The invention of solar LED lighting has enabled many homeowners to install their own landscape lighting, whereas before they might have needed an electrician and landscape artist. However, LED lighting comes in a variety of types and sizes. Each part of the property is best lit by a specific type of light. The sheer number of choices on the market can make it difficult for many homeowners to pick the right type of landscape lighting for their home. These tips will help you decide what types of lights are best for the different areas of your landscape.

Pathways and Driveways

Your home's pathways and driveways need lighting that will enable visitors and members of your household to safely navigate areas where they need to walk and drive. For driveways, lights that provide a wash of illumination over a large surface are best. Flood lights and lanterns both can provide light over a large area. If your driveway is smooth and easy to navigate, lanterns may provide adequate visibility. If your driveway has many potholes or tripping hazards, flood lights that clearly show all surfaces are best.

Your home's pathways need less powerful lights because pathways are more narrow. Instead of flood lights, use garden lights and lit lanterns to illuminate the pathways to your home. These types of lights will be bright enough to show the path, but will be low enough to provide aesthetic beauty.

Show the Location of Structures

It's important for your landscape lighting to show the location of structures on your property, like your garage and house. Bullet lights can be used to point at specific parts of your house. These lights provide focused, targeted beams of light that are useful for homeowners who wish to illuminate one part of a wall but want to avoid shining light on adjacent parts (like a spot where a window is located). For homeowners hoping to light up an entire side of a structure (such as the garage) wash lights are more appropriate.

Light the Gardens

If property's gardens don't need to be lit for the sake of safety or navigation, small garden lights may be adequate. To illuminate parts of your gardens where small trees or shrubs have been planted, use bullet lights aimed at the shrubs, or well lights buried just in front of the plants. 

For more information about which LED garden lights are best for your property, stop by your local home and garden center, or talk to a reputable lighting company in your area or try clicking here.