Up Lighting- The most common technique for landscape lighting.

Place the light at the base of the object.  Start with the bottom of the specimen and light up to the top of the tree.

Silhouette Lighting- Place the light source behind the intended object.  This technique is also known as back-lighting.

Down Lighting- Placing the fixture overhead provides a wide range of opportunity. Highlights the tops of objects, provides directional light for pathways, hides the light source for architectural features and can produce a sensual moon light effect on the ground.

Grazing- This technique is primarily used for non-reflective materials.  Place the light source at the bottom of the object and angle the light from one side.  This will produce a soft but interesting texture on the intended object.  Grazing can also be accomplished by crossing the beams across the material.

Spot Lighting- This allows the object to be the center of attention.  All of the light is focused on the center of the element being lit.  Place the light 2 to 3 feet from the specimen and minimize the angle of light.

Path Lighting- This is an excellent technique for safety and defining direction.  Take care not to over light, avoid glare and avoid the “run-way” affect.  Good path lighting will subtly lead the eye to the intended destination.  Fixtures typically will have an off set arm.

Area Lighting- The elements of area lighting are critical to most landscape areas.  Good area lighting will provide “pools” of light, some over-lapping some defining light and shadow and / or provide a definition of boundary.  Choose fixtures typically about 18” to 24” off of the ground.  Place in center of intended area.  This technique is ideal for planter areas, flower beds, etc.  Fixtures will typically be center mounted.

Deck and Patio Lighting- This is a great place to extend the hours of nighttime entertainment.  Deck and patio lighting should be minimized.  Choose step lights and accent lights to define traffic ways and boundaries; choose over head lighting to provide soft general lighting from above.

Pool and Pond- Highlighting water features is an ideal objective for landscape lighting.  Water is a natural reflective material.  Images and shadows can be bounced into the water creating multiple images and interesting silhouettes. Or, the light can be placed in the water and “grazed” or “spilled” into the water feature.

Effective Lighting is 9 parts art and 1 part science. Being creative allows stunning effects and the enhancement of home and outdoor spaces…

Low voltage outdoor lighting can be used in a landscape to provide safety, security, accent, and character. The specific design of a lighting system will be influenced by a variety of things, including the site characteristics, the scope of the landscape, its function, and the homeowner’s desires.

Types of Outdoor Lights:

• Uplights: Lights placed at ground level with the lights aiming upward to highlight focal points in the landscape, such as specimen trees, signs, and architectural features. The lights not only highlight features from the outside, but they also provide for an extension of the interior living spaces at night. Fixtures of this type may include spot or flood lights as well as in-ground fixtures.
• Downlights: Lights placed above an object or area and aimed downward to imitate natural light such as simulating moonlight, or for providing security to an area, such as at back entrance. Care should be taken to hide or shield these light fixtures from view to create a true natural light. Fixtures of this type include spot or flood lights.
• Backlights: Lights placed behind artistic objects or plant material to cast a silhouette on a wall for a striking effect. As with downlights, care should be taken to place the fixtures so that they are hidden from view. Lights of this type may include spot or flood lights as well as in-ground fixtures.
• Pathlights: Lights placed just above grade level along sidewalks, driveways, or informal paths in the landscape to safely lead a person from one location to another. Path light fixtures are generally low to the ground and cast a spreading light.
• Specialty lights: Lights that add accent to a space, especially in the evening. Their purpose is to set a particular mood or create atmosphere. Examples of specialty lights include string lights in a gazebo, lights that resemble patio torches and/or flickering flames, and lights used in underwater settings to highlight a waterfall or rock bank.

As you can see there are many important aspects that go into the desgin and installation of a quality lighting system. For more information visit our site at www.deltaoutdoorlighting.com or www.lightupaustin.com.

If you are thinking about installing an architectural or landscape lighting system you should strongly consider a low-voltage system. With no end in sight to escalating energy prices the benefits of a low-voltage system over an  “energy hog”, 120-volt lighting system are significant.  The advances in low-voltage fixtures and transformers over the last ten years have produced systems that create comparable illumination for a fraction of 120-volt systems (both in terms of upfront cost and ongoing costs).

 Low-voltage fixtures will generally average $150 - $200 per installed fixture (this includes the fixture, transformers, cable, accessories and installation). 120-volt systems will average $250 - $350 per installed fixture.

The fixture price is not the only area of savings.  An average low-voltage system of 15 light fixtures and a total wattage consumption of 500 watts will cost $.40 (40 cents) to operate for 8 hours per night. A comparable 15 light, 120-volt system with total wattage consumption of 1500 watts would cost $1.20 for 8 hours per night. While the difference doesn’t sound huge multiply that times 365 days and you have suddenly saved almost $300 in just one year!

 In addition, low-voltage systems are safer for families with children and pets and are much more flexible when it comes to adapting to your changing landscape (120-volt systems will require licensed electricians to install or change fixtures).

The overall benefits of low-voltage systems will surely point you in that direction.

We will be sharing useful information, tips and more regarding outdoor lighting suppliers and management. This blog is sponsored by Delta Distributing which distributes outdoor lighting products to businesses and consumers all around the world. Please check back frequently as we will we sharing our experience as often as we can.

If you have any questions about outdoor lighting please feel free to contact us by visiting our websites. Our main website, www.deltadistributing.com focuses on the B2B side of ourdoor lighting while our consumer site, www.deltaoutdoorlighting.com, focuses on lighting for your home or office.