In-ground landscape lighting: The sleekest way to light your driveway, walkway, or backyard
Location: Albertson, NY.
You know that feeling when you pull into a driveway that’s perfectly lit — not by floodlights blasting into the night, but by sleek, subtle lighting that quietly shows the way? It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it says one thing loud and clear: someone put real thought into this home.
That’s exactly what in-ground landscape lighting does.
Whether it’s guiding guests along a walkway, softly lighting your backyard for summer nights, or giving your home’s entrance that polished look — in-ground landscape lighting delivers a clean, modern finish that makes a big difference without sticking out. And if you're in Nassau County or Suffolk County, where curb appeal can make or break the vibe of your home, that matters.
This post breaks down what in-ground well lighting is, where to use it, why Long Island homeowners love it, and how to make sure it’s installed right.
What is in-ground landscape lighting?
In-ground landscape lighting, often called well lights, is a type of outdoor lighting fixture that’s installed directly into the soil, sitting flush with the surface. These lights are designed to disappear during the day and perform quietly at night, casting a soft upward glow that highlights plants, trees, architectural features, or pathways without any visible equipment sticking out of the ground.
Unlike above-ground path lights or spotlights, in-ground well lights are buried so that only the top lens is visible. The fixture itself is housed in a waterproof, corrosion-resistant casing designed to handle moisture, dirt, mulch, and shifting soil — especially important in places like Long Island, where the seasons can be rough.
Most use LED bulbs, which are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and stay cool to the touch. That means they can safely nestle into mulch beds, garden soil, or lawn areas without burning surrounding plants or drying out the landscape.
Here’s what sets soil-installed in-ground landscape lighting apart:
Discreet design
There’s no visible post, no bulky fixture — just a clean, flush light that becomes part of the environment. Perfect for homeowners who want light without clutter.Natural integration
These lights blend into plant beds, beneath hedges, under trees, or between ornamental grasses. During the day, they vanish. At night, they bring the whole scene to life.Flexible placement
Because they’re not limited to hard surfaces, you can install them nearly anywhere on your property — around the base of trees, tucked into flower beds, or angled toward garden sculptures.Uplighting effect
They throw light upward, creating dramatic contrast, shadows, and depth. A mature tree with light washing up its trunk instantly becomes a nighttime focal point.Built to withstand the elements
The best well lights are made with heavy-duty brass or composite materials and sealed against water intrusion. They’re designed to survive heavy rain, snow, irrigation, and even the occasional curious squirrel.
Homeowners who choose this kind of lighting aren’t just adding visibility, they’re adding atmosphere. It’s the kind of detail that makes a landscape feel intentional, warm, and finished without being flashy.
Explore different landscape lighting options to elevate your outdoor space.
Where to place in-ground landscape lighting around your property
When installed directly into grass, mulch, or soil beds, in-ground landscape lighting becomes one of the cleanest, most elegant ways to light up your landscape. No bulky fixtures. No visual clutter. Just beautiful, subtle lighting that shows up at night and disappears during the day.
They’re perfect for the parts of your yard where you want the effect of light, but not the sight of the fixture. Think: clean lines, uninterrupted views, and no distractions from the natural beauty of your space.
Here’s where most homeowners love to use them:
1. Along the driveway
First impressions matter, and a pitch-black driveway doesn’t exactly scream “welcome.” Drop in-ground landscape lights along the edges, nestled into grass or mulch, and suddenly it feels like you’re pulling up to a private resort.
Location: Albertson, NY.
2. Walkways & garden paths
Walkway lighting is a must for safety, but not everyone wants visible path lights sticking up along the way. In-ground well lights fix that. Install them flush in the soil along your walkway or stepping stones and you’ll get a warm, even light that keeps things safe without the visual noise.
3. Around trees, plants & garden beds
Want your landscaping to pop after dark? Place in-ground landscape lights beneath trees, between shrubs, or in your flower beds. These fixtures stay hidden, letting the light do the talking, and turning ordinary greenery into a nighttime focal point.
Ornamental grasses? Dramatic shadows.
Japanese maple? Instant backyard showstopper.
Location: Searingtown, NY.
4. Around privacy hedges & Green Giants
You planted those for privacy, but at night, the space feels incomplete. A simple lighting solution with in-ground well lights can instantly upgrade that. By placing them at the base, you bring the greenery back into view after dark, add depth to your landscape, and complete the look without any visible fixtures getting in the way.
Location: Searingtown, NY.
5. Around the patio or backyard hangout spot
No one wants to trip over wires or stare at a lamp post while they’re sipping wine outside. In-ground well lights are the stealthy option, tucked into the grass or planted around the patio to add ambiance without the clutter.
6. Anywhere you don’t want to see a fixture
This is the real magic of in-ground landscape lighting: it works best in spots where you don’t want to see the lighting itself. Along the base of a fence. At the edge of a raised planter. Beneath a sculpture. You get all the glow with none of the hardware in the way.
