The first two things a good landscape contractor will take into account when creating a lighting plan for your Riverhead, NY backyard are safety and security.
Safety lighting allows visitors to move around your backyard after dark without tripping, falling, or walking into things.
Security lighting discourages intruders from breaking into your home by limiting shadows and blind spots in the landscape. If someone should happen to wander into your backyard, they can be easily spotted with nowhere for them to hide, if the place is well lit. And even if you are not at home, lighting creates the impression that you are.
Proper illumination requires expert planning and execution. Lighting opens up your backyard and highlights its most beautiful features, which is important since you’ve put so much time, effort, and money into its design. Here are a few key points of your backyard that should be illuminated to ensure safety and security:
Walkways
Walkways welcome visitors to your home and guide them to certain destinations in the landscape. Hence walkway lighting is crucial for allowing pedestrians to see where they are going. Not only is walkway lighting essential for safety, it’s also necessary for ensuring the comfort of guests by allowing them to feel confident about each step they are making through your yard.
When it comes to walkway safety lighting, the rule of less is more definitely applies. Avoid over-lighting and instead go for more subtle and efficient fixtures that cause shadows to fall in a way that won’t obscure vision. To avoid glare, walkway lighting fixtures should be capped or downward facing, with multiple, low intensity fixtures placed at key points along the walkway.
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Patio
Patio lighting turns your already magnificent patio area into a magical space for enjoyment. Patio visibility is also crucial for safe navigation and proper visibility. Limit shadows with subtle ambient lights that will increase visibility and prevent potential accidents. Aside from safety, proper lighting will also make you and your visitors feel secure while enjoying your property. Just knowing that you’ll be able to see possible intruders creates a feeling of comfort and a more relaxing atmosphere.
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A convenient way to control the lighting in your backyard is by installing an automatic control system. This might come in the form of timers and motion detectors, and will make sure the lights come on only when needed.
Pools and Water Features
If you are a pool owner, you know how important poolside safety is, especially at night. Even smaller water features can be a drowning hazard if not properly illuminated after dark. Water feature lighting can be tricky because of the glare created by light reflecting off the water. To counter this, pools and water features should be installed with both underwater and above water lighting in order to keep the entire underwater area illuminated while also providing a safe surrounding area. Other focal points in the vicinity, such as fire pits and fireplaces, should also be properly lit.
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Steps and Entrances
To provide clear visibility on your steps, lighting fixtures should glow either from both sides or from below, thus limiting the amount of shadow. Objects placed near entrances, such as trees, walls, hillsides, or fences, should also be illuminated to ensure safety when navigating, both on foot and by car. Lights along the driveway or entrance will also provide visual cues as to where to walk, drive, or park.