Lighting your landscape is part artistry and part planning. There’s utility, like lighting a pathway, and then there’s safety, such as lights around a deck, and also curb appeal. It all starts with getting past a few common landscape lighting errors. Save some time and trouble by avoiding these pitfalls, and try some beautiful and practical outdoor landscape lighting ideas.

Common Landscape Lighting Mistakes: Fix Them With These Tips

Mistake #1: Using Too Much Light

Many homeowners initially overlight their properties. One of the most important landscape lighting tips is to create depth and ambiance, so it accentuates the setting.

Start with minimal lighting focused on key features, then gradually add fixtures only where needed.
Implement the principle of layered lighting; try different intensities for various purposes.
Background lighting should be subtle; focal points can receive slightly more emphasis.
A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 20 watts (LED equivalent) for ambient lighting and 35 watts for feature lighting.

Mistake #2: Poor Fixture Placement

Start with a basic lighting plan. Install fixtures temporarily, and observe the effect at night before making permanent installations.

Evaluate the viewing angles from both inside and outside your home. Path lights typically work best when placed 20–30 feet apart. Uplighting for trees should be placed at a distance equal to approximately one-third of the tree's height.

Tip: Remember to account for seasonal shadow patterns.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Color Temperature

Use different color temperatures throughout your space.

Try these ideas:

While cool white lights can appear harsh and institutional, warm white lighting (around 2700K) complements natural materials and foliage.
Use slightly cooler lights (3000K) for security areas, while keeping social spaces warmer (2400-2700K).
Natural stone features often look best under warmer light, while water features can handle slightly cooler temperatures without appearing harsh.

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Maintenance

Schedule quarterly maintenance to clean fixtures, replace burnt-out bulbs, and adjust positioning. Overall, a few checks of wire connections, lens covers, and transformers can ensure your lights keep working well.

Tip: In coastal areas, inspect fixtures more frequently for corrosion.

Mistake #5: Overlooking Energy Efficiency

Modern LED lighting technology offers significant advantages over traditional systems.

LED fixtures provide superior energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance requirements, resulting in lower long-term costs.
Smart lighting control systems let you automate scheduling and adjust your setup remotely. Many systems now offer integration with home automation platforms.
Look for fixtures with efficient heat dissipation designs, as this significantly affects LED longevity.

Best Pro Lighting offers these featured LED landscape lights that can add beauty and practical illumination to your outdoor setting:

3W LED Combo Path and Area Light In Rust Finish: This fixture is ingeniously designed to combine the traditional appeal of a path light with the customizable directionality of a spotlight. Its sleek rust powder-coated finish enhances any outdoor space.

LED Directional Bullet BPL101-BLK Low Voltage Landscape Lights: Great for illuminating flower beds, bushes or other small focal points, these top-selling LED directional lights offer a 360-degree rotating shroud for precise illumination.

LED Floodlight BPL100 Low Voltage Landscape Light Black Finish: Best Pro Lighting's Low Voltage Landscape LED Floodlight with the 3W LED Bulb creates bright, soft lighting that is perfect for highlighting trees and plants, while enhancing security.

LED Underwater Pond Light: Enjoy a warm glowing light inside your pond, waterfall, or well at night with this light that features a 180-degree swivel bracket.

Mistake #6: Failing to Plan a Cohesive Design

We discussed earlier how to set up different lighting levels in your landscape. What we mean by cohesive is to look at the overall design and make adjustments that please you, and also provide for optimal safety, practicality and energy-efficiency.

For example, you may have initially wanted a spotlight on a certain outdoor feature. Once you get your lights set up, you see that the spotlight looks out of place among the full design. You can make a few adjustments, so the finished design is pleasing to the eye.

Mistake #7: Using Inappropriate Fixtures

Select fixtures designed for outdoor use, with appropriate brightness levels and beam spreads for their intended purpose. Choose fixtures rated IP65 or higher for exposed locations. Use solid brass or copper fixtures in coastal environments.

Mistake #8: Failing to Account for Landscape Changes

Install adjustable fixtures that can be redirected as plants grow. Use mounting stakes with multiple height options. Plan for future expansion by installing transformers with additional capacity.

Mistake #9: Neglecting Safety and Security Considerations

Ensure pathways, steps, and entry points are adequately illuminated. Motion-activated fixtures and multiple layers of security lighting, along with timers and photocells, can ensure lights work to discourage intruders.

Mistake #10: Avoiding Professional Consultation

Complex installations or extensive lighting systems may require professional expertise. Professionals certified by the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) or similar organizations can help you.

Shop Best Pro Lighting for the Best LED Landscape Lighting Selection

Now that you know a few landscape lighting design tips, it’s time to update your outdoor lighting setup. Best Pro Lighting offers the pathway, patio, deck, spotlight and accent light products you want, all easy to order on our website. Please contact us [1 (888) 882-4823] if you need assistance, and enjoy free shipping for US orders over $150. Extend your outdoor living time with Best Pro Lighting!

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What Homeowners Often Get Wrong About Landscape Lighting (And How to Fix It)