the American Lighting Association