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Your Guide to the Perfect Landscape Lighting in Seminole, FL
Landscape lighting done right can transform your outdoor space into a captivating sight. However, achieving your desired results takes meticulous planning. At From The Ground Up Landscape Design, we combine our astute eye for design, expertise, and lighting knowledge to deliver top-class results that you will be proud to share with friends and neighbors.
This guide will give all you need to know about transforming your Seminole, FL, landscape with the perfect lighting system.
What Is Landscape Lighting Design?
Landscape lighting design refers to the creation of a plan for the proper use of outdoor illumination on residential and commercial properties. Property owners complete landscape lighting projects to improve the following attributes:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Security
- Safety
How To Achieve the Perfect Landscape Lighting Results
Here are the steps you should take for the perfect landscape lighting design:
Determine the Use of Your Landscape Lights
As we mentioned above, landscape lights are there to improve security and beautify your space. However, that’s a broad perspective. For the perfect landscape design, you need to go into a bit more detail.
Which parts of the outdoor space need the most security? Can you use the lights to improve overall functionality? Are there aesthetic elements you’d like to highlight or show off?
Maybe you want more lights around your pathways or swimming pool. At this stage of the design process, you should itemize everything you’d like to achieve with your landscape lights.
Choose the Right Landscape Lights
When you have a clear plan of how you intend to use your outdoor lighting, it’s time to select the types of landscape lighting fixtures you need to achieve your goals. Make a note of them and indicate their position in the landscape lighting plan.
We’ll look at the top options below and offer design tips for each.
Path Lights or Downlighting
Path lights are usually one of the first fixtures in any landscape lighting project. They are short vertical fixtures that shine light downward to illuminate pathways across a landscape. You need enough path lights to ensure adequate illumination along the full length of your path.
If you’d like to know how many path lights you’ll need, refer to the manufacturer’s recommended spacing where available. If that’s impractical, you can aim for one path light every 15 paces.
You can design path lighting so the fixtures line up on one side of the path or alternating sides along the way. However, if the path is wider than six feet, having the path lights directly facing each other on both sides is a good idea.
Start by placing lights at both ends of the path, then fit in the center fixtures as necessary. Ensure the lights are not too close to the natural walking path to avoid trips and falls.
Recessed Lights
The main part of recessed lights tucks away into a wall, pavement, or decking, leaving only the light’s lens frame visible. Landscape lighting professionals use recessed lighting to light up concrete wall surfaces, staircases, paved paths, and decks.
You can’t install recessed lights into existing concrete surfaces without breaking into them. Therefore, it’s best to factor recessed lights into the construction process and create enough space for them from the beginning.
Keep in mind that recessed lights can’t replace path lights. The light will point upward, so it will not cast enough light to make the walkway easier to navigate. You can only use the lights to indicate the edge of the deck or path.
Uplights
These tiny LED lighting fixtures fit at the bottom of focal landscape elements, shining their light upward, as their name implies. Landscape lighting installers use them to achieve a dramatic effect. These accent lights are especially useful for drawing attention to trees.
However, you must take care to avoid using too many uplights. Limit them to a few focal areas if you don’t want to create too much visual noise. Remember, when you highlight everything, you highlight nothing.
String Lights
String lights are excellent for creating ambiance and brightening your outdoor space. You can plug them straight into your conventional electrical outlets, making them easy to install on your own. You can put up string lights for occasional use or make them a permanent feature of your landscape design.
These lights can fit easily on existing infrastructure but avoid using too many. They’ll look great in low-light conditions, but in daylight, they’ll look like unkempt powerlines. You should also avoid installing string lights across long distances if you don’t want them blocking important views.
Deck Lights
You can mount deck lights as downlights on railings. Some models have dual lighting ends, allowing them to shine light upward as well.
A good tip is to install deck lights on post railings to take full advantage of their illumination spread.
Wall Lights
These fixtures go on the wall of your property, so mount them at eye level for the best results.
You should install wall lights near exterior doors to make it easy for people to find their way around. You should also avoid using too many wall lights as they can overpower everything else and undo your efforts.
Hanging Lights
Hanging lights are an excellent way to make your outdoor space feel a bit closer to an indoor space. They are attractive, so you must be more intentional about their placement.
We recommend hanging a single unit in a central location if you have a formal landscape design. Be sure to choose a fixture that matches the size of the space.
If you want a more eclectic feel, mount a few hanging lights together at various heights or spread them out over a larger area for a more diffuse effect.
Tabulate the Number of Fixtures and Accessories You Need
Once you’ve decided on the type of landscape lights you need and where you want them, you should list everything for budgeting purposes. Ensure you include all the accessories you’ll need to avoid forgetting anything.
Check Local Building Codes and Standards
It’s important to confirm you’re not breaking any local requirements and regulations. Beyond the city’s laws, check the rules in your neighborhood. Some areas have rules to prevent light pollution. You may also need special permits to work on electrical installations like this. Square off everything to avoid paying hefty fines in addition to the cost of your landscape lighting project.
How Much Will It Cost?
Landscape lighting projects can cost between $2,000 and $5,000. However, some projects can cost significantly more. Factors that will determine the cost of the installation include the size of your landscape and the type and number of fixtures you’ve selected.
Get Professional Landscape Lighting Services in Seminole, FL
Landscape lighting is an excellent way to enhance your outdoor space's aesthetic appeal. However, it’s not the easiest DIY project. At From The Ground Up Landscape Design, we are always happy to help homeowners in Seminole, FL, and nearby areas like St. Petersburg and Largo design and implement the perfect landscape lighting setup.
We take the time to understand your needs and use our lighting expertise to bring everything together into a cohesive design that will transform your landscape.
Call From The Ground Up Landscape Design today at 727-607-0087 or fill out our contact form for landscape lighting ideas and top-class execution.