In-ground landscape lights are a great way to add beauty and safety to outdoor spaces. These lights sit flush with the ground, creating subtle illumination without cluttering your yard, highlighting trees, gardens, pathways, and architectural features.
In-ground lights come in many styles, from simple path markers to powerful uplights for trees and walls. Some popular options include solar-powered lights for easy installation and LED lights for energy efficiency. Most are waterproof and can withstand rain or even full submersion.
Choosing the Right Fixtures for Landscape Lighting
Deciding on the best fixtures for your outdoor lighting involves comparing different types of lights and materials to suit your landscape.
Types of Landscape Fixtures
- Path lights guide people along walkways. They have a short beam and shine light downward.
- Spotlights are brighter and work well to show off trees or buildings.
- Wall lights attach to the side of a house or fence, lighting up patios and decks.
- Well-lights sit in the ground and shine up, they’re great for lighting trees from below.
- Floodlights cover large areas with bright light and are good for security.
- Post lights sit atop poles and light up driveways or yard edges.
Fixture Durability and Materials
Outdoor lights should be tough and metals such as brass and copper last a long time and look nice as they age. Another good option is aluminum which is light and won’t rust. Stainless steel is strong and rust-resistant, making it ideal for salty air near beaches. Plastic lights are cheap but may not last as long. Opt for UV-resistant plastic if you go down this cost-effective route.
Glass lenses are clear but can break, while plastic lenses are stronger but may get foggy over time. Always check that fixtures are rated for outdoor use to handle rain and temperature changes.
Designing Your Landscape Lighting Setup
Good landscape lighting brings out the best in your outdoor space, highlighting key features, and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Let’s look at how to design an effective lighting setup.
Illuminating Architectural Features
Start by focusing on the main parts of your home’s exterior, for example, uplights work great for walls and columns. Simply place them at the base, angling the beam upwards to create dramatic shadows.
For entryways, use softer lighting, while sconces on either side of the door provide a welcoming glow. Meanwhile, path lights along walkways guide guests safely to your door.
Trees and shrubs can be lit from below or within, adding depth to your yard at night. Spotlights work well for taller trees, while wash lights spread a soft glow over bushes and flower beds.
Customization Options
You can adjust the brightness and color of your lights to set the right mood, with dimmers allowing you to control the intensity for different occasions. Color temperature is important as warm white lights (2700-3000K) create a calming feel, while cooler whites (3000-4000K) work better for modern homes.
Some systems offer color-changing LEDs that let you switch up your yard’s look for holidays or parties. Smart controls also allow you to change settings from your phone.
Beam angles affect how light spreads, with narrow beams highlighting specific objects and wide beams lighting up larger areas. You can mix these effects to create layers of light in your landscape.
Understanding Color and Aesthetics
The color of in-ground landscape lights shapes the mood and feel of outdoor spaces, and picking certain hues impacts both look and function.
Choosing the Right Color Family
Choose warm white lights for a cozy, welcoming feel. They work well for patios, walkways, and areas where people gather. Cool white lights create a modern, crisp look, effective for highlighting plants or water features.
For a fun twist, try colored lights, like blues that can elevate water features or greens to blend in with plants. Reds and amber add drama but use them sparingly. Experiment by mixing and matching colors to create depth and interest in your yard. You should also think about the natural colors in your space when picking light hues and matching or contrasting them with existing elements for the best effect.
Impact of Fixture Color on Lighting
Dark fixtures blend into the background and work well in natural settings. Light-colored fixtures stand out more and can be a design element on their own. Bronze and copper add a classic touch, while black fixtures look sleek and modern.
Some fixtures let you change the light color, giving you more options as seasons or your preferences change. We like these for special events or holidays. Remember, fixture color can affect how the light spreads. Darker colors may need stronger bulbs to get the same effect as lighter fixtures.
Budgeting and Cost Considerations
Planning for in-ground landscape lighting involves careful budgeting and weighing costs against value. We’ll explore typical price ranges and why investing in quality can pay off in the long run.
Estimating Landscape Lighting Costs
In-ground landscape lighting costs can vary widely, and a basic system with 7-10 lights might cost $1,200 to $5,000. Alternatively, larger projects with 20 or more lights can reach $10,000 or higher. Labor is a big factor in the total price and you can expect to pay $45 to $100 per hour for professional installation.
The type of lights you choose also impacts cost and LED options may cost more upfront but use less energy over time. Solar-powered lights can save on electricity but may not be as bright or reliable.
Don’t forget about ongoing expenses as you’ll need to set money aside to replace bulbs and fix any issues that arise.
Value of Investing in Quality
Spending more on high-quality lights can save money in the long run as better materials last longer and need fewer repairs. Higher-end lights also boost your home’s curb appeal which can increase property value if you decide to sell.
Quality lights also perform better, creating the exact look you want, and standing up to the weather. Cheaper lights break down faster or give off weak light. Get in touch to discuss the landscape lighting possibilities for your outdoor space.
