Southern Landscape Lighting Systems

Oct 31

0

2 Reasons to Choose High-Quality Copper Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Marietta GA, Outdoor LED Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting Ideas, Outdoor Lighting System | No Comments

When homeowners invest in outdoor lighting installation, two of the most important factors that will influence their decision about which fixtures to choose are the durability and the sustainability of the lights.

Copper is the premium quality choice for many homeowners when taking these two factors into consideration, and, although the initial investment for copper is greater, it is the best choice, paying for itself in terms of lifespan and performance.

The two primary benefits that copper fixtures offer are:

1. Lifespan – copper lighting fixtures are extremely durable

Copper has been proven to stand the test of time and it’s the reason that it’s used in plumbing, roofing and even structures such as the Statue of Liberty. This is large because copper resists corrosion extremely well.

Copper light fixtures provide resistance to:

Atmospheric exposure: so that storms and other extreme weather won’t damage the fixtures.
Freshwater: copper light fixtures offer superior resistance to corrosion by water and soil
Heat: the bulb won’t damage the fixture.
Exposure to chemicals: when gardens and using fertilizers or compost, the fixtures won’t be affected if they are accidentally exposed to different organic and inorganic chemicals.
Damage from electrical applications: outdoor lighting combines electrical, thermal and mechanical properties, all of which a copper fixture can handle with ease.

In comparison, another popular material for light fixtures is brass. Brass does not perform as well as copper since it is an alloy. It is made from a combination of copper and zinc, is likely to leach zinc over time which depletes the zinc from the fixture, leaving the remaining metal porous and weak. This will happen in the case of a copper-zinc alloy fixture in a garden where it is exposed to oxygen and moisture. The color of the fixture will also gradually change from yellow to a less-attractive dull red.

2. Sustainability of copper outdoor lighting fixture

Copper fixtures have the highest sustainability as it is an organic material lasting up to 300 years and is easily recyclable. Even if it gets thrown in the trash, the folks at the landfill will go through and pick out the copper for it to be recycled since it has the highest recycling value compared to other metals.

From an eco-friendly perspective, copper offers the best true sustainability. It stands out from other materials such as plastic and aluminum which are technically recyclable, but in most cases, it is not financially viable, so these materials are less likely to end up being recycled. To put it differently, from the beginning of the production phase to the end of the product’s lifespan, the copper will retain a high percentage of its value. This makes it desirable and financially feasible to recycle.

Copper offers the best option for high quality and value while offering an unbeatable beautiful patina finish that becomes more apparent over time. Because copper is a pure metal as well as being a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice, it’s the most coveted material for outdoor lighting fixtures on the market.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta, GA specializes in the installation of copper outdoor lighting fixtures as part of the landscape lighting installation services. Their copper fixtures offer excellent durability and sustainability as the metal is corrosive resistant, and long-lasting, able to respond well to extreme temperatures.

They are the custom outdoor lighting company for thousands of satisfied clients, offering expert advice, professional installation and excellent service both pre- and post-installation.

Oct 31

0

3 Reasons to work with a landscape lighting installer when building an outdoor living area in the backyard

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Landscape Lighting Design | No Comments

Creating a beautiful outdoor space for entertaining is a fun home improvement project that enhances the value of your property as well as offering additional living space and a way to make the most of your backyard.

For homeowners in Atlanta, the prospect of an outdoor entertainment area is particularly attractive as the long, warm summer months mean that there are many opportunities to invite friends and family.

Creating an outdoor living space is more than simply furnishing your patio by adding some seating and a barbeque with wheels. An outdoor living area provides a higher level of style, comfort, and functionality – comparable to the convenience of using your kitchen or dining room.

These projects should take into account your preferences and the needs of your family, as well as the long-term prospect of possibly selling your home. Regardless of whether you’re planning to sell currently, it should still be approached in the same way that you would plan a remodel or home addition.

As such, in addition to enlisting the help of a professional designer or landscape architect, a landscape lighting installer’s opinion will be essential for designing a fully functional, user-friendly outdoor area design.

A landscape lighting specialist will help you:

1. Envision how you want to use the space

The outdoor space needs to fit in with your lifestyle so think about how you want to use the space. This might include preparing family meals, in which case you would need well-positioned lighting to support a full outdoor kitchen. Maybe you want to use the space to host friends or watch a football game which would mean setting up the outdoor lighting so that the television can be watched after dark. You might even have a more formal space in mind where you can host dinner parties, which would mean installing the highest quality, beautiful outdoor lighting to complement the space.

2. Ensure that there is a provision for adequate lighting after dark

It’s much more efficient to pre-wire an outdoor area for lighting before the hardscaping is done, particularly for hard to reach areas. When the outdoor lighting contractor works on the project from the beginning with the hardscape contractor it results in a cleaner, more polished look that will save the homeowner money in the long run and make servicing down the road easier if the wiring is in conduit.

