There are so many design elements that can enhance the exterior of your home — a fresh coat of paint, a beautiful patio loveseat and some unique hanging baskets — but none can compare to the stylized appeal of low voltage landscape lighting. That being said, a well-designed lighting plan should consider the placement and intensity, requiring luminance to be balanced and strategically arranged. So, since you’re hoping to learn more about outdoor lighting design, why not focus on ways to improve the quality and efficiency of your lighting by integrating multiple light sources? 

Decorative lighting

Just as you enjoy hanging artful abstractions and photo collages on the walls inside your home, you can take pleasure in placing outdoor lights on the exterior of your home as well. Since low voltage landscape lighting can give your residence embellished character, why not use it to highlight flower gardens, the architectural components of your yard and landscaping features? 

Small, low voltage landscape lighting work well along the edges and walkways by providing an illuminated glow to highlight key features. Whether it be your backyard, front yard or the wrap-around porch, path, area lights are the perfect way to offer versatile design.  

Another way to decorate the exterior of your home using prominent outdoor lighting is to install some directional, low voltage landscape lighting to showcase your garden or up light a feature in your yard. Simply position the fixture as a spotlight and beam it towards your focal area. 

Safety and security 

While darkness is your friend when you’re wanting to stargaze, it isn’t the best element when you’re navigating your way around your outdoor space. This is because when your walkways and stairs are unlit, it’s easy to stumble and injure yourself with the lack of visibility. So, why not use low voltage landscape lighting to light those shadows?

Path lights and step, deck lights are tremendous, illuminative features for those who’re looking to add some safety to their home. However, if you’re someone who’s more hell-bent on using your fixtures as a way to deter crime after dark, installing multiple floodlights wouldn’t be the worst idea. 

Gives you control of your outdoor surroundings

There are things, like the weather, that are beyond our control, but the lights that operate from dusk until dawn are something that can be structured and organized by you as a homeowner. 

Outdoor lighting upgrades come in many advantageous forms, but the important thing is that aside from accenting your striking home and garden, they’re also durable, economical and energy-efficient. 

Which low voltage landscape lights belong on the exterior of your home? Drop a comment below to share with our readers. 

 

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If you want to reap the benefits of vibrant, backyard illumination, you’ll need a variety of versatile, weatherproof, low-voltage landscape lights to brighten up your property’s pathways, flower beds, trees, fences, driveways, stone walls, doorways and deck. While you could hire a professional to design your outdoor lighting scheme and install all of your illuminant fixtures, DIY installation is your middle name! This budget-friendly project can make a big impact on your outdoor space, providing a practical, aesthetic glow that can be enjoyed both day and night. So, if you’re a person who’s rather handy and you’re up for the challenge, we highly recommend installing a few low-voltage landscape lighting systems because they’re cheaper, easier to install, safer and require far less energy than higher voltage systems. The perfect backyard is just within reach, so read ahead for an installation how-to.  

Key components to keep in mind before starting your project

With a variety of low-voltage landscape lighting fixtures and accessories available in an assortment of colors, styles and sizes, it’s almost impossible to test out and review all of them prior to your purchase. However, nearly every lighting system, complex or not, is comprised of the following four basic parts.

• Transformer: Every low-voltage landscape light system requires a state-of-the-art transformer to power its illumination, plugging into a protected electrical outlet that is supplied with current between 12 volts and 120 volts. Some transformers are even equipped with timers to allow the users to choose when the lights will go on and off. 
• Low-voltage electrical cable: There is a cable that you will need for your lights that’s made to be buried underground, running from the transformer into each low-voltage landscape light. 
• Pathway fixtures: These types of lights are designed to be installed along walkways and driveways. 
• Accent fixtures: These types of lights are specialty fixtures that used to shine or up light your landscape features. 

How do you install low-voltage landscape lights?

While the list of steps can vary depending on where and how you want your lights to look, there are three major areas of installation that will be required for your DIY project. 

