Lighting a home's landscape is often overlooked by homeowners. Many generally rely on a driveway light and a porch light with little else. Others might put on garish displays that drive up power bills. A well-designed and implemented lighting scheme can make a big difference for your property. Here are four fun facts to know about landscape lighting.

1. Most People Improperly Use Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting needs to be done properly to provide the maximum potential benefit. Unfortunately, many people incorrectly assume that more lights are better. According to the International Dark Sky Association, the average American household wastes an average of 41 to 103 pounds of CO2 by overly using outdoor lighting. By contrast, well-placed and properly used landscape lighting can accent your property without wasting CO2 or power.

2. Well-Designed Landscape Lighting Improves Property Value

When done right, landscape lighting can help to improve the value of your home by highlighting its landscaping features. Lighting that is understated and used to provide aesthetic as well as functional purposes helps to make your property and home look better during the nighttime hours. The better your property looks at all hours, the more valuable it becomes. This could help to deliver a higher selling price if you intend to list your home for sale.

3. Lights Can Thwart Criminal Activity

One of the hidden purposes of landscape lighting is to illuminate areas that otherwise would be cloaked in darkness. Dark areas surrounding your home could provide cover for potential criminal activity. Unfortunately, criminal activity is on the rise throughout much of the nation. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, burglaries, larcenies, and automobile thefts are rising by up to 20%. Using well-placed lighting can make it harder for criminals to target your home and your valuables.

4. Greater Visibility Improves Safety

Another terrific benefit of landscape lighting is its ability to make entering and leaving your home much safer. Lighted walkways, driveway lights that motion detectors can turn on as needed, and lighted steps all help to make it easier to go to and from your home. You can see where you are going and not trip, slip, or fall.

You can learn more about landscape lighting and its potential benefits for your property by calling or paying Custom Landscape Lighting a visit. We can discuss your needs, show you some options, and give you a free estimate for outdoor lighting installation.