Which Landscape Lights are Best for Me?

Landscape lighting can be both functional and beautiful, and is one of the most inexpensive ways to add character and charm to your outdoor living area. But with so many options, how can you decide what’s best for your home? What factors should you consider when designing a landscape lighting scheme? Below, we’ll discuss the different types of landscape lights to give you the information you need to choose a landscape lighting design that fits your budget and needs.

Solar and Battery-Powered Lights

With advances in solar and battery technology over the last couple of decades, along with the broad adoption of energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, solar and battery-powered landscape lights are brighter and cheaper than ever. These lights are portable and versatile, and you don’t need to make sure they’re near an outdoor outlet—instead, you simply install them, turn them on, and let them self-activate.

Some types of solar lights available include:

• Spotlights, which can be trained to highlight trees, plants, entryways, or statues;
• Floodlights, which are best used for driveways, patios, and other large areas;
• Step lights, which point downward to illuminate steps, retaining or rock walls, swimming pools, or pathways;
• Garden lights, which point slightly down and can be flattering to plants and other landscaping features;
• String lights, which provide a soft glow and can be strung or tacked to just about any surface to cover a wide area.

Though they’re prized for their versatility and low cost, solar and battery lights generally aren’t as durable as hardwired electric ones. Solar lights also won’t work well unless they get plenty of sun exposure each day, so ones installed in shady areas may be dull or dim. Solar and battery lights can be a good temporary or “starter” light to see whether you’re happy with your landscape lighting setup; but if you want low-maintenance and long-lasting landscape lights, electric is generally the way to go.

Electric Lights

Electric lights can either be plugged directly into an outdoor outlet or hardwired beneath the ground to provide a seamless appearance. Electric lights are available in all the same varieties as solar and battery-powered lights (including spotlights, floodlights, string lights, and garden lights), but can provide far more power and brilliance for floodlights and spotlights. If you’d like to install a streetlamp or another high-powered light, electric lighting is generally your best option.

By hardwiring your landscape lights to your home’s power supply, you’ll protect them from the elements. You can also opt to have an independent switch installed, easily turning your outdoor landscape lights on or off with the flip of a switch.

If you’re ready to discuss your landscape lighting needs with a professional, Pleasant Lightscapes can help. Our talented team will work with you to determine the best lighting setup for your home and garden, transforming your outdoor living area into a peaceful oasis. Give us a call today or visit our website to learn more about our services and see some of our best work.