Laying the cable: It’s always best to paint a picture of what you want to do before starting the work. That’s why laying the light fixtures out before installing them is a good first step. Space each fixture about 8 to 10 feet apart and then unroll the spool of electrical cable to place down beside each fixture. Following, use a shovel to dig a small trench along the line where you want to place your fixtures. Next, set down the cable in the trench. 

Installing the transformer: Peel the copper wires from your cable about 4 inches on each side, then use some wire strippers to remove about ⅝ inch of insulation. Slide the wires through the strap on the back of the transformer and place one of each of your wires under the A screw and the B screw terminal. Following, tighten the screws to secure the wires and place the stake of the transformer into the ground next to your nearest electrical outlet. 

Connect the lights: Attach a plastic cover over the outlet to protect it from the elements and then plug in the transformers power cord into the outlet. Next, connect each fixture to the cable. Since the transformer is connected, the fixtures should just light up, however, if this doesn’t happen, try again by checking your wired connections. Once the lights are glowing you can place their stakes into the ground where you want them to sit. Lastly, fill the trench in will topsoil. 

What part of the low-voltage landscape lights installation did you find most interesting? Drop a comment below to share with our readers. 

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Just like how dressing fashionable is a great way to keep up with fashion trends, creating a backyard, illumination scheme will help you to gain some edge and stay up to date with the latest garden trends. That being said, the direction of home and garden style tends to emerge and change so quickly that it can be increasingly difficult to keep up with the craze. That’s why instead of tagging along for the ride by purchasing all the latest and greatest fads, how about modifying your backyard design to feature a novel configuration that will never lose its touch? Here are a few classics to help your backyard feel less dated.

Store your seasonal supplies in a garden shed

While backyard design trends can come and go, a simple wooden or metal shed provides your outdoor space with a casual storage place that’s great for maintenance tools and all your random outdoorsy items. Now, while a classic shed can strike the right balance when it comes to functionality, it’s also important to utilize this backyard design feature as a stylized, elemental detail. So, whether you deck it out with low voltage landscape lights, nail some vintage signs to the side or plant some colorful flowerbeds in the surrounding area, your shed can provide an elegant touch to your backyard space. 

Install a birdbath

Everyone loves having the beauty of nature in their backyard, so a birdbath is a great way to bring the serenity of birds chirping into your outdoor space. While birdbaths can range in style and size, generally, they’re made from stone and carved into a simplified shape to allow the birds to delightfully ruffle their feathers in the water. Place your birdbath within your flowerbeds or at the end of a beautifully designed pathway to get up close with nature. 

Consider an outdoor fireplace 

Many people love to enjoy their beautiful backyard scenery, but also enjoy some of the comforts of their indoor living spaces. That’s where the welcoming flickers of light can provide a calming, soothing glow. Outdoor fireplaces are an increasingly popular trend that has never become outdated, creating a homey, rustic environment made of simple brick and stone. Whether it’s the soothing crackle of the fire or the appeasing smell, an outdoor fireplace is a great addition to any backyard space. Then again, if your city currently has a summer fire ban, perhaps consider some low voltage landscape lights to mimic the glow of the flame at night. 

Light up your garden landscape

Regardless of whether you’re the type of decorator who enjoys the one-of-a-kind illumination that’s derived from basic string lights or the specialization of modern, simplified, low voltage landscape lights, ornamental lighting is indeed a timeless trend. Up shine the leaves of a favored tree, line your pathway with illuminative boundaries or simply add some glow to your alluring water feature. Outdoor lighting is a long-term investment that adds safety, convenience and efficiency to your home. 

Which backyard design feature will you be trending this summer? Drop a comment below to share with our readers.

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Not everyone is cut out to own and maintain a large, lush landscape, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t utilize the space that you have to create a relaxing and entertaining environment. Those who live in the heart of the city usually reside in comfy apartment buildings where each bit of square footage holds value. So, it’s time for you to learn how to stretch the capacity of your small, balcony area in order to expand the feeling of spaciousness. 

What do you hope to get from your space? 

