Landscape Lighting Installation: 7 Common Mistakes to Skip

A well-done landscape lighting installation can transform your outdoor space into a warm, inviting, and functional area. Whether it’s for safety, security, or pure aesthetic charm, good lighting enhances curb appeal and extends your enjoyment of the outdoors after sunset.

However, here’s the catch: many homeowners unknowingly make critical mistakes during the installation process, and these missteps can lead to poor performance, high maintenance, and even safety issues.

In this post, we’ll uncover the seven most common landscape lighting installation mistakes to help you avoid frustration (and unnecessary costs) later on.

1. Poor Planning and Layout

One of the biggest mistakes is jumping into a lighting project without a clear plan. Many homeowners start installing light fixtures without considering how light will fall on different surfaces or how shadows might affect visibility.

Skip This Mistake: Sketch out your yard, look for key focal points (such as trees, pathways, or architectural features), and determine what needs to be lit and why. Consider how your space looks at night — not just during the day.

2. Using Too Few or Too Many Lights

Too few lights leave your yard looking dim and patchy. Too many, and it becomes blinding, over-lit, or harsh — like a parking lot.

Skip This Mistake: Focus on balance. Use just enough light to guide movement, highlight features, and create a sense of ambiance. Less can be more when it comes to landscape lighting installation.

3. Choosing the Wrong Fixture Types

Not all lighting fixtures are created equal. Using spotlights where you need path lights, or vice versa, leads to poor illumination and wasted energy.

Skip This Mistake: Understand the function of each fixture:

• Path lights for walkways
• Floodlights for large areas
• Spotlights to highlight trees or statues
• Well lights for low-profile uplighting

Choose the right tool for the job.

4. Improper Fixture Placement

Even the best lights will fall flat if placed incorrectly. Mounting lights too high, too low, or too far apart can make your design ineffective or unnatural.

Skip This Mistake: Install fixtures at the correct height and angle. Test different positions at night before committing to permanent placement.

5. Ignoring Color Temperature

Light temperature impacts how your landscape looks and feels. Cool white lights can make things look sterile, while overly warm lights may not provide enough visibility.

Skip This Mistake: Stick to a consistent color temperature — typically in the 2700K to 3000K range for residential landscapes — for a natural, welcoming glow.

6. Neglecting Maintenance Access

Some homeowners bury wiring too deeply or conceal fixtures in hard-to-reach areas. This makes it a nightmare to maintain or replace components later.

Skip This Mistake: Ensure wiring and fixtures are accessible. Choose durable materials and weather-resistant connectors to reduce future issues.

7. Skipping Safety Considerations

Overloaded circuits, exposed wiring, and improperly installed transformers can cause power outages — or, even worse, electrical hazards.

Avoid This Mistake: Use low-voltage lighting whenever possible, and always adhere to local electrical codes. If you're unsure, consult a licensed electrician for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Excellent installation of landscape lighting is about more than just sticking some lights in the ground. It’s a balance of function, beauty, safety, and long-term performance. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and safe nighttime oasis right in your backyard.

Are you thinking of starting your lighting project? Take your time, do your research, and plan thoughtfully — your future self (and your electric bill) will thank you!