Unlike interior spaces that have defined measurements, it can be harder to lay out a plan for outdoor spaces. Things can be even more complicated when outdoor lighting is involved, since lighting fixtures need to be added in such a way that they don't mar the beauty of your yard or garden. Interestingly, there's actually an art to outdoor lighting, and homeowners might want to learn a thing or two before plopping down a couple of lanterns.

Outdoor lighting will no doubt add to your electric bill, which is why you need to take into how much energy the new lighting setup will consume on average. You might want to first calculate the total wattage of each lighting fixture before rushing headlong into the project. You certainly wouldn’t want to invest in fancy lighting fixtures only to see your power bill shoot up tremendously in the succeeding months.

Another aspect you’ll need to consider when installing outdoor lights is the mechanism by which you can control them. While a simple switch setup might do, you need to be conscientious about turning it off; otherwise, you might encounter some nasty accidents or unnecessary bill spikes. You might want to opt for an automated system with a timer and/or motion sensor so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving the lights on all night.

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Gardens and other landscapes lush with foliage could always use some lighting so that homeowners can appreciate them even at night. Lights will also provide illumination so that people walking through a yard won't trip over something. While there is a clear need for outdoor lighting, there is also the question of how to position the fixtures, especially when plant growth is considered.

Having a permanent light fixture in the middle of plant growth can be a recipe for disaster. The greenery can end up entwining with the fixture and ruining its wiring. It will be a real chore to constantly clean up and fix permanent lights if the plants keep getting in their way. The better alternative would be to use semi-permanent low voltage lighting that can be repositioned when necessary.

Low voltage lights are typically available in a series and have to be wired to transformers. They are also quite easy to reposition, as they can just be pulled out of the ground and then placed somewhere else. These lights are perfect for landscapes that have yet to fully flourish or for yards with designs that haven't been set yet. True to their name, low voltage lighting also uses up less energy than regular lights, so they can help homeowners save on their bills.

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