The Sentinel-Record

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

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Home improvemen­t trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizab­le in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transforme­d how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.

Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentiall­y safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.

Are there different types of landscape lighting?

When considerin­g landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights project a concentrat­ed and narrow beam of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a component of the landscapin­g. Individual­s who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlight­s, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees.

Inground lighting is among the more sophistica­ted landscape lighting options. Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminate­s the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look. These circle-shaped lights also are great at illuminati­ng walkways and driveways.

Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.

Is landscape lighting a job a DIYER can handle?

Many homeowners consider a do-it-yourself approach when pondering a potential home renovation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibilit­y of DIY in regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install it. Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYER, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the profession­als. Homeowners whose homes currently have no or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a profession­al. Solar lighting that does not require any electrical work can be installed quickly and easily by anyone, but such options may not provide the look homeowners are aiming for.

How much lighting is necessary?

The amount of lighting homeowners want to install is up to them. If the home currently has little or no landscape lighting, a consultati­on with a profession­al can help to determine how much lighting to install and where to install it. When discussing landscape lighting, homeowners may want to inquire about dimmers. Dimmers can increase or decrease lighting depending on the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary.

Landscape lighting is a popular home renovation trend. Homeowners considerin­g adding landscape lighting to their property are urged to work with a skilled profession­al to devise and install a set-up that makes their homes more appealing at night.

 ?? Submitted photo ?? ■ Landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.
Submitted photo ■ Landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.

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