Best Ideas for Outdoor Lights for Backyard

If you enjoy spending your time in your backyard, whether with your family, friends or on your own, you might want to spice it up a bit. Adding outdoor lights for the backyard is a great way to give your otherwise boring space instant character.

Why Do You Need To Have Outdoor Lights for Backyards?

There are a handful of benefits of adding outdoor lights to your backyard. If you haven’t considered installing these, the reasons below might change your mind.

• Increases safety after dark
• Makes it easier to go around
• Creates a better ambiance for yourself and your guests
• Allows you to spend more time outdoors

However, randomly adding outdoor lights for the backyard isn’t going to cut it. As always, you have to plan first and see which areas you should install your lights in. Otherwise, you will not be able to maximize the benefits.

How To Add Outdoor Lights to for Backyard

Use the guide below and have awesome outdoor lights for your equally beautiful backyard.

Walk Around Your Home at Night

One of the first things you should do is know where you should put your outdoor lights. The best way to do it is to go around your background during nighttime and list down areas you think the outdoor lights could be beneficial. We’re not talking about aesthetics alone but, more importantly, safety. See which locations are dark and take note of those as well.

Create a Sketch of Your Backyard

Now it’s time for the next step. Try to plot your backyard and review the areas that need illuminating. Consider all things in your backyard that could affect the lighting. For example, are there shrubs, trees, or decorations? You must take note of its height as well.

While you’re at it, think about your objective for adding outdoor lights in the backyard. Consider lighting a pathway, or give a soft mood to your landscape or emphasize your mini water fountain or garden statue. Remember, there is no such thing as universal outdoor lights. Different types have different effects.

Purchase Your Outdoor Lights From a Credible Supplier

We know that it’s exciting to get your outdoor lights and to start your project right away, but you have to be extra careful. Look for a brand that has established itself in the industry based on the quality of their products. You wouldn’t want to get outdoor lights that will flicker in just a few days. Likewise, you must stay away from brands that have not passed the regulatory standards. In addition, checking online reviews for certain lights is always a good practice.

Be on the lookout for reviews and even join forums to have an idea of which outdoor lights are best for your needs.

In addition, don’t be fooled by the cheap prices of some outdoor lights. You’d indeed get what you pay for, so better invest in quality lights that may cost more but will last longer.

If you want to spare yourself from this tedious task, talk to professionals and let them handle your outdoor lighting needs. For example, Landscape Improvements are experts in outdoor lighting who can help determine the best layout for your outdoor lights and recommend the right brands.

Read the Instructions and Install Your Outdoor Lights

Different lighting brands have their own installation instructions. For example, string lights will require you to have posts or poles to support your lights — assuming you don’t have tall trees. For bollard lights, you need to do some digging so these will stay in place.

As always, read the instructions thoroughly and even the words of caution. The last thing you would want to happen is to break your lights before installing or getting injured while doing it.

There are also electrical-related tasks required for installing outdoor lights. If you are not well-versed in this field, you should leave it to the experts.

Maintain Your Outdoor Lights

Your job doesn’t stop after installing your outdoor lights for the backyard. To ensure that it will last for years, you should know how to maintain these as well.

Cleaning outdoor lights shouldn’t be rocket science. You can do it on your own by using soft cloths and soapy water. As much as you can, stay away from chemical cleaners unless it is recommended by the manufacturer.

Specifically for bugs, you can keep them away from your lights by placing ground cloves, nutmeg, caraway seeds and bay leaves in a plastic sandwich bag with small holes. Put these small bags near your outdoor lights and it should work like magic.

Don’t have time to maintain your lights? Call Landscape Improvements and we’ll do the rest.

Different Types of Outdoor Lights for Backyard

Take note that there are various options to choose from for your outdoor lighting. Below are the common ones you’d find from different homes nowadays.

String Lights

String lights are also referred to as fairy lights. These were initially used for special occasions but are now more common in backyards. You can make your backyard cozier just by adding string lights. The best part is, these consume low energy.

Bollard Lights

Bollard lights are lighting fixtures that are often used for pathways to ensure safety. These posts are around two to four feet high and project lights horizontally or downwards.

Up/Downlights

You can also add up/downlights to your backyard, highlighting both your outdoor space and home exterior. These provide illumination above and below the installed device, giving a dramatic and cinematic effect.

Step Lights

Step lights, as the name suggests, are used for steps or stairways. However, be cautious in getting yours because you need to get step lights specifically made for the outdoors. Look for ones that are weatherproof and could last for several years.

Floodlights

If you want powerful lights to illuminate your backyard, floodlights could be your best option. Find ones that have a motion sensor for added security.

Spotlights

Spotlights aren’t just for theaters or concerts. You can also use a few in your backyard and highlight your best landscape features. Creating a jaw-dropping landscape isn’t easy so make sure to show it off every time of the day.

Outdoor Lights for Backyard, Call Landscape Improvements

Be the talk of the town and transform your backyard into something magnificent. Landscape Improvements can do it for you. Whatever you need for your backyard, we’ve got you covered.

Call us at 407-606-7326 to learn more about our services. Or you can email us directly at info@landscapeimprovementsfl.com.