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The landscape lighting planning process is a meticulous approach that ensures your outdoor space is illuminated beautifully and functionally. Here’s how it typically unfolds with a landscaper:

Initial Consultation and Site Assessment

The process begins with a discussion between you and the landscaper to understand your vision, needs, and budget. This is followed by a thorough site assessment to identify key features, potential safety hazards, and areas that could benefit from lighting for aesthetic or functional reasons.

Designing a Lighting Plan

Utilizing the insights gathered during the site assessment, the landscaper will start sketching a lighting plan. This involves deciding on the types of lights (e.g., pathway lights, accent lights, floodlights), their placement, and how they will highlight the property’s features or provide safety. A rough sketch of the property, marking where each fixture will be placed, is a common starting point for this phase.

Budget Considerations

At this point, our Landscape Lighting expert will provide you with a written estimate of the project cost. Budget considerations play a crucial role in the planning and execution of landscape lighting projects. The scope of the project, including the type and number of fixtures, wiring needs, transformers, and controls, will significantly influence the overall expense. Consulting with our experts about routine maintenance, including bulb replacements and fixture cleaning, can also help anticipate future expenses, ensuring the sustainability of the investment. Ultimately, a well-planned budget not only ensures the feasibility of the landscape lighting project but also enhances its value and beauty without causing financial strain. 

Electrical Considerations

When considering the power sources and bulb types for landscape lighting, there are several options, each with their unique benefits and limitations.

Solar vs. House Power

• Solar: Solar landscape lighting is powered by solar energy, which is captured through photovoltaic panels during the day and stored in batteries for use at night. This option is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, as it relies on renewable energy. However, its performance can be dependent on weather conditions and may not be as reliable in areas with limited sunlight, particularly in central Ohio. Solar lighting also tends to be cheaply made and frankly, not reliable. We do not recommend installing solar fixtures.

• Wired: Wired landscape lighting is connected to the home’s electrical system, offering consistent and reliable lighting without dependency on weather conditions. It can handle larger and more powerful lighting setups but requires professional installation and is more energy-intensive compared to solar options. Low voltage systems require a transformer to convert the home’s 120v power down to 12 volts, making it safer for outdoor use where the lighting might come into contact with water or be touched by humans and pets. This type of lighting is ideal for accentuating features in the garden without overwhelming the space with light.

LED vs. Incandescent Bulbs

• LED: LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient, using a fraction of the electricity that incandescent bulbs consume. They have a longer lifespan, which means less frequent replacements. LED lights are ideal for both solar and wired systems due to their low energy usage.

• Incandescent: Incandescent bulbs are less energy-efficient than LED bulbs and have a shorter lifespan. They produce a warm light and can be less expensive upfront, but they may cost more in the long run due to higher energy consumption and replacement costs. Incandescent bulbs are typically used in wired landscape lighting systems due to their higher energy requirements.

Solar and LED options offer environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions for landscape lighting, though they may be limited by environmental factors and light intensity. Wired and incandescent options provide consistent and powerful lighting but at a higher energy cost and environmental impact. The choice between these options will depend on specific needs, preferences, and the landscape environment.

We recommend investing in LED lighting and low-voltage wired installation, which, despite a higher upfront cost, offers long-term savings through energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements. 

Selection of Fixtures and Technology

With a plan in hand, the next step is selecting the appropriate lighting fixtures and technologies, such as LED or solar-powered lights, that match your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. This also includes choosing the right brightness, beam spread, and color temperature for each application.

Installation

Once the plan is finalized and the fixtures are selected, the installation process begins. This phase involves laying out the wiring, installing the fixtures, and making sure everything is correctly connected and waterproofed. It requires careful coordination to ensure minimal disruption to your landscape.

Adjustment and Final Walk-Through

After installation, the landscaper will adjust the positioning and direction of the lights as needed to achieve the desired effect. A final walk-through with you ensures that the project meets your expectations and any necessary adjustments are made before the project is considered complete.

Conclusion

Overall, the landscape lighting planning process transforms your outdoor area into a safer, more inviting, and aesthetically pleasing space. It’s a collaborative effort between you and your landscaper, resulting in a lighting scheme that complements your home’s architecture, landscape design, and personal style.