A beautiful outdoor space loses its charm after sunset without proper lighting. Good lighting extends the hours you can enjoy your garden, patio, or yard. However, common mistakes can lead to poor results, wasted money, and a spoiled atmosphere.
Avoiding these errors is key to a successful and inviting landscape lighting design.
Blinding everyone with glare
Glare is the fastest way to ruin mood and cause discomfort. Fixtures that shine directly into the eyes, from pathways or uplighting trees, feel aggressive and unsafe. Light should illuminate objects, not the viewer. Use shields, aim lights carefully, and pick fixtures with recessed or shielded bulbs to create a soft, inviting atmosphere.
Turning trees into spooky ghosts
Uplighting a tree can be dramatic. Placing a single fixture right at the trunk, however, creates an unnatural “ghost tree” effect. It flattens the texture and often produces a harsh, scary look. For a better result, set the light farther back and angle it to graze the trunk and branches. This shows depth, texture, and a more natural shape.
Missing the layers of light
Relying on only one type of light makes a space flat. Using all path lights or all uplights lacks depth. Think in layers. Combine ambient light for overall brightness, task light for areas like grills, and accent light to feature special plants or walls. This mix adds interest and makes the space fully usable.
Ignoring light pollution
Your lighting should stay in your yard. Spill light that annoys neighbors or brightens the night sky is a common error. It is also wasteful. Use full cutoff fixtures that direct light downward. Avoid aiming lights sideways or upwards where they are not needed. Be a good neighbor and protect the night environment.
Using the wrong color temperature
The color of light, measured in Kelvins, changes everything. Cool, blue white light can feel sterile and hospital like, while very warm, yellow light might look muddy. A soft, warm white is often best for outdoor spaces. It feels cozy and flatters plants and stone. Test different bulbs to see what works with your home’s materials.
Forgetting the maintenance plan
Lights will get dirty, bulbs will burn out, and plants will grow. Installing lights and then forgetting them leads to a failing system. Leaves block path lights, and overgrown bushes hide fixtures. Plan for easy access. Trim plants, clean lenses, and replace bulbs to keep the scene looking its best.
