Key takeaways
- Count features to light, not square feet
- Path lights go 6 to 10 feet apart
- Fewer, well-aimed fixtures beat many
- Leave transformer room to grow
It depends on what you light
A small front yard with an entry, a walk and two trees might need a dozen fixtures. A large property with a long drive, a pool and many trees may need a hundred. The count depends on how many features you want to highlight and how much of the property you use at night.
More fixtures does not mean better light. A design with fewer, well-placed fixtures often looks better than one with many.
Common starting points
Path lights are spaced every 6 to 10 feet along walks. Tree uplights are often one or two per large tree. Step lights go on each step or every other step. Wash lights depend on wall length. Patio and deck lighting depends on the posts and seating.
Add them up for each zone, then check the wattage so the transformer is sized with room to grow.
Make it easy to expand
Plan a transformer with spare capacity and zones that make sense. It is far easier to add a few fixtures to a well-planned system than to rebuild a crowded one.
Our Light Designer tool lets you try fixtures on a sample yard and see a planning count and wattage.
Related services
Quick answers
Is it better to have more small lights or fewer big lights?
Usually fewer, well-aimed fixtures with the right beams. Many small lights can look cluttered and cost more to install and maintain.
Can I start with fewer fixtures?
Yes. Build the safety and curb-appeal layers first, then add accents later, as long as the plan and transformer leave room for them.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.