Landscape Lighting Design Techniques for Creating Dramatic EffectsUse these landscape lighting design techniques for creating dramatic effects. The possibilities and uses for outdoor lighting in your landscape design are practically limitless. For the best results, start with a professional lighting plan that varies the lighting throughout your outdoor space and incorporate these top ten techniques:
Up lighting:This technique is used to highlight or accent distinct plants or accessories in your yard. Spotlight or floodlight fixtures mounted on the ground are the best way to achieve this technique. There are also lights that can be installed in the ground for a neater landscape appearance.
Down lighting:Also called moon lighting, this approach creates a soft, subtle glow and is usually accomplished with flood and spot lights that are mounted above the landscape rather than below. This type of lighting is also used to highlight specific areas of your yard and can be used to create beautiful patterns from tree branches below.
Shadowing:Shadow lighting is typically achieved with up lighting and creates silhouette images of trees, plants, and accessories within the landscape design. This technique is often used to create displays on dark garden walls or the side of a structure, adding an elegant, but mysterious touch to your outdoor design.
Silhouetting:Silhouetting is a similar lighting technique, but places light fixtures directly behind the subject to produce an awe inspiring effect. Lights mounted near the bottom of a tree or shrub will cast the plant’s shadow against the sky for an intriguing twilight display. This technique is often used near the home for an appealing facade.
Grazing light:This, of all the landscape lighting design techniques must be planned precisely. Grazing light is an effect that illuminates the outline of a certain tree or shrub to enhance the shape and texture of the plant and is usually done using a carefully positioned spotlight.
Accent lighting:Also known as spot lighting this effect like the name suggests, uses cross lighting as well as up lighting techniques to showcase a particular item in your garden with bright light in an otherwise dark area.
Path Lighting:Lighting along paths and driveways is an essential part of your landscape lighting design for safety reasons, as well as for beauty. Path lighting fixtures are available in a variety of sizes and styles and can easily enhance the overall theme of your outdoor space while providing light to prevent accidents in the dark along pathways.
Step Lighting:Also important for safety in your yard, step lighting uses small fixtures that are typically shielded to cast a soft, but bright, glare free light across steps and decks. This lighting technique is very similar to path lighting and allows you and your guests to clearly see any obstructions that may block the way.
Security Lighting:Many parts of an outdoor lighting design can also serve security purposes. The majority of residential crimes take place after dark when thieves and wrong doers feel hidden. A well lit yard can be an excellent crime prevention method and fixtures designed specifically for security, like motion sensors, can add extra protection as well as convenience. Cross lighting: Using the right landscape lighting design techniques can create a dramatic effect, provide security and enhance safety at night. Professionally installed lighting is a solid investment and will last for years. We have
landscape lighting specialists
who are members of our landscape association of landscape professionals who can help you with your project. It's easy to get started, just go to our
Member Directory
to choose from landscape architects, designers,
installation specialists
and other landscape related specialists to help you with your specific landscape needs.
International Landscape Association Consisting of Landscape Architects, Contractors and Related Professionals
|
