The majority of homeowners desire to illuminate their yard with some kind of landscape lighting. Yet, year after year, most settle for some substandard package of solar powered lights they find on the clearance rack at the end of the season, only to be disappointed by the reality that you get what you pay for. These cheaply made, plastic solar lights that stick into the ground produce dull light (if they light up at all), frequently get knocked over (and break), and can’t withstand the midwest climate. Thus, what’s left of their discount pathway lighting gets trashed or tossed in the shed with the gardening tools come fall. Once again, homeowners are left without any type of landscape lighting leading into the darkest months of the year. Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s time to consider professional landscape lighting! Break the vicious cycle and brighten up your landscape for good!
Why should I consider professional landscape lighting?
The most obvious reason to install professional landscape lighting is to enhance the curb appeal of your home. A brilliantly lit landscape creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, especially during cold winter months. As a homeowner, you thoughtfully consider lighting to create cozy, functional spaces inside your home, so why wouldn’t you give the same thought to your outdoor lighting?
From a practical standpoint, proper landscape lighting provides overall safety and security for your home. Flood lights and lights with motion sensors naturally deter burglars and trespassers. Having illuminated pathways allow both you and your visitors to navigate your property safely, especially during dark and icy winter mornings/evenings.
Professional landscape lighting is also the most convenient option. Once proper lighting is installed, it’s done! The maintenance is minimal to none! Yes, you’ll have to replace a bulb here and there, but you’ll no longer have to spend the time and money to relight your landscape each spring with cheap ground lights that don’t live up to your expectations anyway. You can enjoy a beautifully illuminated landscape year round without the annual stress, expense, or added work!
Will professional landscape lighting hold up through the winter? Is this really the right time to install landscape lighting?
In short, absolutely! We are heading into the darkest months of the year, which means your property is in need of light now more than ever! Unlike inexpensive solar lights that aren’t designed for longevity or inclement weather, modern professional landscape lighting is sturdy, weather resistant, and installed properly so lights won’t easily bend or break at the mercy of wind, sleet, and snow. Unlike solar lights that require maximum daily sunlight to light up at night, high quality LED lights are bright and dependable regardless of temperature or cloud cover.
Why not just do it myself? (Why professional matters.)
This is the most important question of all. Afterall, DIY projects are all the rage! HGTV and YouTube have homeowners convinced they can tackle any home improvement project themselves. However, there are several reasons why this is the time to call in actual professionals.
- Design: Proper landscape lighting requires an intentional design plan. There is so much more to it than sticking a few lights around your property. A professional landscape company can help evaluate which areas of your home and landscape you’ll want to illuminate and which type of lighting is best for each area. From entryways and pathways to architectural and landscape focal points, each feature needs to be lit with precision and specificity to achieve the dreamy lighting and ambiance you see on HGTV and in magazines. Professionals know how to approach landscape lighting from a design standpoint, so that the results live up to your expectations.
- Installation: Even a carefully created design plan can quickly fall apart if lights are not installed correctly, costing you both time and expensive materials. At Groundscapes, we have experienced professionals who routinely install landscape lighting. So in addition to helping you design beautiful lighting for your home, we can install it correctly (the first time)!
- Knowledge of materials: There are literally hundreds of different bulbs and fixtures to choose from when selecting landscaping lighting for your home, and they are not all created equal. In order to achieve the lighting you’re envisioning, specific bulbs and fixtures are needed for different areas of your home/landscape. It’s much more of an art than people realize. The vast majority of homeowners just don’t have the expertise to determine which light, bulb, fixture, and placement are needed to illuminate each unique feature.
- Electrical work: Professional landscape lighting requires installing a low-voltage system, and chances are, you’re not an electrician. Electrical work requires expertise that cannot be learned from the internet. This would be an example of a “do it yourself” project that could have disastrous results and pose a serious threat of fire or electrocution. In the best interest of your safety, please do not attempt any electrical wiring project on your own, be it inside your home or as part of your landscape.
As you can see, there are a wealth of reasons to pass on those cheap solar lights and instead, install professional landscape lighting. Don’t settle for another dark winter. You can illuminate your home, enhance your curb appeal, and provide a measure of safety all in one project. Brighten up your home this winter with landscape lighting from Groundscapes! Give us a call and let’s design your dream landscape lighting today!
