How to Create Lighting Effects in the Yard

Choose spots on your property you wish to highlight, considering accessibility to power. Select locations where directional lighting will not be a hindrance to those inside the home. Locate areas a burglar could hide to determine placement of lights for security purposes. Determine the path you would like guests to follow, and locate spots where safety is a concern. Make a sketch of your exterior lighting plans.

Install tier lights along the path to your front door, near borders and other areas you want to illuminate with a soft light ring. Assemble tier lights according to manufacturer instructions. Select a spot to place the tier light power pack. Using a shovel, dig a narrow trench along the paths to bury the tier light cable, or cover the cable with mulch. Test lights after placement, then bury or cover the cable.

Place spotlights beneath large trees, statues and architectural elements of your home. Camouflage spotlights by hiding them near shrubs or large objects. Place the spotlight transformer on the ground near the wall where you plan to mount it. Take the cable from the transformer and connect it to the spotlights according to manufacturer instructions. Allow 5 feet of cable slack at the transformer. Mount the transformer on the wall with a drill and screwdriver. Place the transformer at least 12 inches off the ground. Set lights to the desired angle.

Attach mercury vapor light fixtures to sturdy branches on mature trees to mimic moonlight effects. Point lights down to make a pattern. Direct lights up to illuminate foliage. Locate the remote power ballast within an appropriate distance in the tree or nearby, according to manufacturer instructions. Dig a trench from the tree for the 120-volt wire line at a depth of 18 inches if the tree is several feet from the power supply.