In Wheaton, IL, outdoor lighting plays a critical role in how homeowners experience their backyard after sunset. Thoughtful outdoor lighting highlights structural elements, defines walkways and gathering areas, and complements plantings without overwhelming the landscape. As landscape designers, we often see projects where outdoor lighting was installed without a cohesive plan, resulting in glare, dark pockets, or visual clutter. Avoiding common placement mistakes ensures outdoor lighting enhances both form and function.