In partnership with
Hey there, Handy Homeowners!
Imagine your backyard gently bathed in moonlight every night—no moon required.
Welcome to moonlighting, the clever outdoor lighting technique that turns ordinary backyards into dreamy nighttime retreats.
Forget harsh floodlights or dim patio lanterns—this is the Instagram filter your outdoor space didn’t know it needed.
Maintenance Minute
Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!
This Weeks 5 Minute Focus
Lawn Mower - Check the oil and make sure the blade is still sharp. A well-tuned mower cuts cleaner and lasts longer.
Inspect Exterior Caulking – Check around windows, doors, and vents for cracks or gaps. A quick bead of caulk can save you from leaks and skyrocketing cooling bills.
Sweep and Inspect Driveways and Walkways – Look for cracks, shifting pavers, or raised edges that could become tripping hazards. A little patching now beats a big repair later.
Check Outdoor Furniture -Wipe it down, tighten bolts, and make sure nothing’s wobbly.
Pro tip: Spot a small crack in your driveway? Fill it with a concrete patch now before water gets in, freezes, and turns it into a mini Grand Canyon by fall.
Find out why 1M+ professionals read Superhuman AI daily.
In 2 years you will be working for AI
Or an AI will be working for you
Here's how you can future-proof yourself:
Join the Superhuman AI newsletter – read by 1M+ people at top companies
Master AI tools, tutorials, and news in just 3 minutes a day
Become 10X more productive using AI
Join 1,000,000+ pros at companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon that are using AI to get ahead.
What Is Moonlighting, Anyway?
Moonlighting involves strategically placing lights high in your trees to mimic the soft, natural glow of moonlight. When done right, it creates subtle, intriguing shadows and a cozy ambiance that's perfect for summer nights, backyard gatherings, or just enjoying a quiet moment outdoors.
Think of it as Mother Nature's mood lighting—but you’re calling the shots.
Moonlighting
Why You'll Want to Try It:
Instant Impact: Completely transforms your yard in just one weekend.
Budget-Friendly: Achievable with inexpensive, easily available LED lights.
Safety & Curb Appeal: Adds visibility, security, and serious style points.
Step-by-Step DIY Breakdown
Step 1: Choosing the Right Lights
Low-Voltage LED Lights: Energy-efficient, easy installation, and durable.
Solar-Powered Options: Ideal for smaller yards or environmentally conscious DIYers.
Smart Tech Lights: Control brightness and scheduling right from your phone.
Pro Tip: Smart LEDs let you dial down brightness for a romantic dinner or crank it up for lively backyard BBQs. Who knew you could boss around moonlight?
Step 2: Installation Basics
Mount fixtures high in mature trees (15-30 feet is ideal).
Angle fixtures downward slightly to diffuse the light gently across your yard.
Hide cables along tree trunks or bury them shallowly under mulch or garden beds.
DIY Insider Trick: Use dark-colored zip ties and staples to discreetly secure wires—trust me, no one wants cables ruining their moonlit mood.
Step 3: Adjusting Intensity and Placement
Space lights approximately 8-12 feet apart for the most natural look.
Experiment with placement to highlight pathways, garden beds, or seating areas.
Adjust intensity to avoid overly bright spots; subtlety is your friend here.
Handy Humor Alert: It’s like putting your lawn chairs in their best light—literally. Your neighbors might even think you've hired a pro (and your secret’s safe with me).
Final Touches & Tweaks
After installing your lights, step back at night and check from different vantage points.
Fine-tune placement and angles to eliminate harsh shadows or overly bright areas.
Consider adding ground-level lighting (like pathway markers or accent lights) to complement your moonlighting setup.
A Little Effort, a Lot of Magic
In one weekend, you can elevate your outdoor space from meh to mesmerizing. Moonlighting isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a mood, enhancing security, and getting serious curb appeal without the serious cost.
Ready to shine some moonlight on your DIY skills? Grab your ladder, pick out some lights, and prepare for your yard to become the envy of the neighborhood. And if anyone asks, just wink and tell them it’s magic—moon magic.
Q&A- Should I go with hard wired or solar lights for moonlighting?
Great question—and one I've been asked many times. Let's break it down simply:
Hardwired (Low-Voltage LED) Lights:
Pros:
Reliable and consistent lighting (they won’t fade after a cloudy day).
Brighter and adjustable intensity (ideal for larger spaces or if you want more control).
Longer-lasting and generally more durable.
Can easily integrate with smart home systems.
Cons:
Requires running wires (so installation can be a little trickier).
Slightly higher upfront costs (fixtures, wires, transformer).
Professional help sometimes recommended (though it's absolutely DIY-friendly with patience and care).
Solar Lights:
Pros:
Super easy installation (stick 'em up, let the sun do its thing).
No wires or electricity needed (great for smaller yards or renters).
Lower upfront cost and eco-friendly.
Cons:
Performance depends on weather and sunlight (might dim prematurely after cloudy days).
Generally less bright, and less control over intensity.
Shorter overall lifespan and may need replacing sooner.
The Bottom Line:
Go Hardwired if: You want reliable, consistent, customizable lighting that integrates nicely with your smart home or covers a larger yard.
Go Solar if: You want quick, budget-friendly, eco-friendly lighting, and you have plenty of sun and a smaller space to illuminate.
My Practical Suggestion?
If this is your "forever home" or you're looking to boost curb appeal significantly, the extra investment in hardwired LEDs pays off. But if you're experimenting or looking for a quick solution for small spaces—solar is a fantastic choice.
Either way, your backyard will be basking in moonlit beauty before you know it!
How did you like today's newsletter?
Questions? Comments? Drop us a line at [email protected]
This email may contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase using these links.