How to Install Landscape Lighting

Installing landscape lighting can dramatically transform the look and feel of your outdoor space. Proper lighting can provide safety, security, and ambiance to your lawn, garden, patio or walkways. With the right planning and execution, you can design a customized lighting system to enhance the natural features of your yard. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of installing landscape lighting, from developing a lighting plan to selecting the right fixtures, wiring and lighting techniques.

Developing a Landscape Lighting Plan

The first step is to think about your needs and goals for the landscape lighting. Consider the following:

Determine the Purpose

Ambiance – To set a mood or focal point, illuminate pathways or accent architectural elements.
Safety – To light up steps, pathways, exits and entrances for improved visibility.
Security – Deter unwanted visitors and illuminate potential problem areas.
Task lighting – Provide light for barbequing, reading or working in the yard.

Decide Which Areas to Light

Walkways, stairways and driveways for safety and visibility.
Gardens, trees, fountains or statuary for accent lighting.
Patios, gazebos, pergolas or seating areas for ambiance.
Front entrance and perimeter for security.

Consider Light Levels

Bright illumination for frequently used spaces.
Subtle glow for ambiance and architectural accenting.
Flood lights to spotlight landscaping or for security.

Determine Fixture Types and Locations

Path lights along walkways, steps and driveways.
Up-lights and down-lights to accent trees and plantings.
Deck lights and post cap lights to illuminate seating areas.
Wall sconces or flood lights to enhance entryways.

Decide on Controls

Manual on/off for most landscape lighting needs.
Timer or photocell for automated activation at dusk.
Motion sensor for security lighting.
Dimmer for ambiance control.

Make a Lighting Plan Diagram

Sketch out a map of your property indicating fixture types, locations and wiring routes. This will be very useful during installation.

Selecting Landscape Lighting Fixtures and Bulbs

Once you have a lighting plan, it’s time to choose the specific fixtures and bulbs to illuminate your yard. Consider the following:

Fixture Types

Path lights – Low-level lights that shine horizontally to light walkways.
Deck lights – Miniatureaccent lights for steps, decks and patios.
Spotlights – Narrow focused beams for highlighting architectural elements.
Wall sconces – Wall mounted fixtures to light up house exteriors.
Step lights – Riser lights for maximum stair safety.
Bollard lights – Freestanding pole lights to illuminate pathways.
Flood lights – Wide flood beams for open areas and security lighting.

Housing Material

Plastic – Most affordable option but less durable.
Stainless steel – Sleek modern look but prone to showing water spots.
Copper – Rustic, traditional style that develops a patina over time.
Cast brass – Classic material that resists corrosion.
Cast aluminum – Lightweight but durable and resists rust.

Light Distribution

Spot – Narrow, focused beam for highlighting specific objects.
Spread – Wider beam to splash light across an area.
Flood – Very wide distribution for illuminating large open areas.

Light Color

Warm white (2700K to 3000K) – Yellowish light, best for ambiance.
Bright white (3500K to 4100K) – Crisp neutral white, good for visibility.
Cool white (5000K to 6500K) – Bluish tint, simulates daylight.

Bulb Types

Incandescent – Great color but inefficient, short lifespan.
Halogen – Whiter light than incandescent, also inefficient.
LED – Most energy efficient, long lasting with excellent color.
Low voltage – Operates on 12V DC for power efficiency and safety.
Solar – Self-powered fixtures, no wiring required but less reliable.

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Systems

Low voltage lighting is the most common and recommended system for residential installations. Here’s an overview:

Operates on 12V DC power for efficiency and safety.
Fixtures require a power transformer to convert 120V to 12V.
Wire runs are much safer and easier than 120V AC.
Low voltage wire can be buried shallow; no conduit required.
Allows for simple expansion over time by adding transformers.
Recommended for DIY installations as it’s safe and easy to work with.

Wiring and Connections

There are several key components required to wire up a low voltage lighting system:

Power Transformer

Converts 120V AC house current to 12V DC.
Available from 100W to 300W capacity. Each 100W powers 8-10 fixtures.
Mount transformer in an outdoor electrical box, on a post or side of the house.

Low Voltage Landscape Wire

2-conductor wire, typically 14 or 16 gauge.
Insulated copper wire, CL2 or CL3 rated for direct burial.
Run from transformer to each light fixture.

Wire Connectors

Special gel-filled wire nuts create water-resistant connections.
Pre-filled with silicone sealant to keep moisture out.
Connect fixture wire to main low voltage wire runs.

Light Fixtures

Have pigtail wires to connect to main low voltage wiring.
Polarity doesn’t matter as long as wires match.
Include watertight gasket so wire entry point is sealed when installed.

Installing Wiring and Lights

Follow these basic steps to install wiring and connect light fixtures:

Bury the Main Wire Runs

Lay out main wire runs from transformer to light locations.
Bury wire at least 6″ deep, or 1″ deep if protected by hardscape.
Use PVC conduit for wire running under driveways or concrete.

Connect the Transformer

Turn OFF breaker feeding outdoor receptacle.
Connect transformer input wires to outdoor outlet wires.
Install transformer in exterior-rated electrical box.
Turn breaker back ON to power transformer.

Run Wire to Each Fixture

Starting at transformer, route wire toward first light.
Pull enough extra wire to later connect to fixture location.
Bury wire between lights, leaving access at fixture locations.
Use PVC conduit when crossing under hardscape.

