What you should know about the brightest lights in your yard
LED landscape lighting is quickly becoming the best choice for outdoor lighting. LED stands for light emitting diode, which is a semiconductor light source that lasts longer and uses less energy than traditional lights. LED lights are also much smaller, more robust, more durable, more reliable, and have faster switching that traditional lights. While indoor LED lights are more expensive and require more precise heat and current management, these lights are perfect for outdoor use. ‘
Vivid Colors
One of the great benefits of decorating with LED landscape lighting is that these lights come in a range of vivid colors, including red, blue, purple, white, and green. Unlike traditional lighting methods, LEDs emit colored light without using color filters, which is more efficient and can lower initial costs.
Using colored LED landscape lighting can make a dramatic statement or can add to the relaxing ambiance of your outdoor living space. Use blue LEDs to highlight a portion of your garden that has blue salvia or other blue or purple colored flowers. Blue LEDs also make cascading fountains and swimming pools look fantastic. You can also use red LEDs to showcase your red petunias or geraniums. The possibilities for decorating your outdoor landscape with colored LED lights are endless.
Versatility
LED landscape lighting can be placed just about anywhere in your yard or garden. These tiny lights only use 1 watt of power, as opposed to low-voltage 12 watt lighting, or the 120 watts of household lights. This makes using LEDs ideal for outside lighting where the lights will be on for many hours.
LEDs are perfect for pool lighting, twinkle lights, spot lights, and recessed lighting. LEDs can also be used on decks and patios. LED lights are used in a variety of light fixtures, from string lights to outdoor lamps and chandeliers.
A LED light is very small, making this the perfect lighting option for hard to reach areas, like roof peaks, between rocks in a garden, or high in a tree or on top of another tall item. Many resorts will use LED lights at the top of columns to create a dramatic effect at night, and to accent their LED lighted pools, statues, and waterfalls.
Increase Plant Growth
One popular place to install LED lights is in the garden, amongst the plants and rocks. But many people don’t realize that these lights not only look great in the garden, but will increase photosynthesis in plants. Plant growers are becoming increasingly interested in LED lights because they emit less heat and thus will not damage plants, can provide the optimum light frequency for plant growth and bloom periods, and are more energy efficient compared to currently used grow lights.
Maintenance
LED bulbs last much longer than traditional or standard light bulbs. A LED light can be used for 200,000 hours before it will need to be replaced, unless it is not working for other reasons, such as damage from extreme cold, or if the bulb is cracked or broken.
LED Landscape Lighting Disadvantages
While LED landscape lighting is proving to be a great way to enhance your yard, home, and garden, there are a few disadvantages, though many people believe that these disadvantages are minor compared to all the advantages of LED lights:
• The initial cost of LED light fixtures tends to be more expensive than other types of lights. But the trade-off is that LEDs cost significantly less to power. In fact, if a homeowner replaced all the lights inside and outside their home with LED lights, they would save 80% off their electric bill.
• LEDs do not withstand the cold very well. These lights do not emit much heat. So, if you live in an area where there is snow accumulation and the lights get too cold, they can freeze and burst.
• LED lights do not produce as much light as a halogen bulb or incandescent bulbs. Many people chose to use a combination of LEDs and other lights to get the dramatic effect they are looking for and to get adequate lighting.
LED Landscape Lighting Tips
When mounting LED lights onto a tree, keep an eye on it as screwing directly into the tree will cause scarring and the tree will begin to grow around, and engulf the light. Instead, use a strap device, which can be nylon or cloth, and wrap it around the tree. These usually have a clip device that can be adjusted over time as the tree grows. The light is then attached to the strap instead of directly on the tree.
Place lights in the ground, sending light upwards. This will prevent the infamous “glare in the eye” hazard. Or, take the lights into the air by placing globes or lanterns in trees or string them under overhangs or patio umbrellas.
Light and water is always a beautiful and soothing combination. There are LEDs made specifically to go underwater, turning an average pool into an enchanting centerpiece. Or, add a LED spotlight to shine onto a sparkling fountain. Then add small LEDs around the perimeter for a twinkling and magical effect.
LED landscape lighting is also perfect for lighting up pathways and stairs, not only for safety reasons, but because it enhances the entire yard. Or, go for whimsy and choose lights in the shapes of flowers or butterflies to add interest and flair.
Don’t forget the space where light is needed most, which is the outdoor dining area. This is not only the place to eat and drink, but it is often the hub of outside evening gatherings with family and friends, making it the best place to use LED landscape