Top 5 Outdoor Lighting Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Outdoor lighting can take your home’s exterior from average to stunning—when it’s done right. It boosts curb appeal, makes your yard safer, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. But too often, we see homeowners invest in landscape lighting only to end up with a yard that’s either blindingly bright or barely visible.
At Complete Horticulture & Tree Service, we install premium outdoor lighting systems across North Georgia. Over the years, we’ve seen the same avoidable mistakes come up time and time again. Whether you’re considering a DIY setup or hiring a professional, here are the top 5 outdoor lighting mistakes to avoid—and how to fix them.
1. Poor Placement of Fixtures
One of the biggest mistakes we see is placing lights in all the wrong spots. Lighting that’s too close to the house, buried in mulch, or aimed at the wrong angle can waste energy and ruin the effect.
What to do instead:
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Highlight key features, not everything. Focus on walkways, trees, architectural elements, and outdoor living areas.
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Use layered lighting: combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for balance and depth.
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Aim fixtures with intention to avoid unwanted shadows or hot spots.
A well-lit yard isn’t one that lights everything—it’s one that lights the right things.
2. Mismatched Fixture Styles
Curb appeal matters, and your outdoor lighting should match your home’s architecture and landscape design. Installing a mix of modern, traditional, and utilitarian fixtures can make your yard look cluttered or unplanned.
What to do instead:
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Stick to a consistent design theme. If your home is classic Southern, go with timeless fixtures. For modern builds, clean lines and minimalist designs work best.
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Consider the finish and color. Bronze, black, and brushed nickel all create different moods. Pick one and stay consistent throughout.
Fixtures should blend with the home by day and shine with purpose at night.
3. Too Much Light (Over-Lighting)
More light doesn’t always mean better visibility. Over-lighting creates glare, washes out your landscape, and can even bother your neighbors. It’s also a waste of energy.
What to do instead:
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Use lower-wattage, low-voltage LEDs. They’re more energy-efficient and gentler on the eyes.
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Position fixtures to avoid direct eye exposure. Soft, diffused lighting works best for pathways and patios.
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Stick to the rule of subtlety. Outdoor lighting should accent—not overwhelm—your landscape.
A well-lit yard is one that feels comfortable, not like a stadium parking lot.
4. Creating Glare or “Hot Spots”
Glare happens when lights are aimed directly at eye level or reflect off surfaces like windows or polished stone. It can ruin the ambiance and reduce safety if it blinds people trying to walk a path or use your driveway.
What to do instead:
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Use glare shields or directional fixtures to keep beams under control.
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Angle lights down and away from where people stand or walk.
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Avoid over-lighting vertical surfaces like walls, fences, or tree trunks.
Glare is distracting and unpleasant—and totally avoidable with proper installation.
5. No Plan or Long-Term Vision
Many homeowners install lights one piece at a time—an uplight here, a path light there—without an overall plan. The result is a patchy, inconsistent lighting design that lacks function and visual harmony.
What to do instead:
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Start with a lighting design plan. Consider how you use your space and what you want to highlight.
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Think about long-term scalability. Choose a system that can grow with your needs—especially important for larger estates.
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Hire a pro who understands your landscape. A lighting system should be as intentional as your planting layout or hardscape design.
Investing in a plan up front will save time, money, and frustration down the road.
Bring Your Outdoor Lighting Vision to Life
Outdoor lighting should enhance your landscape—not compete with it. At Complete Horticulture & Tree Service, we design and install professional-grade systems that match your property, your lifestyle, and your budget. Whether you’re lighting a winding driveway, an outdoor kitchen, or an elegant backyard, we’ll help you get it right the first time.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor lighting?
📞 Call us at 770-243-3984
🌐 Or request a consultation at completehorticulture.com
Proudly serving Canton, Woodstock, Milton, Holly Springs, and surrounding North Georgia communities.
