Considerations in Landscape Lighting for Large Homes

Landscape Lighting for Large Homes Can Deter Criminals

Unfortunately, one of the downsides of having a large home is that it may be more attractive to criminals. After all, thieves want to target the most affluent victims that they can. A large house is a dead giveaway to criminals that this is a home worth robbing.

Since large houses are often on large lots with extensive vegetation, they may be not only more attractive to thieves but also easier to approach. Landscape lighting design that utilizes perimeter lighting and/or motion-activated lights can be highly effective for deterring criminals.

Thieves are much more likely to keep looking for an easier target instead of choosing a house that makes it difficult for them to approach. Lighting can be very effective for reducing crime rates in general. As a rule, criminals want to operate in places where they won't be easily seen, so plenty of lighting can make a big difference.

Prevent Undesirable Animal Visitors

You probably enjoy having some wildlife on your property. Songbirds or even the occasional deer can be lovely visitors to your property. However, other types of wildlife are less desirable. Possums or raccoons can destroy landscaping and get into garbage. Larger predators like coyotes, bobcats, or even cougars can be dangerous for pets and children.

Many of the animals that you want on your property least tend to come around at night. Since large homes typically have lots of plants and trees that can shelter wildlife, unwanted animal visitors can be a bigger problem for large homes than for smaller ones. If your home is near a forested area, body of water, park,or golf course, it is even more likely that animals that you'd rather not have around will find their way onto your property.

Landscape lighting can do a great job of keeping undesirable wildlife away without doing the animals any harm. Lighting also won't deter any of the wildlife you want, such as birds. In fact, landscape lighting at night can keep away predators like raccoons and cats that may otherwise prey on songbirds.

Lighting that stays on all the time is quite effective for most nocturnal animals. Motion-activated lighting can typically frighten away even wildlife that is undeterred by consistent lighting.

Improve Curb Appeal and Property Value

If you have a large home, you are probably always in a little bit of a competition with your neighbors about whose home looks the best. Not only do you want to keep up with the Joneses, but also having one of the more attractive homes on the block makes a big difference if you decide to sell your home.

Landscape lighting can be incredibly effective at improving curb appeal and property value. Many people who are looking for homes or coming to view your house may schedule the visit after work when the light is fading. This is the perfect time for landscape lighting to shine.

Landscape lighting can emphasize what is most attractive about your home and cause a potential buyer to fall in love. Furthermore, landscape lighting is the kind of finishing touch that shows potential homebuyers how committed you are to your property and makes your home seem more valuable.

Enjoy Your Home More

When you chose a large home, you probably had visions of strolling through the property, enjoying the landscaping and the beautiful architecture. However, you likely find that you actually don't have that much time at home during the day to spend enjoying it.

Between work and activities, you are likely gone much of the day, leaving you little time to enjoy walking the grounds of your property. Landscape lighting can give you the opportunity to enjoy your landscaping at night, when you have time for a leisurely stroll.

Light up flower beds so that you can enjoy the color and beauty as much in the evening as you would in the daytime. Draw attention to the architectural details of your home that made you fall in love with it. Highlight topiaries, water features, signature trees, and other features. Lighting on paths encourages nighttime strolls, while patio lighting will make you much more likely to enjoy a cup of coffee before the sun has risen or drinks and appetizers after it has set.