Landscape Lighting: Designing for the Dark Months

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

When daylight saving time ends in early November, Colorado homeowners are reminded just how early darkness arrives. By 4:30 p.m., many are returning to homes whose walkways, steps and landscapes have already disappeared into the shadow.

Thoughtful outdoor lighting changes that experience. More than a decorative finishing touch, it allows homeowners to enjoy their surroundings after sunset while making outdoor spaces safer and easier to navigate during Colorado’s darkest months.

The Landscape You Actually See

A well-designed lighting plan reveals a landscape that might otherwise go unnoticed for much of the year. In summer, carefully placed fixtures illuminate leafy canopies, garden beds and architectural details. When deciduous trees lose their foliage, the same illumination can emphasize sculptural tree branches, evergreens, stonework and outdoor art.

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

The effect can be reminiscent of a classic Ansel Adams black and white image, with light and shadow bringing definition, depth and contrast to the scene. The goal is not to illuminate everything. It’s to draw attention to the most compelling elements while allowing darker areas to create balance.

Layering different types of illumination supports both function and atmosphere. 

• Path lighting guides movement through the property. 
• Uplighting gives trees and architectural features dimension. 
• Accent lighting highlights artwork or plantings. 
• Task lighting supports outdoor cooking and dining. 

The most successful designs create a beautiful setting while keeping the source of the illumination discreet.

Every lighting plan should also reflect how the homeowners use the property. A family that regularly entertains outdoors will have different needs from one primarily concerned with illuminating the route from the driveway to the front door or throughout the property. 

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

Plan Lighting Before the Concrete Pours

Landscape lighting is most effective when it is considered early in the design process. Planning before patios, walkways and retaining walls are installed makes it easier to conceal wiring, position fixtures and avoid disturbing finished surfaces later. Ideally, lighting installation should occur alongside the landscape build or renovation. 

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

Early planning also makes it possible to address practical needs throughout the property. The right lights in the right location can create a warm backdrop around an outdoor dining table, fire pit or patio, illuminate changes in elevation or improve security along a side yard. 

Dark-sky-friendly design is another important consideration. Shielded fixtures, warm color temperatures and focused beams direct light where it is needed without creating excessive glare or sending unnecessary illumination into the night sky. This approach protects nighttime ambience while preserving views of the stars.

Lighting for a Colorado Winter

Winter brings additional challenges. Walkways may be covered by snowpack, while steps, uneven surfaces and changes in elevation can become difficult to see. Properly positioned fixtures help guide homeowners and guests safely through the property.

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

The equipment itself must also withstand Colorado’s conditions. Fixtures, wiring and connections should be selected for repeated freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow and moisture. Placement should account for snow accumulation as well as shoveling and plowing routes, keeping fixtures away from areas where they could be buried or damaged by snow-removal equipment.

It is also important to consider how the landscape will look beneath snow. Lighting that grazes stone walls, highlights evergreen branches or washes softly across an architectural surface can add warmth and dimension to an otherwise stark winter setting.

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

When lighting is thoughtfully designed from the beginning, it does more than brighten a property. It extends the hours homeowners can enjoy their outdoor spaces and reveals a different kind of beauty, one that becomes especially meaningful during the long, dark months of a Colorado winter. 

Drew DaHarb is the Lighting and Audio Manager for Designscapes Colorado, a landscape architecture and design/build/maintenance firm based in Centennial, CO. View their profile or contact them at 303.721.9003.

Sponsored Content for this article provided by Designscapes Colorado.