Bottom line — in-ground well lights aren’t just “functional.” They’re a design move. A way to make your outdoor spaces safer, more stylish, and more intentional… without showing your cards.
Need more ideas to light up your yard like a pro? Head over to our blog post “How to Design Landscape Lighting”.
Why Long Island homeowners prefer in-ground well lights
In places like Nassau and Suffolk County, where beautiful homes and manicured landscapes are the norm, outdoor lighting isn’t just a nice extra — it’s part of the overall aesthetic. And for homeowners who care about the look of their property just as much as the function, in-ground landscape lighting is quickly becoming the go-to choice.
Here’s why it’s winning over Long Islanders:
1. A sleek option when you don’t want to see fixtures
Not every homeowner wants visible lighting fixtures in their yard, especially in areas where clean lines and a natural look matter. That’s where in-ground well lights shine (literally). They sit flush with the soil, mulch, or grass, offering a minimalist option that stays out of sight during the day but provides a warm, refined glow at night.
This is especially useful for lighting up Green Giants, hedges, or other perimeter plantings that many Long Island homes use for privacy.
Rather than mounting bulky fixtures or installing posts along the edge of your yard, in-ground well lights tuck right into the base of these plants, washing them with light and subtly defining your property line.
2. Built to handle Long Island’s weather
From salty air near the coast to freezing winters and soggy spring rains — Long Island throws a lot at outdoor fixtures. That’s why quality in-ground well lights are sealed tight, waterproof, and made from corrosion-resistant materials like brass.
These aren’t flimsy lights you’ll be replacing every season. They’re built for the long haul, no matter what the weather’s doing.
3. Energy-efficient and low-maintenance
Most in-ground fixtures run on LED bulbs, which means you’ll get thousands of hours of use — sometimes over a decade — without needing to swap bulbs. And because they sip power, you can light up your property beautifully without getting hit with a crazy electric bill.
It’s high-end design without the high cost of upkeep.
Check out our post “Does landscape lighting use a lot of electricity?” to learn how much electricity modern lighting systems really use and how energy-efficient options like LED fixtures can keep your outdoor space beautifully lit without driving up your electric bill.
4. Safer for families, pets, and guests
Whether it’s guiding someone up your front walkway or keeping the edges of your driveway visible after dark, in-ground landscape lights make your property easier (and safer) to navigate. That means fewer stumbles, fewer accidents, and peace of mind — especially if you have kids or older family members visiting.
And since the lights sit flush with the ground, there’s nothing to trip over or bump into.
5. Boosts your home’s value and first impression
A well-lit yard feels finished. It shows you’ve invested in your home’s look and safety — and that adds real value. For buyers, professionally installed in-ground landscape lighting can be a quiet but powerful signal that this home is something special.
Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, lighting like this gives your home the kind of presence that makes guests pause when they pull up — and that’s a good feeling.
Importance of proper installation
In-ground landscape lighting might seem simple — just drop a light into the soil and power it up, right? Not quite. When it comes to landscape lighting, especially on Long Island, proper installation isn’t just recommended; it’s essential.
Here’s why:
a. Soil and drainage matter more than you think
A professional installer will assess your soil type, dig the right depth, and make sure each well light is properly sealed and positioned to avoid water damage. That means your lights keep shining year after year, no matter how soggy it gets.
b. Correct wiring and electrical safety
Properly installed in-ground well lights require waterproof connectors, correctly rated cables, and safe routing to avoid damage from garden tools, lawnmowers, or even curious critters.
c. Optimal placement for best effect
In-ground landscape lights look best when thoughtfully placed. Too close and the effect is harsh or uneven; too far and you lose impact. Angling matters, too — to avoid glare and highlight exactly what you want, whether it’s a stately Green Giant, a privacy hedge, a walkway, or a garden bed.
Location: Garden City, NY.
Experienced lighting designers and installers don’t just throw lights in the ground; they create a balanced, elegant lighting design that brings your whole yard to life after dark.
d. Longevity and maintenance made easier
When lights are installed the right way, routine maintenance becomes a breeze. Good installation means easy access for bulb replacement or cleaning, and it prevents common problems like dirt buildup, water intrusion, or shifting fixtures.
Save yourself time, frustration, and unnecessary expenses by trusting the pros from the start.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, great lighting doesn’t just help you see — it helps you feel. It makes your home feel safer, more inviting, and a little more put together… even if the rest of the day was anything but.
In-ground landscape lighting might be low profile, but its impact is anything but small. Whether it’s making your driveway feel like a private entrance, showing off your favorite trees, or giving your backyard that soft evening glow, it’s one of those upgrades that feels like a quiet luxury.
And for Long Island homeowners who care about both form and function, it’s a no-brainer.
If you have any questions or need assistance with landscape lighting services for your property, we're here to help. We offer professional design and installation services on Long Island, NY (Nassau County and Suffolk County), and the surrounding areas. Contact us today, and we’ll connect you with one of our expert lighting designers to discuss your needs and provide a custom design proposal for your home.