One of the most common mistakes in landscape lighting is treating every project as if it requires the same fixtures.
For some contractors, especially those who only occasionally install lighting, the process can become a version of the old saying: If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. They find one uplight, one path light and one lamp they like, then use them everywhere.
Experienced landscape lighting designers know the product should be selected based on the application—not habit.
The first consideration is light output. A mature royal palm or large canopy tree requires a very different lumen package than a dwarf palm or small ornamental tree. Beam spread matters just as much. Tall, narrow subjects may require tighter optics with more throw, while broad canopy trees often need wider distributions or multiple fixtures.
Color temperature should also relate to the existing property. Architectural sconces, pendants, recessed lighting and other exterior sources should be considered before selecting the Kelvin temperature for the landscape lighting. If the home is predominantly 2700K, introducing noticeably cooler landscape lighting can make the property feel disconnected.
Fixture finish is equally important. If a residence has copper sconces and architectural details, copper landscape fixtures can create a more harmonious aesthetic. On a contemporary home with black-framed windows and modern black sconces, a minimalist black bollard or path light may be the better choice. Landscape lighting fixtures are visible during the day, so their appearance should complement the architecture rather than feel like an afterthought.
Designers should also look beyond the basic CRI rating of an LED. Two lamps with similar overall CRI scores can render individual colors differently. On a home with red brick, for example, one LED may reproduce those reds more naturally than another. The same consideration applies to wood, stone, landscaping and other architectural materials.
Other important factors include glare control, corrosion resistance, serviceability and environmental exposure. A fixture installed near saltwater, irrigation or a pool may require a very different material than one located in a protected landscape bed.
Ultimately, there is no single “best” landscape lighting fixture or manufacturer.
The right product is the one that best fits the architecture, landscape, environment and desired lighting effect.
The more experienced a designer becomes, the larger the toolbox becomes: different lumen outputs, beam spreads, Kelvin temperatures, finishes, materials and optics for different situations.
The fixture should never dictate the design. The design should dictate the fixture.
Cory Moore is the founder and principal designer of Beacon Outdoor Lighting in Naples, Florida. With nearly two decades of experience in architecture, landscape architecture and outdoor lighting design, he has designed thousands of lighting systems, including some of North America’s most significant residential lighting projects for Fortune 500 executives, professional athletes, and luxury estate homeowners. Cory is a four-time WAC Lighting Contractor of the Year recipient and is recognized nationally for his design-first approach to creating exceptional nighttime environments.
