Follow these tips to help make your yard shine

The best part of owning a home is that (for the most part) you can do what you like with it. If you frequently watch home improvement shows or regularly peruse Pinterest, you know that the possibilities for décor and design upgrades are endless. And while there are tons of things you can focus on, lighting is one area you don’t want to forget about. The right lighting can drastically transform a yard, and these tips can help you make the best choices:

Figure out its purpose

The first thing to do is to determine what you want the lighting for. If you do a lot of entertaining, it could be to keep your outdoor parties going well past sundown. Perhaps you want to offer better visibility for your driveway or walking paths. Many homeowners use lighting to highlight their water features. And of course, you may want better lighting to enhance security.

Pick the right spots

Once you know how you want to use your lighting, you will then have a good idea of where it should be placed. Hanging lights are perfect for parties and get-togethers, and you can put them in a variety of places. You can easily illuminate a driveway or path by lining it with stake lights. A spotlight is a great way to feature something like a water fountain.

Come up with a budget

As you will quickly learn with landscape lighting, the costs can vary widely. If you’ve got a good amount of money to work with, going with 120-volt lighting is a great option. Because the wiring for these lights must be buried or encased in something to keep it safe from water, you’ll probably need to use an electrician. If you don’t have a huge budget, going with lower voltage lighting you can install yourself is a good option, as is solar. Not only are solar lights affordable, but the installation is also quick and easy.

Avoid light pollution

When used wisely, lighting can be a great addition to any property. But it can be all too easy to create light pollution. Not only is this an eyesore, but it can also waste energy. To avoid this, follow these tips:

• Use low-wattage bulbs or LED lights
• Put reflectors on your fixtures to focus light just where you want it
• Employ timers or motion sensors so lights will only be on when necessary

Think about working with a landscape designer

The thing about those home improvement shows is that they make all that DIY stuff look so easy. And while you certainly can put in your own lighting – like those solar lights – it may be worth hiring a designer. An expert will help you maximize your budget and probably offer innovative ideas you haven’t thought about.

Get the most out of your investment

If you’re planning to spend money on outdoor illumination, this probably means you want to spend more time outside. In order to enjoy your new décor, you should consider safeguarding your entire property from unwanted visitors like mosquitos, ticks, and fleas. You can do this by having an insect control system installed. This system from Platinum Mosquito Protection releases a timed mist to keep biting bugs off your property. Plus, the nozzles will be placed discreetly around your yard and won’t detract from your beautiful lighting. For a free onsite consultation, contact us.