Landscape lighting is a great way to upgrade and enhance your home exterior, whether it be existing or new construction. Expand your outdoor entertaining options and enjoy your beautiful landscape in the evening hours as well as during the day. Homeowner peace of mind is another important aspect that the security of landscape lighting provides.

The cost for installing landscape lighting depends on a number of things, including the landscape design, the types of materials chosen for the job and whether you are doing the installation yourself or paying an electrical contractor to do it. According to experts, professionally highlighting a couple of trees in a suburban front lawn could run from $800 to $1,200. Do-it-yourself lighting kits, such as those sold by Intermatic, range in price from $30 to $250. The true cost of ownership is derived from the purchase price, maintenance costs and energy consumption factored over the life of the system. Typically, a low voltage lighting system is more energy and cost efficient than a standard 120-volt (line voltage) lighting system.

Low voltage lighting uses a transformer to convert 120 volt current to 12 volts. The reduced energy current is carried to light fixtures through low voltage cable that can be buried under ground cover, mulch, rocks, or a shallow slit in the lawn. Because of the low energy current, low voltage lighting is considerably safer than a 120-volt system.

Depending on the size of your landscaped property, a low voltage system can be used in most cases. For properties that are one acre or more, line voltage systems may be better suited because of the risk of voltage drops on extended low voltage cable runs. Another point to consider is the maturity of the plants you are planning to light. Low voltage fixtures are much easier to relocate as your landscape matures, with little or no disruption to the landscape. In addition, low voltage lighting does not require the services of an electrical contractor under most circumstances.

Voltage drop occurs when the operating voltage at a fixture is less than the output voltage of the transformer. In low voltage lighting applications, the further the cable runs from the power source, the lower the energy that is transmitted to the fixture. As a result, fixtures located farthest from the transformer will be dimmer than those located closer. To avoid noticeable voltage drop (minimum acceptable voltages should be between nine and ten volts): follow manufacturer guidelines for correct lengths of cable runs; do not load transformer over 75 percent of its capacity; run cable in a loop or T-formation whenever possible.

Try to key in on the architectural features of your property. Use uplighting to create a dramatic effect on an arbor, a textured façade or a tree with interesting characteristics. Silhouette a favorite tree or bush by placing spot or accent lights below and behind the object. Another technique is to light below and in front of an object to create a shadow effect on a backdrop such as a fence or wall. Illuminate statuary with spot or accent lights by cross lighting above the object. Spread lights cast a broader glow over pathways and flowerbeds. Create a moonlight effect by mounting floodlights high up in trees. For more functional lighting, install fixtures under handrails, stairs and benches of your deck to enhance outdoor entertaining. Position spotlights in the eaves of your home for outdoor activities like basketball or barbecuing.

There are exceptions to the rule, like wall and post lanterns, but generally landscape lighting should be concealed so that only the effects of the light can be seen. Avoid the “runway” pattern that many homeowners get when they place lighting fixtures in a row down driveways or in front of flowerbeds and shrubs.

Kichler^® is one of the most trusted names in the residential lighting industry. A four-time winner of the Arts Award as Lighting Manufacturer of the Year, Kichler^® is the largest decorative lighting fixture company in the world. Their collection of innovative landscape lighting assures the flexibility that your home deserves. Whatever your vision or price, Kichler^® has the landscape lighting you want, from solid brass to durable, die-cast aluminum. So, light the night with professional-quality products from an industry leader. For more information about Kichler^® landscape lighting, please refer to the company’s web site at Kichler Lighting, or look for their ads in magazines such as Residential Lighting, and Chicago Home and Garden.