Outdoor Lighting – Make the Most of Your Property

Arizona offers up some of the most dramatic landscapes anywhere, with everything from lush tropical plantings to towering saguaros and spectacular stone water features. Many of us should get a great deal of enjoyment out of our home landscapes at night, when the family is home and temperatures are pleasant. Here are some ways to improve the outdoor lighting in your landscape, to bring out your property’s potential.

Look around your landscape for highlights that you want to feature. You can choose to up-light or down-light various plants and trees. Consider the height of plantings, trees and hardscape features when you are choosing your outdoor lighting fixtures, as well as placement. Will you be spotlighting something from a distance, or incorporating low-profile fixtures into your planting areas?

Pathways, patios and other outdoor living areas should have appropriate lighting. You’ll need to provide enough light for people to get around and see where they’re going, without overdoing it and creating glare.

When you are designing your lighting plan, don’t forget the house itself. Many homes feature unique architectural elements and beautiful exterior finishes that can be highlighted, as well as providing general lighting for entryways, driveways, etc. Lighting your home can create an elegant and inviting look that increases curb appeal. Your exterior lighting is also an important security consideration. A dark property can not only be dangerous, but allows easier access for intruders.

There are a wide variety of outdoor fixtures to choose from, as well as outdoor lighting designers who can help you create the most effective ways to enhance your property with outdoor lighting.