Maximize Your Time Outside With The Right Lighting

The good weather is finally here, and that means soaking up every moment outdoors. As people are investing more in their at-home spaces, a landscape plan that includes purposeful outdoor lighting can make a difference.

Lighting adds both function and ambiance to your outdoor space by setting the mood for a cozy evening on the patio, adding a warm glow for dining al fresco, and ensuring safety along walkways. The first step to designing a beautifully lit space is understanding the types of lighting that will dazzle year-round.

LED leads the way

Lighting has evolved into smarter, more efficient, and customizable systems. “For anyone with an outdated halogen system, we recommend considering LED retrofits,” explains Dave Colborne from Turf Pro. “With MR16 LED lamps, you can typically get 30,000 to 40,000 hours of light, while halogen bulbs might only last around 5,000 hours, depending on the manufacturer. That means far less maintenance and fewer bulb changes.”

Devon Kleinjan from LandArt Home & Landscape agrees, emphasizing the long-term benefits. “For durability and control, low- voltage LED systems are ideal,” he says. “They offer a wide range of fixture styles, remote control options, and long-lasting bulbs, plus they can be installed without needing a licensed electrician.”

LED bulbs aren’t only about efficiency and longevity; they also align with the modern design trends this season. “We’re seeing a shift toward warm white and shielded LED lights,” says Sarah Love from PM WYRE Ltd. “Home automation systems allow homeowners to adjust the brightness levels, reducing unwanted glares at night while still keeping sidewalks and paths illuminated.”

Turn up the tech

Today’s outdoor lighting blends atmosphere with convenience. With smart technology, lighting systems can be fully automated or manually controlled with the tap of a button. “An app allows you to create a home or away schedule,” says Colborne. “Landscape lighting has become a lot more user-friendly.

“We’re seeing clients want to access their smart home without switching between multiple apps,” adds Love. “They want to be able to launch custom scenes like ‘Patio Party’ or ‘After-Hours Path’ from their keypad, touchscreen or mobile device. The convenience of a single access point mirrors what they already have in the way of technology in their home, making the indoor-outdoor experience seamless.”

Dimming has also become an indispensable tool for fine-tuning outdoor ambiance. “When I’m installing lighting on large trees, it’s typically comprised of fixtures that uplight and downlight the tree,” explains Colborne. “In the winter, it’s nice to be able to dim the downlights a bit because the reflection from the snow makes it appear brighter to the eye.” Love agrees, adding that dimming can also create distinct zones. “For example, homeowners can lower ambient lighting to 30
percent brightness after dinner while keeping the pathway lights at full brightness for safety.”

Let there be light

With creative planning, any backyard can be transformed into a welcoming retreat. “In the winter, bare branches cast striking shadows, and in the summer the light filters beautifully through foliage,” says Kleinjan. “A strategic, classic approach works across all seasons and stands the test of time.”

The key to a well-lit space is understanding the role each light plays. Love explains, “It’s crucial to define the purpose of a space before deciding where functional lights are needed for safety, like steps, locks, and grill areas, and where to add decorative lights for ambiance.” “I look at a whole composition and come up with a complete plan,” adds Colborne. “This is what produces the most dramatic effects because lighting is both an art and a science. Life is too short to have
bad lighting.”