If you take pride in your grounds -- the tasteful trees, the
statuesque shrubbery, the beautiful garden - why not enjoy them
by night as well as day? The right outdoor lighting allows you
to derive the full benefits of your costly landscaping after the
sun goes down. It also provides better safety and security.
Aesthetic Benefits
Show off the beauty of your home after dark.
Highlight favorite flowers and shrubs
Dramatize trees, pool, fountains and masonry texture.
Accent statuary and other focal points
Relax in your backyard or entertain on your patio or deck.
Practical Benefits
Safety: good lighting on steps, walks and
driveways help avoid accidents
Security: floodlighting and other landscape lighting will deter
prowlers and vandals.
Investment: grounds which are dramatically lighted at night look
like a luxurious estate, increasing the resale value of your
property.
Many key elements and considerations must be addressed when planning your
landscape lighting. Planning and preparation is perhaps the most
overlooked items and can create an unforeseen cost in the future. However,
renovated or existing landscapes are reasonably inexpensive to install.
Trained technicians for landscape lighting installation is a must. Any
time you are dealing with the hazards of electricity, including solar, you want
to spend extra for quality work. This is not an area in which to cut
corners. There are many systems available and you can get blue in the face
trying to decide which one is best for your home or business. The first
step is to plan for what is absolutely necessary and then go from there.
Low-voltage lighting continues to remain the most controllable and affordable
part of landscape lighting. And, it definitely has its advantages
(switched, timer, low cost), and disadvantages (underground wires, structural,
intrusion). Even if powered by an existing GFCI outlet or exterior solar
unit or link. Budgets and proper planning and preparation determines what
you can or cannot afford.
Technology is advancing quickly and the cost for solar landscape lighting
installation will be much more competitive and aggressive, confirming that you
need to be doing your homework. Consider interchangeable equipment, which
have the advantages of using valuable natural resources, and include recyclable
batteries and cables.
Pathways, walkways and obstacles are important aesthetic features that can be
combined with landscape lighting to maintain safety as well as compliment each
other.
