A well-lit landscape gives an ambiance and beauty to the environment, especially at nighttime. While you have several options for this, the trick is to highlight the best features of the landscape, which is something few can successfully pull off.
In this article, we’ll show you some handy tips to get the desired effect and get your landscape looking like something out of a classic book.
Transition and layer the lighting
Layered lights produce a unique effect that reduces the intensity of the illumination, making it easy for the eye to rove the space without eye fatigue.
Another effect of this layering is that it softens borders, creating a smooth transition across different spaces instead of a harsh delineation.
You can increase the light intensity in border areas and then blur it into the foreground. For instance, the landscape perimeter can feature low-foot candles with slowly increasing light intensity towards the rear.
Use the 6-feet rule
Your path lights should be spaced six feet apart for the best lighting effects. At this range, the coverage is at its maximum best.
Avoid sudden changes in light intensity
Where lighting is concerned, you should avoid dramatic alterations to brightness levels. It’s not suitable for the eye, nor does it appeal to the brain.
It’s harder for the brain and eyes to adjust to sharp changes in lighting conditions, and the effect is far from aesthetically appealing.
Instead, stick to soft and gradual changes or consistent, even illumination for the best nighttime experience.
Avoid lighting everything
Not every feature of the landscape needs to be lit. A vast flood light would be the ideal solution if this were the case.
Good lighting design is about creating the right blend and balance of light and shadows. The latter adds contrast and depth to the landscape.
Use spot lighting techniques
While you don’t need to highlight every feature, bringing out the beauty in the landscape requires highlighting some points, such as small shrubs and flowers.
By focusing a controlled but intense light beam on these spots, you create attractive, sparkling islands in the landscape.
Use silhouette lighting techniques
Controlled lighting is essential in landscape lighting design, and another instance to use this strategy is in creating silhouette effects.
You can make exciting hardscape features like a statute even more imposing by applying the right amount of illumination to a vertical surface behind it.
Hide the light sources
Except for when the lighting fixture is decorative, you should try to hide the contraption as much as possible.
Now that you’re ready to have some lovely landscape lighting installations done, Hursh Landscaping is here to serve your needs. Reach out to us to get started