Setting Nighttime Moods with Landscape Design Plans for Lighting
Let landscape design plans for lighting create an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed both day and night. There are several reasons lighting plans are such a popular component of modern landscape designs. Besides adding functionality after dark, outdoor lighting also serves as a theft deterrent and can illuminate pathways to provide safety.
The variety of
lighting techniques
used in today’s landscaping is also an appeal of outdoor lighting plans. Some common ways to use lighting to enhance your outdoor space include:
Highlight your favorite plants and garden features with accent lighting.
Enhance the look of plain hardscape walls by creating shadows and similar lighting effects with interesting plant life.
Enjoy evening entertaining with subtle lighting near the patio or outdoor kitchen area.
Path lighting can guide guests to the entrance of your home after dark.
Whatever purpose the lighting in your landscape design serves, a detailed lighting plan will illustrate the ideal positioning of the fixtures and will contain all the information needed to install an outdoor lighting design that makes the most of your property. Landscape design plans for lighting contain a wealth of information in a concise, easy to read layout that can be read by you or your
landscape contractor
for a trouble-free installation.
Understanding Your Landscape Lighting Plan
Using a basic site plan, the lighting plan is a layer that illustrates the various locations for each lighting fixture as well as the best wiring layout in relation to your home and the other features within your landscape design. Here is a break down of the important components of a lighting design.
General Lighting Notes
The types of lighting techniques used in your landscape are detailed here, along with special instructions on installing the fixtures and hiding any external wiring. The voltage system of your outdoor lighting will also be noted here. Low voltage systems are preferred for most modern landscape designs. Here are some lighting note taken from our landscape design example:
Installation Notes
Positioning your outdoor lighting to serve your needs without interfering with neighboring properties is extremely important. Notes regarding special equipment that may be needed, the right wiring gauge, and other essential details on the operation of your lighting design can ensure an effective and beautiful lighting plan. Below are some typical installation notes:
Lighting Legend
A simple legend is crucial to any well-planned landscape design plan. The lighting legend explains the symbols used within the plan, including details on the fixtures and bulbs used throughout the outdoor space. Here is an example:
Product Pictures and Illustrations
A picture is often much more powerful than words alone.
Most lighting plans include images of the various lighting types used, as well as part numbers and any helpful illustrations for installing and positioning the fixture.
The fixture to the right is called a spot light and it is used for up-lighting along with various other lighting techniques.
Outdoor lighting can make your yard beautiful, functional, and safe.
A variety of unique lighting techniques can create individual looks and moods throughout your yard and detailed landscape design plans for lighting can make installation simple.
The fixture here on the right is a underwater light used for illuminating ponds, fountains and other water features.
Below is a typical lighting illustration showing the proper installation of a spot light.