So many businesses and homeowners desire to light their property at night. However, many conventional light sources create a harsh glare that isn’t conducive to ambience or curb appeal. Moonlight landscape lighting has been rapidly gaining popularity.
Here, we review the many benefits of moonlighting to enhance your outdoor space.
What Is Landscape Moon Lighting?
Moonlighting your landscape involves soft lights carefully placed very high in trees or structures around your property that mimic the gentle, silvery glow of moonlight. This technique is less commonly used because it requires more effort and skill to pull it off successfully.
The effort is well worth it because homeowners and commercial property owners quickly fall in love with the results. Individuals who revel in midnight swims, throw late-night parties in their outdoor entertainment space, or require lighting for safety are particularly fond of moonlighting.
Never Worry About the Maintenance of Your Outdoor Lighting Again
5 Benefits of Outdoor Moon Lighting
There are many benefits of using the moonlighting technique to illuminate your landscape.
1. Requires Fewer Luminaires
Bradley Martin, Owner and Operator of Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Jackson, MS, and an expert in the field of moonlighting, suggests this type of lighting for most of his residential and commercial clients because of its versatility.
“Path lights only cover a 10-foot radius, which means that your landscape can become cluttered with lighting fixtures. Spotlights create glare and take away from the overall look of a landscape lighting design. Moonlighting, on the other hand, places LED lights high enough in trees to illuminate a 30-40 radius of soft glow that keeps your property visible, safe, and looking its best.”
2. Improved Visibility and Safety
Just like the moon shines down on your property all night long, you can utilize the moonlighting technique to illuminate your yard throughout the night. The softer glow of the lights won’t be a severe irritant to you or your neighbors the way other lighting sources can.
If you leave your moonlighting on all night, you won’t have to worry about annoying home security lights disrupting neighboring properties. Moonlighting creates a space that is safe to navigate while discouraging unwanted intruders from trespassing.
“If you have a two-acre property and you look out of your window at night, all you will see is darkness. Utilizing moonlighting in your landscape lighting will fill the foreground with a soft glow and give you the visibility you need.”, says Bradley Martin.
3. Enhances the Natural Beauty of Your Property
Moonlighting your landscaping makes use of down lighting, creating a similar effect to natural light. This not only provides a good source of illumination for late-night walks on footpaths — but also turns your yard into a work of art.
Many people originally decided to use moonlighting to brighten their patio, swimming pool, or entrance. However, they are so enchanted by the effect that they ultimately choose to use this beneficial lighting technique throughout their entire space.
According to Bradley, “A cleverly composed moonlighting design will create some truly amazing shadows or utilize a dappled effect across the property to generate intrigue. Using these techniques will enhance the beauty of any residential or commercial property and welcome guests with a wow factor”.
4. It Gives Outdoor Space a Romantic Feel
Imagine strolling through a garden lit up subtly on a warm summer evening — that’s the romantic feeling you get with moonlighting. Restaurants, hotels, and parks are just a few types of commercial properties that have been taking advantage of the romantic glow of moonlighting to better serve their guests.
In residential landscapes, this dreamy lighting is perfect for outdoor seating areas, poolscapes, and gardens. Even on cloudy nights, the moonlighting effect turns your space into an illuminated paradise with the artistry of light.
5. Highlights Architectural Features
Moonlight outdoor lighting can enhance the shapes and textures of architectural features on your property. This allows you to enjoy your property’s standout features after the sun sets. Use moonlighting to illuminate columns, archways, angles, corbels, turrets, and eaves. Your home exterior will dazzle at night with a soft glow and a relaxing atmosphere.
Also Read: The importance of choosing the right path lights.
Moonlighting Landscape Lighting: FAQs
If you still have some lingering questions, these FAQs and quick answers can help.
1. What is the Moonlighting Tree Effect?
The tree moonlighting technique is created by placing light fixtures above trees at an angle in a way that the light shines down through the branches and leaves. This creates movement and shadows that look natural and mimic moonlight from above.
2. Why is Landscape Lighting So Expensive?
Think of landscape lighting as an investment, and it could be a significant one at that due to all the wiring, type of fixtures, and transformers needed. However, it’s worth the initial high costs in the long run thanks to all its benefits and ability to increase property value.
3. What is the Lifespan of Landscape Lighting?
Typically, incandescent bulbs last around 1,000 hours, whereas LED bulbs can last up to 25,000 hours or more. Environmental conditions such as moisture and extreme temperatures can shorten their lifespan. In general, you can expect to replace your landscape light every three to four years.
Contact Lighthouse Outdoor Lights
The sooner you arrange to add artificial moonlight to your property, the sooner you’ll enjoy all the benefits of moonlighting. You’ll quickly fall in love with your outdoor space all over again.
The best way to obtain this effect is by contacting your local Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting Designer. The Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting team of highly trained landscape lighting professionals will assess your property before turning it into a nighttime paradise.