One of the primary functions of outdoor lighting is safety. Here is what you need to know about marking perimeters and other safety functions of outdoor lighting in Lancaster, PA, so that a landscape is both welcoming, safe, and enjoyable.
Outdoor Lighting Options
There are several ways to mark the perimeter of a property. One method is using low path lighting, which is spaced in regular intervals (sort of an in-ground version of string lights). Depending on the height of the fixture and the bulb wattage, you could place fixtures up to 20’ apart for a consistent sight line along the property boundary.
Another method is to strategically place light fixtures behind shrubs or trees to eliminate any overly dark areas. These fixtures can serve double duty in creating a dramatic lighting design in otherwise forgotten areas of the landscape. This approach can provide plenty of ambient light in addition to illuminating the dark areas. It also gives a clear visual of the perimeter.
Path Lighting
Path lighting is versatile, since it can be installed under a shrub, in a masonry retaining wall, or anywhere at the base of a tree or any vertical structure. Since the light shines downward, there’s no danger of the light being blinding. The softly reflected light will create a romantic ambience while lighting the way forward.
Entryway Lighting
Proper illumination of all doors and easy-to-access windows is essential for safety. At the front door, make sure that the house number is illuminated (so emergency crews know they’re at the right location). If there are any steps leading to the door, make sure these are clearly seen and that dark shadows don’t create optical illusions that could cause falls.
Driveway and Garage Lighting
Similar to path lighting, driveway lights along the length of the driveway define the space and offer adequate lighting for evening strolls. It’s generally wise to have a relatively bright overhead light with a remote or motion-activated switch or timer in this area so that no one has to fumble around in the dark if all of the other lights are off.
Outdoor living spaces need some ambient light so that people can move about safely. This should be directed downward to light the patio or deck surface. Positioning light fixtures at knee height or slightly lower will illuminate a large enough space to prevent the constant transition from light to dark to light, etc.
Moonlighting—or placing light fixtures high in trees and using a relatively soft blue-tinted bulb—is a wonderful way to illuminate parts of the landscape while casting dramatic shadows. This is a good technique to use on a solitary tree in the middle of a lawn. Avoid using moonlighting to illuminate a walkway, however, unless the surface is perfectly smooth (the shadow effect can be very disorienting to people with impaired night vision).
If there’s a pool, submersible lighting as well as land-mounted fixtures may be needed. Again, these don’t have to be harsh or overly bright—just enough wattage to safely illuminate the space and cast minimal shadows.
Accent lighting such as spot lighting, grazing, washing, silhouetting, uplighting, and downlighting all offer the additional benefit of reflected light. It can be the perfect solution for safety and drama!
Related: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF PATIO PAVERS IN YORK, PA, LANDSCAPES
