Landscape Lighting FAQ: 5 Questions to Help You Light Up the Night

As summer approaches, outdoor gatherings move to center stage. Whether you're hosting an evening dinner on the patio or enjoying a quiet glass of wine in the garden, the right yard lighting can elevate your space—both visually and emotionally. From cozy path lights to wide-open lawn bullet flood lights, landscape lighting sets the mood, enhances safety, and extends the enjoyment of your outdoor spaces well into the night. 

Since outdoor lighting is as much a science as it is an art, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you make informed choices. Here are five frequently asked questions about outdoor landscape lighting—plus answers that will help you light the way to a more beautiful backyard. 

1. What color should landscape lights be? 

Color temperature plays a major role in how your landscape feels after dark. Most homeowners prefer 2700K–3000K (a soft white to warm white) for pathways, patios, and garden lights because it feels inviting and complements natural tones like wood and stone. For creating focal points with tree uplighting or accent lights, 3000K–4000K adds more clarity without feeling sterile. 

But aesthetics aren’t the only concern, since color temperature also affects the local ecosystem. Cooler, bluer lights (above 4000K) can disrupt nocturnal animals, insects, and even the natural cycles of plants. To minimize impact while still illuminating your space, opt for warmer color temperatures under 3000K when possible. 

For festive gatherings, you’re not limited to white at all. Amber, red, or even dynamic RGB color-changing lights can add a playful, celebratory mood. Just keep in mind that lower wavelengths (like red and amber) are also the least disruptive to wildlife—so party lighting can be eco-friendly too. 
 
 

2. How bright should landscape lights be? 

The key to effective outdoor lighting is subtlety, not intensity. Use just enough brightness to provide visibility and ambiance, and not to mimic stadium lighting. For example, path and step lights usually range from 100–200 lumens, while flood or security lights may require 700–1300 lumens, depending on the area and application. 

In more intimate settings like patios, dimmable outdoor LED lights or lower-lumen landscape outdoor landscape lighting fixtures help preserve a cozy atmosphere. Also, consider shielding or angling fixtures to reduce glare and light pollution. Keeping brightness low where possible also supports the natural behavior of pollinators, birds, and nocturnal animals. 

Lighting Brightness Guide 

3. What light is best for a backyard? 

LED lighting is the top choice for backyards today—and for good reason. Compared to halogen or incandescent bulbs, LEDs are vastly more energy-efficient, long-lasting, and often better sealed for waterproof protection. Many come with CCT-selectable features, allowing you to choose your color temperature without replacing the fixture. 

You’ll also notice more backyard lights are now low voltage (12V) rather than traditional line voltage (120V). Low voltage systems are safer to install, easier to move or expand, and generally more energy efficient. While 120V systems may still be used for very large or commercial spaces, most homeowners are making the shift toward 12V LED landscape systems for their simplicity and lower operating cost. 

5. Do LED lights get hot? 

Not really—at least, not compared to traditional bulbs. LEDs convert most of their energy into light, not heat, making them far cooler than incandescent or halogen options. Plus, modern LED landscape fixtures include built-in heat sinks that dissipate any excess  warmth safely. 

This makes LED lights a smarter, safer option around plants, mulch beds, garden edges, or any space where heat could cause damage. 

Conclusion 

Landscape lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform your backyard—just like refreshing your home’s interior. Whether you're planning a summer gathering or simply enjoying the warm evening breeze, the right lighting creates ambiance, adds beauty, and makes your outdoor spaces truly shine. 

With smart planning, sustainable choices, and high-performance LED technology, your nights can be just as inspiring as your days.