Connect Fixtures to Wiring

At each fixture location, leave 12-18″ of wire above ground.
Strip off wire insulation, twist strands together.
Insert fixture wire into gel-filled wire connector.
Twist connector until wires are firmly joined.

Install Light Fixtures

Arrange wires neatly inside fixture housing.
Attach fixture securely in desired location.
Caulk around mounting base to prevent water entry.
Snap light cover or globe into place.

Techniques for Maximizing Lighting Impact

Use these techniques when positioning and aiming your landscape lights:

Uplighting

Light shines upward into trees, structures or architectural elements.
Creates dramatic silhouettes and highlights details.
Position spotlight below and angled up toward the subject.

Downlighting

Light beams cast downward from fixtures in trees or on structures.
Illuminates subjects without glare by lighting from above.
Angled downward to graze the tree canopy or building facade.

Backlighting

Lighting from behind trees, stonework, fences or structures.
Creates silhouetting and separation from the background.
Place fixtures aimed toward the camera or viewing position.

Cross Lighting

Lighting from two sides to add depth and texture.
Creates highlights and shadows that reveal shape and form.
Position fixtures on opposite sides, aimed toward each other.

Grazing

Light beams aimed parallel along a surface such as walls or pathways.
Highlights contours and textures on the surface.
Position fixtures very close to the surface, aimed across rather than straight on.

Layering

Combining several lighting techniques together.
Provides depth, balance and greater interest.
For example, graze a stone wall, uplight nearby trees, and spotlight an architectural detail.

Tips for a Successful Installation

Follow these best practices to ensure your lighting project goes smoothly from start to finish:

Group your lights onto several circuits instead of one very long run to minimize voltage drop.
Use the proper gauge wire for the length of your wire runs to prevent voltage loss.
Use gel-filled wire connectors and quality exterior fixtures to prevent corrosion.
Test lights during daytime to check for issues before it gets dark.
Allow extra wire at junctures in case you need to move or reconnect fixtures.
Adjust light positions and angles to optimize illumination and avoid glare.
Use separate switches or zones to control different lighting areas.
Expand lighting in phases over time for easier troubleshooting.
Have an electrician install hardwired components for proper permits and inspection.

Proper planning is key to an effective and trouble-free landscape lighting system. Following the guidelines above will help you design a customized lighting plan, select the right components, and install your lights successfully like a professional. With some time and care taken during installation, you can look forward to enjoying a beautifully illuminated yard and landscape for years to come. Let your lighting creativity shine through and transform your outdoor environment once the sun goes down!

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can sometimes appear complex, but it’s actually quite simple with the right guidance. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about lighting installation:

How deep should I bury low voltage landscape lighting wire?

Bury main wire runs at least 6 inches deep for protection.
Wire can be buried just 1 inch deep if running below a hard surface like a driveway.
Use PVC conduit when crossing underneath concrete or asphalt surfaces.

What kind of wire should I use?

Use 14 or 16 gauge low voltage direct burial wire.
Look for copper CL2 or CL3 rated landscape wire.
Solid copper wires will last longer than copper clad steel.

How far can landscape lighting wire run?

With 14 gauge wire, optimal run is under 200 feet from the transformer.
For runs up to 300 feet, upgrade to thicker 12 gauge wire.
Longer runs will require an additional transformer.

How many light fixtures on each transformer?

Each 100W transformer can power 8-10 fixtures.
It’s better to have fewer fixtures per run for optimal voltage.
Add more circuits with additional transformers if needed.

Where should I mount the transformer?

Mount the transformer near an exterior GFCI outlet.
Install inside an outdoor-rated electrical box for protection.
Alternatively can mount on a post or side of the house.

How do I connect fixtures without splicing wires?

Use gel-filled wire connectors to join fixture wires to main runs.
Special waterproof gel sealant prevents corrosion.
Push-in connectors are also quick and reliable.

How do I prevent ponding and flooding of fixtures?

Make sure fixture housings drain properly without accumulating water.
Seal any openings with caulk or silicone to prevent water ingress.
Consider using fixtures specifically rated as floodlights.

What angle should I aim pathway lighting?

Optimal angle is around 30 degrees from the vertical.
Aiming too straight up will cause glare.
Angling too far down won’t illuminate far enough ahead.

How do I illuminate a very large tree?

Use multiple uplights arranged in a circular pattern around the base.
Space uplights evenly to cast light up into all sides.
Use floodlights to cover very wide trees and dense foliage.

How do I hide landscape lighting wires?

Bury wires underground whenever possible.
Hide wires under eaves, decks, porches or hardscape covers.
Use green wire that blends into foliage. Run along undersides of branches.
Route wire inside PVC conduit painted to match surfaces.

How do I prevent corrosion of metal fixtures?

Look for copper or brass construction that naturally resists corrosion.
Opt for stainless steel fixtures with PVC coating or powder coating.
Use clear silicone caulk to seal fixtures from water entry.

Conclusion

Installing landscape lighting can dramatically enhance the beauty and function of your outdoor environment. With proper planning and fixture selection, creative lighting techniques, and safe do-it-yourself wiring methods, you can build a professional quality lighting system tailored specifically for your yard and garden. Pay close attention to developing the lighting plan, choosing energy efficient fixtures, burying and connecting wires, and fine-tuning the final light placement and illumination. Take time to do it right, be patient making adjustments, and your lighting project will provide enjoyment and satisfaction for many years to come.