However, don't underestimate the usefulness of outdoor lights. They are a practical necessity, but landscape lights can do even more for your yard and property. Take a look at these two landscape lighting ideas that transform your yard from boring to beautiful. 

1. Create an Outdoor Living Space 

A yard is a great venue for parties, cookouts, and other gatherings with friends and family. Once the sun drops below the horizon, however, you and your guests may be left in the dark unless you have lighting. 

General outdoor illumination is helpful if you want to continue a game of lawn volleyball or need to clean up after a barbeque, but you can also use special outdoor lights to create a living space for your family and friends to enjoy after the sun goes down. 

A living space can be a simple as a back porch, patio, or deck that has appropriate lighting with seating and tables for guests. Consider also a dedicated space away from your house like a garden retreat, fire pit, pergola, or a cozy clearing among some trees. Spaces like these in your yard need lighting at night for a couple of reasons. You need lights to guide you safety to that living space and to cast a welcoming glow in the area. 

A variety of outdoor lights can complete an outdoor living space. Try pathway lights to help visitors negotiate through the dark to the final retreat lit by discreet fixtures. Increase mood with overhead fairy lights or twinkle lights strung in nearby trees. Outdoor lighting like this ultimately provides a new, unique space for you and your family to enjoy at night. 

2. Highlight Points of Interest 

The bright wash of sunlight lends your yard a broad, even appearance during daytime hours. Night is one of the best times to make objects and features of your yard and home spring to life. You can use outdoor lighting at night to enhance areas of your yard that appear ordinary or nondescript during daylight hours. 

The contrast of light and shadow gives instant notice to the placement of individual trees that dot your landscape or follow a fence line. Employ well lights, spotlights, or accent lights at the base of other objects to highlight their presence, such as a birdbath, hanging plant, or playful fountain. 

Additionally, you can aim a wash of light on a portion of a rock wall or architectural feature of your home to give it brilliance and importance. Aim a wide beam of light from a few feet away to generate a vivid play of highlights and shadows on a column, latticework, or cornice carvings. 

As you consider where to place an outdoor light, aim and adjust each one at night to achieve the best results. Also, you may find you prefer lower wattage lights because they are less harsh and generate a more pleasing illumination. Finally, keep in mind your color choice preferences as a light shines on outdoor greenery. Blue tone lights mimic daylight better than yellow tone lights, but yellow creates a warmer glow.  

Sometimes, landscape lighting can be tricky when you first attempt to illuminate your yard. You may not be aware of all your options with regards to fixture type or unsure how to avoid an unattractive glare that ruins a beautiful night sky. Contact the professionals at Smith Irrigation when you need to make your property come to life every evening.