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Landscape Lighting Reprinted with permission from Neil Sperry's Yard and Garden Pity so few of us have discovered the beauty of night lighting. It's the third dimension that lets us see things in entirely new perspectives. It's not just a summer item either. Folks who have night lighting enjoy it in all seasons, even winter. That's the season in which it's brightest showing off the trees' trunks and bark characters. You can do certain aspects of night lighting yourself, but really showy high lights should be left to the tree climbing professional. Those are the lamps that give us the feeling of artificial moonlight. They are placed thirty to forty feet off the ground, not a job for the timid or uninitiated. Down lighting is the most natural, but consider your options in up-lighting as well. It's a dramatic way to draw attention to attractive trunks or architectural features. You can light steps and pathways. Remember that whatever you do, do not try to light the entire landscape. All you need to illuminate is special corner or two to get really great impact. Choose your lighting contractor carefully. Ask for referrals then drive by in the evening. Ask what type lamps will be used. Ask about average life span of bulbs, since you'll have to have the company back to replace them. Buy for quality and durability not just for the lowest initial price you can find. Good lighting engineers are true artists, and their results will almost always justify the cost. |