The Magic of Landscape Lighting

Some evening, get in your car and drive through your neighborhood after sunset. Most of the homes you drive past will look nondescript in the darkness. But every now and then, a home will grab your attention even while you're still several blocks away. It might have an elegant, statuesque appearance. The trees, gardens and footpaths might shimmer like a beautiful painting. The graceful mix of shadow and light might bring out the unique architecture, landscaping and textural features of a home. And the one thing these distinctive homes have in common is artistic out door lighting effects.

Homeowners frequently spend many years and thousands of dollars of refining their landscape and enhancing their homes curb appeal. But the beauty can be enjoyed only in the daylight. Most people are at work during the day. The solution is outdoor lighting.

The magic of lighting in your landscape can take many forms. Wash the walls of your home in soft light. Spotlight one specific element, such as a unique flower bed or a small ornamental tree, such as a Japanese maple. Illuminate pathways & walkways. Place lighting high up in large trees to create an illusion of moonlight through the leaves. Lights can even be placed in a pond or other water feature - yes - right in the water - creating a sparkling effect.

But the beauty and aesthetic appeal of your landscape is not the only reason to install outdoor lighting around your home. Lighting provides an element of safety and security for you and your family; particularly when used with a timer so that the lights come on when the sun goes down.

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To Do It Yourself or Not To Do It Yourself... That is the Question

Inexpensive do it yourself lighting kits are now easy to find at any home improvement store. However, Jesse Maupin, owner of Dallas landscape lighting, cautions that most outdoor lighting projects require the special expertise of a lighting professional.  "The biggest mistake people make is that they look at the price of a professional and decide to try to do it themselves" Mr. Maupin explained. "In the end, they usually end up calling a professional anyway"

Get The Timing Right

There are several options for controlling your outdoor lighting ranging from simple time clocks, to photocells that turn your lights on and off with the rising and setting of the sun, to computer systems, wireless remotes & apps. Your contractor can help you choose the best system for your lifestyle and lighting needs. Maupin advises homeowners to set timers to turn on lights in the front of the home when the sun goes down. Backyard lighting is usually controlled more by outdoor events or evening use.

Find A Landscape Lighting Professional

If you want the full spectrum of landscape lighting options, use the services of a licensed electrician specializing in outdoor lighting. Your city officials should be able to tell you if your prospective contractor is licensed in your city, how many years the company has been licensed, if their license is current, and the amount of insurance they carry. And like any other service, it's always better to find a company that has been in business for a while.

Homeowners can generally get an estimate within 3 to 4 days from a dependable lighting professional, and installation can be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks. "It's not a good sign if a company says they can install your lighting tomorrow" Mr. Maupin explains. And one final tip - your installer must be willing to make adjustments to your landscape lighting system at night. It's the only way to get it just right!

How Would Your House Look with Landscape Lighting?

So,  this evening, once the sun goes down... take the short walk across the street, turn around and look at your home. Now, just imagine what the beautiful and dramatic glow of soft, subtle illumination could do to light up your home. Beauty, elegance, improved safety and security… Adding outdoor lighting to your home is an investment that will pay off for years to come.