The first thing you need to go before you start the reorganization process is to decide what you want the living space to be used for. Some people want their balcony space to be transformed into an outdoor oasis, while others simply want a cozy reading nook with enough outside LED lights and some satisfyingly, snug pillows. Also, consider what type of seating you would like to be featured. If you’re planning on using the outdoor space for small, group game nights then you’ll want a causal lounger to give yourself, and your guests, some additional seating. 

How is your balcony laid out?

Every balcony space is built differently, so, this may be another element for you to consider when you’re formulating a plan to capitalize on the space. Long, narrow balconies aren’t able to fit the comforts of both tables and chairs. So, before you rule out the fun and games, consider changing how you arrange your outdoor accessories in order to make the space? Opt out large, ceramic planters and replace them space-saving, railing planter boxes instead. You can also rehome any large lamps or light fixtures and replace them with some economical, outside LED lights — with everything you need to mount them firmly to your wall, post or siding. 

Add some comforts and personality

Now that you’ve found a couple of ways to utilize the square footage of your balcony, it’s time to add some pleasurable amenities to jazz up the outdoor space. Let’s face it, the average apartment balcony is dreary, with concrete flooring and unappealing, metal railings. So, make it feel homey by sprinkling in some colors and comforts. Enticing outdoor rugs are a good way to add some spunk to the living space. You can even purchase a few smaller ones to layer atop one another to create some unique textures. Another visual interest that establishes a sense of comfortable ambiance is the added variety of outside LED lights. Whether you hang a lantern overhead, some string lights through the railing or simply place some tealights in your planters, the soft light will create an elegant, calming glow to make your space more attractive and engaging. 

Are there any other products that you’ve utilized in order to get the most out of your small, outdoor space? Drop a comment below to start a conversation.

 

The post How do you make the most of your small balcony space? appeared first on Best Pro Lighting Blog.

Summer is the season of backyard entertaining and while your flower beds are planted and your patio furniture is probably all set up, there are still a few more added elements that have the power to create a comfortable ambiance. So, reflect your personality by bringing the function and beauty of your indoor living space to the outdoor areas in your backyard. After all, with temperatures heating up, who wants to be spending any time inside anyways?

Customize your backyard 

In order to take full advantage of your backyard landscape, you’ll want to focus on the areas that surround your deck, patio or pool. These focal points of interest are the extensions of your living space and will be where most of your entertaining will most likely take place over the next few months. So, if these spaces aren’t already decked out with furniture, cooking appliances or professional landscape lighting, you’ll probably want to start planning this backyard transformation. While there are so many ways that you can enjoy your space, any element that adds to the relaxation or the comfort of the area should be the first thing that gets updated when you’re looking to spice up your space. 

Light up your landscape

Professional landscape lighting is a charming way to add illumination to your outdoor space. After all, functional, high-quality lighting can offer homeowners first-rate durability and dependability that can outlast regular, store-bought lighting in terms of longevity. That being said, while fairy lights and candles are terrific in terms of adding a rather magical spark of light, they’re not practical if you’re hoping to entertain in your backyard space. That’s why you should install some professional landscape lighting to complement your decor while also adding some must-have practicality. For starters, installing LED garden lighting adds dimension to your backyard, allowing you to see the depth and proximity from each corner to corner. Another lighting feature that spices up your space is step-deck lights. These dazzling wonders work together as illuminative aesthetics as well as efficient light sources that can provide a pragmatic approach to nighttime backyard navigation. Consider professional landscape lights to be the little, economic upgrades that won’t break your bank. 

Plant eco-friendly gardens and edible landscapes

While it’s always more alluring to decorate your garden with the exotic appeal of palm trees and other beautiful, foreign foliage, it’s also incredibly trendy and eco-conscious to spread native species of vegetation within your backyard space. Native plants help to attract birds, insects and wildlife, while also assisting with managing any rainwater runoff. Not to mention when you spread invasive plant species it’s hard to say how they will affect your landscape. 

Pots of fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables also have the ability to add a touch of texture and colour to your trendsetting space. Not only will you have access to ingredient essentials for all your summer cooking, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the beauty that edible vegetation can create when it’s sprinkled around your garden. 

Which backyard trend do you find the best appealing? Drop a comment below to share with our readers. 

Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, andthe Kwantlen Chronicle

The post Which landscape trends can you use to spice up your backyard? appeared first on Best Pro Lighting Blog.

While lanterns and candles can provide a lovely, aesthetic glow to your outdoor space, there’s just something that’s more vividly stunning about professional landscape lights. While an outdoor space is generally taken advantage of during daylight hours, why is it that it can’t be utilized when the sun goes down? After all, with the temperatures warming up and the skies exhibiting an exuberance of stars, it only makes sense to send out some invites, light up a fire pit and gravitate all the fun towards your backyard space. Needless to say, you can’t rely on the fireflies to do all the work. So, if you want to light up the night and turn your simplistic gathering into an elemental occasion, then perhaps you should start by adding a touch of light to your garden in order to brighten up your outdoor space.

Light up the garden

Casual outdoor gatherings are usually quarantined to the patio, but when you’re throwing a special backyard bash you want it to spread vastly across your entire space. You can start by adding a few modern touches of light to your garden display. LED garden lights can be delicately placed among your flowerbeds, next to decorative features or even intricately within the bushes creating some pleasant patterns. This is your time to get creative. Directional lighting is another professional landscape lighting system that allows party hosts to showcase their greenery — casting a beam of illumination up into the trees or simply positioning the light to highlight varying directions across the outdoor space. It’ll be hard for your guests not to notice your garden now!

Light up your walkways

Express your style and make it easier to direct your guests around your backyard when you invest in some path and area lighting. These twinkling professional landscape lights have the power to brighten up the darkest walkways while also creating an illuminative experience. Line your garden paths, highlight your concrete passageways and get compliments along the way.

Light up your water features

For the homeowners who have been blessed with large outdoor spaces, you could probably use a little extra illumination to light up those ponds. While there’s an assortment of pond-specific fixtures that you can choose from, well lights are also a good option when you’re on the hunt for an appealing glow. Place them beside your pond or water feature and let them cast natural shadows around your garden. The best part is that many well lights are waterproof which makes them the perfect type of lighting to place in underwater ponds and within the walls of waterfall features.

Light up your patio or deck

Set the stage for your special occasion with some glamorous, professional landscape lights for your patio or deck space. Step-deck lights are the perfect feature to add to your outdoor area because these monumental lighting necessities don’t possess the same size capacity as other lighting equipment. Sitting aesthetically on the walls of your patio space or along the siding of your deck’s steps, step-deck lighting is able to provide your backyard with an effective, enchanting source of illumination.

What lighting fixture are you most drawn too? Drop a comment below to start a conversation.

 

Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, andthe Kwantlen Chronicle

The post The right outdoor lighting can turn gatherings into special occasions appeared first on Best Pro Lighting Blog.

As the temperature dramatically increases and the humidity levels drop this time of year, many open, wood and charcoal fires become prohibited across various parts of the United States and Canada. Due to the growing danger of human-caused wildfires, widespread fire bans are commonly implemented during extreme heat periods in order to prevent forest devastation and stretching firefighting resources that may be needed for natural occurring fires. Since global temperatures seem to be on the rise each year, homeowners have been seemingly forced to accept the presence and restrictions of the inevitability of wildfire season. That being said since social, backyard bonfires and open-fire grilling probably won’t fit into your summer plans this year, we recommend using LED garden lights as a safe, vibrant substitute during seasonal fire bans.

LED garden lights are safer

One of the most amazing things about LED bulbs is that they are able to run at a cooler temperature than the average incandescent light. So, since LEDs don’t need to produce as much heat, they’re a much safer and more energy-efficient choice during the summer season where wildfires are more rampant. While LED bulbs will still be hot if they’re touched (about 140°F to 212° F) the average incandescent is 357°F and the average halogen bulb is about 267°F. So, the reality is that LEDs are far cooler and less likely to accidentally catch fire or overheat.

LED garden lights are vibrant

The empowering thing about investing in LED garden lighting is that they have the ability to create an ambient setting that’s almost as enjoyable as the blazing hue of a campfire. Lighting up the elemental details of your backyard surroundings, these low voltage lights can provide a breathtaking glow to the entirety of your outdoor space. Available in an array of show-stopping options — directional lights, mushroom lights, floodlights and accent light — these proficient lighting options will ensure that you get to use your backyard space to its fullest potential year-round.

