Backyard Lighting Basics: How to Make Your Yard Look Amazing at Night
If you’ve ever walked into a backyard that felt completely different after sunset — warmer, more inviting, and almost resort-like — chances are smart landscape lighting was doing the heavy lifting.
At Copper State Home & Outdoor, we help homeowners searching for the best landscaper near me transform dark, unused yards into stunning nighttime outdoor living spaces. Whether you’re exploring landscape design in Buckeye, Goodyear, or Surprise, this guide breaks down the basics of backyard lighting and how to get it right the first time.
Why Backyard Lighting Matters More Than You Think
Outdoor lighting isn’t just about looks — it plays a major role in:
✅ Safety (walkways, steps, elevation changes)
✅ Security (deterring unwanted visitors)
✅ Functionality (actually using your yard at night)
✅ Property value and curb appeal
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, well-planned outdoor lighting improves visibility and safety while minimizing glare and wasted energy
🔗 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/outdoor-lighting-basics
The 4 Types of Backyard Lighting Every Great Design Includes
A professional landscape design always layers lighting. Here’s how we approach it for Arizona homes:
1. Path & Walkway Lighting
Perfect for paver walkways, entry paths, and side yards. These lights guide foot traffic and prevent trips while subtly highlighting your hardscape.
Best for:
Paver walkways
Driveway borders
Garden paths
2. Accent Lighting
Accent lights draw attention to what matters most — trees, walls, columns, or architectural features.
Used correctly, this adds depth and drama without overpowering the space.
Learn more about lighting techniques like uplighting and shadowing here:
🔗 https://www.lumens.com/how-tos-and-advice/outdoor-lighting-guide.html
3. Patio & Seating Area Lighting
This is where function meets comfort. Soft lighting around seating areas, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens creates ambiance while keeping the space usable.
Great for:
Fire pit zones
Outdoor dining areas
Pergolas and covered patios
4. Perimeter & Security Lighting
Low-profile lighting along fences or property edges increases visibility without feeling harsh or commercial.
The International Dark-Sky Association recommends thoughtful placement to avoid glare and light pollution:
🔗 https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/lighting-for-citizens/
Choosing the Right Lighting for Arizona Yards
Arizona landscapes present unique challenges — heat, dust, monsoons, and intense sun. That’s why professional installation matters.
When designing landscape lighting in Buckeye, Goodyear, or Surprise, we always consider:
Heat-rated fixtures
Proper wire burial depth
Drainage around lighting bases
Low-voltage efficiency
Expansion for future backyard upgrades
Common Backyard Lighting Mistakes (We See These All the Time)
If you’re Googling best landscaper near me, chances are you’ve seen these mistakes already:
❌ Too few lights (creates dark pockets)
❌ Lights aimed directly at eyes or windows
❌ No separation between task lighting and accent lighting
❌ Poor placement that ignores pavers, turf, or elevation changes
Good lighting should feel effortless, not distracting.
How Lighting Ties Into Full Landscape Design
Lighting should never be an afterthought. The best results come when lighting is planned alongside:
Paver patios and walkways
Turf installation
Fire pit placement
Outdoor kitchens
Seating and entertainment areas
That’s why homeowners looking for landscape design in Goodyear, Buckeye, and Surprise trust Copper State Home & Outdoor to design everything as one cohesive plan.
Ready to Light Up Your Backyard?
If you’re searching for the best landscaper near me and want a backyard that looks just as good at night as it does during the day, we’d love to help.
👉 We offer free backyard and front yard designs
👉 Serving Buckeye, Goodyear, Surprise, and surrounding Arizona cities
👉 Pavers, turf, fire pits, outdoor living & lighting — all under one roof
Contact Copper State Home & Outdoor today and let’s bring your backyard to life after dark
