There is more than just one reason to addlighting to your landscape and different ways to achieve each.

A beautiful yard is just asimportant in Houston, Texas as it is anywhere else. Now, it may bea challenge to keep it looking fresh and green in those hot summer months, butif you have put in the effort for a attractive yard, you want to show itoff.  Lighting can be an important partof any landscaping project. There is more than just one reason to add lightingto your landscape, and different ways to achieve those various outcomes.

Doug Perry, of Houston landscapingcompany Fresh Start, recommends three reasons to consider lighting whenplanning your landscaping project. When the sun goes down it may be difficultto see steps or walkways. Thus, lightingfor safety is important. Your front porch light is rarely enough light tosufficiently see the way, so illumination at ground level is key.  Lightingfor security is another must. There is a peace of mind that comes withlighting entry areas, driveways, and dark areas of your yard. These fixturescan provide constant lighting or have motion-sensors warding off any potentialtrespassers (whether human or animal). Another common reason for lighting is lighting for effect. You can fully enjoy the beauty of yourlandscaping and architecture with up lighting, indirect accent illumination,and direct brightening effects.

There are several kinds of lights one can consider for anylandscaping project, the following are a few of the more common types:

Flood lights are designed to cast light inone direction, typically used to highlight particular features of landscape orarchitecture. They also can be used for illuminating entrance ways anddriveways for security.

Globe lights have a light enclosed in aglobe without a metal shade. The result is a diffused illumination in alldirections that is great for around spas or swimming pools, both for safety andaesthetics.

Well lights are buried in the ground andshine light upwards. This is perfect to light small trees from the bottom up.

Tier lights have tiers of rings thatshield the eyes from the light and cast light downward. These lights areperfect for lighting pathways or stairs.

Mushroom lights can be used to lightdecorative ground cover as they have a wide shade to discretely hide the lightbulb.

These days, most all of yourlighting options are going to be economical and energy-efficient. Low voltageoptions don't require complex wiring, but it takes planning. If you aren't surewhere to start, quality landscaping companies in Houston can perform a consultation todetermine your needs. They can recommend proper wire, bulb and transformersizing to provide the most efficient and proper lighting effects and candetermine the best placement and adjustment of fixtures, wire and transformers.If planned correctly from the beginning, installation can be a snap and aprofessional landscaper should provide a warranty of parts and labor.