How to plan garden lighting: paths, trees, facades and laying cables

Written by Engin Demirel · Electrical technician, master instructor · 12 years of experience

Short answer: Garden lighting is planned in layers: low bollards for paths and entrances, narrow-beam spike spotlights for trees and plants, wall lights or floodlights for facades and walls, and step lights for stairs. Fittings should be at least IP65, in 2700–3000 K warm white. Cables go underground in a suitable armoured cable or in conduit, at about 60–80 cm depth with warning tape, and the circuit is protected by a 30 mA RCD. Burial depth and cable types follow local rules.

1. Plan: what do you want to show?

Think of the garden at night, not by day. Start with safety (entrance, paths, steps, gates), then accents (trees, plants, sculpture, water) and finally ambience (seating area, pergola). Picking a few good features is more effective than lighting everything; dark areas add depth.

2. Paths and entrances: bollards

Height: 40–80 cm, with light directed downwards and sideways to avoid glare.
Spacing: 3–5 m along the path, plus one at each bend and junction.
Alternatives: recessed step lights in walls, or walk-over in-ground spots, which need IP67 and impact resistance.

3. Trees and plants

Trees: a spike spotlight 50–100 cm from the trunk, aimed upwards. Narrow beam (15–30°) for tall trees, wide beam (40–60°) for broad crowns.
Two spots from either side make a large tree look more natural.
Shrubs and lawn edges: low, downward-facing fittings.
Moonlighting: a downward spot mounted high in a tree casts leaf shadows on the ground.

4. Facades, walls and seating

Facades: narrow-beam uplights or wall washers close to the wall; wall lights beside doors and windows.
Seating areas and pergolas: dimmable pendants or LED strip at 2700 K.
Pools and ponds: IP68 underwater fittings with SELV (12 V) supply.

5. Choosing fittings

Protection: at least IP65; IP67–IP68 for in-ground fittings and near water.
Body: powder-coated aluminium or stainless steel; 316 stainless near the sea.
Colour: 2700–3000 K. Cool white (5000 K+) makes a garden look harsh, like a car park.
Power: LEDs need little; bollards 5–10 W, tree spots 5–15 W.

6. Cables and electrics

230 V systems: cable suitable for burial (armoured, or in corrugated conduit), at about 60–80 cm depth with warning tape above. Connections in waterproof junction boxes or inside the fitting, using gel or IP68 connectors.
12–24 V systems: fed from one driver and safer for users; watch voltage drop on long runs (larger cable or several drivers).
Protection: a 30 mA RCD, with garden circuits on their own breaker.
Leave a spare duct and an outdoor socket for later additions.

7. Control

An astronomical timer (switches on at sunset), a dusk-to-dawn photocell and programmes that switch some fittings off at midnight reduce energy use. Motion sensors on entrances and paths add security. Avoid light aimed at neighbours or the sky.

In Bursa, ENGN provides lighting plans, product selection and installation for villa, residential and commercial gardens.

Frequently asked questions

What IP rating do garden lights need?

At least IP65; IP67–IP68 for in-ground, spike and near-water fittings.

How far apart should garden bollards be?

3–5 m along a path, plus one at each bend and junction. Heights are usually 40–80 cm.

How deep should garden lighting cable be buried?

230 V cable suitable for burial, or in conduit, at about 60–80 cm with warning tape above. Follow local rules.

Which colour temperature for garden lighting?

2700–3000 K warm white. Cool white looks harsh; 3000 K is a good balance for green plants.

How do you light a tree?

With a spike spotlight 50–100 cm from the trunk aimed upwards; narrow beam for tall trees, wide beam for broad crowns. Two spots from either side look more natural on large trees.

Should garden lighting be 12 V or 230 V?

12–24 V is safer and practical in small gardens; 230 V suits large gardens and long runs with less voltage drop. Both need a 30 mA RCD.