LED garden lights illuminate your outdoor gatherings

Summertime is all about spending extra time outdoors, so when it comes to social gatherings such as BBQs and birthdays, utilizing the power of LED garden lights combats the disappoint of the inevitable fire bans. Start by placing some area lighting in your backyard space in order to illuminate your socialization area. After all, the power or LED bulbs greatly out ways incandescent bulbs in terms of brightness and power. This means that you’ll hardly believe that the sun has gone down when you install some otherworldly, intense lights and cross off this element on your summer must-do list.

So, if you’re looking to erase the blues of implemented fire bans, perhaps some LED garden lights would resolve your lighting dilemmas.

What activities do you usually do more often when there are fire bans? Drop a comment below to advise other readers.

Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, andthe Kwantlen Chronicle

The post Why you should use outdoor lighting as a supplement during fire bans? appeared first on Best Pro Lighting Blog.

It’s World Environment Day and while understanding the different types of pollution and how they can affect our health and environment are important in promoting the awareness around us, the real change starts in our homes. We’re the molders of our environment, so setting an example by rejecting single-use plastic and refusing what we can’t reuse are the building blocks in the foundation of our transition towards an eco-friendlier home. Now, let’s take a look at how you can personally promote this sustainability in the comforts of your own backyard. After all, if you’re keen on being clean and green, you absolutely need to do your part.  

Use your outdoor space year-round

Think of your backyard space as the automotive engine of your home. If it’s used on a regular basis and maintained properly all year round, it will better your chances of the need to fork out wear and tear costs on features like your decking, siding and outside LED lights. When you’re economically conscious, as well as eco-friendly, you’re able to put some savings back into your wallet and help the planet but cutting down on your waste contributions.   

Take advantage of rain-water

While you’re probably used to the convenience of running water inside your home, when it comes to watering your grass and gardens, utilizing rain-water is a great way to be environmentally conscious of your personal water usage. The best part is that you can use rain-water for composting, rinsing off your fresh produce, filling your outdoor ponds and water features and it can even be consumed by your pets or livestock. Natural recycling at its finest!

Install outside LED lights

Not only are outside LED lights up to 80% more efficient than the traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulb, but they also require far less energy. In fact, 95% of the energy in outside LED lights is converted into light, with a mere 5% wasted on heat. This means that you can have brighter, more energy-efficient outdoor lighting any time of year, while still decreasing your output of greenhouse gas emissions. The best part is that there are no toxic elements in LEDs, unlike fluorescent strip lights that are known to contain chemicals like mercury. In our opinion, the slightly higher cost is worth the longevity and quality of these meticulous lights.

Are there any other ways that you can think of to make your backyard space more eco-friendlier? Drop a comment below to share with our readers.

 

Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, andthe Kwantlen Chronicle

The post How to make your backyard more eco-friendly appeared first on Best Pro Lighting Blog.

Whether you’re a homeowner who is lucky enough to have enough space for a vast, colorful garden or you’re living with a simple, small plot of grass out back, there are many ways that you can craft and organize your backyard lighting in order to maximize the time you spend outside. After all, any expansion of your home — patio, courtyard, garden, lawn or terrace — deserves to be enjoyed throughout each beautiful season and what better way to enjoy the month of May than to spend time soaking up the sun rays? So, if you’re looking forward to the endless hours of BBQing and weekend lounging, then perhaps you’ll want to learn about the ample advantages that go along with the decision to upgrade your outside LED lights scheme.

You can have later social gatherings

While there are many ways in which you can benefit from strategically placing some outdoor lights, the ability to host later social gatherings is one of the most underappreciated perks. While you could always move the party to your living room inside, the warmer weather is calling out to you. After all, spring is the perfect time of the year to start thoroughly enjoying your outdoor space. So, regardless if you have a big enough plot to throw a glamorous shindig or if you simply have enough space to seat your guests on your patio set, with the right illumination your entertainment doesn’t have to set just because the sun does.

Light makes you happy

Being out in the sun makes you happier emotionally and physically because its exposure increases the serotonin levels in your brain. So, why shouldn’t your backyard also display this same bold, bright illumination? Since outside LED lights have been designed to mimic sunlight, they’re incredibly beneficial in the winter months where natural sunlight isn’t commonly available. So, if you’re someone who spends hours a day in the office or you sleep in late because of your graveyard shifts, LED lights can be beneficial to your health since this type of illumination actually has the power to affect your mood.

That being said, have you ever noticed that many modern buildings and urban spaces are designed to with natural light in mind? This means that whenever possible large windows, see-through doors and skylights are installed to provide natural light and LED lights are installed as an organic substitution. So, the reality is LED lights have the power to brighten your mood and help people with vitamin D deficiency.

Light helps small spaces appear larger

Homes with an extensive backyard space are becoming harder to come by with the increasing prices of real estate across the country. That being said, if you don’t possess a sizable garden space, you can use outside LED lights to broaden the surrounding area to make it feel full, spacious and roomy. By strategically placing your outdoor lighting in the high corners of your yard you’re able to cast large, reflective shadows across your fencing or property. This illusion, along with de-cluttering the surrounding area, will help your garden space appear immensely larger, just as it does during the day with natural light.

How have outside LED lights changed your life? Drop a comment below to share with our readers.

 

Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, andthe Kwantlen Chronicle

The post How can you utilize your backyard space using outside LED lights? appeared first on Best Pro Lighting Blog.

There are many elements that need to consider when you’re planning to landscape in your backyard oasis. Needless to say, one of the most important factors that need to be considered is the amount of shade that blankets your yard’s vegetation. While it might not feel like a principle concern, gardening when you don’t have sunlight readily available to your plants can be frustratingly difficult — this includes gardening under trees. While the blissful shadows cast down from your trees can be an incredibly refreshing addition to your backyard in the summertime, it can also prove to be challenging to grow anything aside from weeds. So, instead of fighting the natural beauty of your shady saplings, it’s time that you learned to take advantage of these growing conditions.

Trim up the area

Before you’re able to fully enjoy the charm and allurement of your timber, you will first need to weed the surrounding area underneath the canopy area of your trees. After all, proper care will help keep your greenery happy and healthy. Although, you may be wondering how to identify this type of vegetation. Simply put, a weed is any plant that is not growing where it’s supposed to. Once you tackle this seasonal problem, your new, little garden will be ready to take on any improvements that you’re wanting to make to the landscape.

Utilize the shade

Just because you have some vast trees taking up space on your property, that doesn’t mean that you can’t utilize the canopy of shade that they provide to your advantage. Start by placing a simple ring of mulch that extends out as far as the branches of your tree. This will give your garden an aesthetically, manicured look and your trees will benefit from the soil as well — mulch actually helps to keep weed seeds from germinating in the soil under the trees and it’s also beneficial for the insects that live there. Next, select a couple of flowers or shrubs to plant under the tree’s canopy. Just be mindful to choose shade-tolerant greenery that will still be able to thrive with the lack of sunlight.

Add some aesthetics

You’ve cleaned up the area and even planted a stunning flowerbed, so, now it’s time to start decorating. There are quite a few ways that you’re able to make your garden more radiant through the use of some cute decor, such as a durable garden bench or some LED garden lighting. A garden bench is quite an inviting investment piece for your garden. Not only does it give you an added sense of enjoyment when you sit outside, but it also looks visually alluring when your guests sneak a glance. That being said, LED garden lighting also provides a similar graceful appeal. In fact, outdoor LED lights delicately sit within your flowerbeds, along pathways and radiate from various dazzling structures. They also provide a charming ray of illumination that is able to display all the ravishing and divine elements of your backyard oasis even after the sun has set.

Are there any other handy pointers that you know for gardening under trees? Leave a comment below to share with our readers.

 

Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, andthe Kwantlen Chronicle

The post How do you garden under trees? appeared first on Best Pro Lighting Blog.