3. Make provisions for any special requirements

The structure you choose will determine the lighting that is needed, and a landscape lighting company will work with you to overcome any specific challenges such as how to light the area if:

Wind protection needs to be put in place for shelter
It’s close to neighbors and you want privacy as well as ensuring that your lighting doesn’t disturb them
The area is small, and you want to maximize the feeling of space without impacting on functionality
Any focal points such as a fireplace, views or water feature need to be highlighted with lighting

Designing the perfect outdoor area requires planning and may need expert assistance to ensure that you get exactly what you want. In addition to taking out the stress of making all the decisions, they’ll also make sure that you don’t miss anything important.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems services Atlanta offers professional landscape lighting installation services, giving their clients expert lighting advice and installation assistance. It might be as simple as small accent lights that illuminate the garden pathway or creating focal points of impressive trees or water features. But this could be the difference between an average entertaining space and a space that creates the ideal environment for entertaining friends or relaxing in the garden.

Oct 17

0

Landscape Lighting Expert Shares Tips to Extend the Life of Landscape Lights

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Marietta GA, Outdoor LED Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting Company, Outdoor Lighting Ideas, Outdoor Lighting System | No Comments

Marietta Landscape Company Shares Tips on Extending Landscape Lights Performance

Correct cleaning and maintenance can have a direct impact on the lifespan of your landscape lights, as well as helping to keep them in tip-top working condition. Preventative maintenance, including a number of tasks that can be performed once or twice a year, will ensure that you avoid more expensive repairs at a later date. Your specific maintenance needs will vary depending on the specific landscape lighting installation and fixtures that you have. In many cases, talking to a professional landscape lighting installation company like Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, will help clarify maintenance requirements.

1. Prune Branches and Plants Around Landscape Lighting Fixtures

This is the first and most important step to maintaining your outdoor lighting. Cut back trees, shrubs, and plants that are touching the fixture, are too close or are blocking the light when the fixture is on. This step will prevent any damage to fixtures, will make it easy to clean and maintain the actual feature, and will ensure that the light from the fixture is optimal as it is no longer blocked.

2. Check the Outdoor Lighting System Cables

It’s important that the cables are not damaged and that they remain buried. Even with professional outdoor lighting installation, it is possible for wires that were correctly buried to become exposed. And if they are exposed for an extended time, this can lead to electrical wire damage. Perform this check often if you have dogs or children who spend time out in the yard, especially if your dogs like to dig, or if you’ve recently had harsh weather such as storms and wind.

If you do come across exposed wires check that they are not damaged before reburying them. If there is no damage, they should be buried immediately so that they do not present a tripping hazard. If you don’t have enough experience with wiring and are not sure if the lines have been damaged, ask your landscape lighting installer to check them for you.

3. Remove Any Debris on or Around the Landscape Lighting Fixtures

Debris that collects around your light fixtures can include mud, fallen leaves, mulch, pinestraw and insects and will have the impact of improving illumination. For visible light fixtures, clearing them of debris will contribute to a cleaner, neater outdoor area. It can also lengthen the life of your fixtures and has the additional benefit of avoiding any fire hazards.

4. Check Outdoor Lighting System Fixtures and Replace Bulbs

Check each and every lighting fixture for damage. This includes broken lenses, dented metal, and corrosion. If your lighting fixtures are in hard-to-reach areas, you can call your landscape lighting installer to perform the checks for you. If there is damage you may need to order some replacement parts or replace the fixtures if the damage is extensive.

While you’re doing this check, replace any bulbs that have burned out. If you have LED lights, this check can possibly be skipped, although if you’ve had your LED lighting installation for a long time, some of the bulbs may no longer be shining so brightly and you may opt to replace them. Here again, it may be a better option to ask your landscape lighting company to change the bulbs if needed as they can check for damage and make repairs at the same time as necessary.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta offers LED lighting installations for homeowners and are the preferred company for custom outdoor lighting with a track record of thousands of satisfied customers. They offer the highest quality products, professional and innovative installation, and design and excellent after-sales support.

Oct 12

0

The Benefits and Advantages of Professionally Installed Landscape Lighting For Your Home

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Acworth GA, Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Landscape Lighting Design | No Comments

It’s sometimes tricky deciding how to allocate your home improvement budget as it’s not always easy to know what changes or modification will have the biggest impact and offer the most benefits. One of the perennial top choices for home improvement that offers quantifiable benefits is landscape lighting.

While most will agree that proper lighting for home interiors is a non-negotiable, increasingly outdoor landscape lighting is being seen in a similar way. Especially when one considers the safety and security implications of floodlights and security lighting for homeowners with families.

With this in mind, let’s look at some of the top benefits of installing a professional landscape lighting system:

Improve Safety

Navigating outdoor areas after dark, particularly for children and the elderly, can be problematic. Well-lit outdoor spaces effectively eliminate many of the trip and fall hazards such as steps, uneven pathways, or overgrown roots. It also increases the functionality of spaces that can now be used because they are well-lit.

Increase Security

Many studies point to the efficacy of a professional landscape lighting installation for deterring potential criminals. Outdoor lighting increases security by illuminating entry-points and eliminating areas of shadow in the garden. It’s important to note that the lights should remain on throughout the night, rather than being activated by a motion sensor, so that burglars don’t even enter the property.

Enhance Beauty

A professional landscape lighting installation will highlight the beauty of a garden after dark. Using a variety of lighting techniques (such as silhouetting, shadowing, and highlighting) an installation company can transform a yard to make the most of its natural and architectural features. And ultimately, outdoor lighting adds to the curb appeal of a home.

Create Ambiance

Outdoor lighting can be used to create a feeling of space and can set the mood of an area. The impact of this is that it makes your outdoor spaces more welcoming so that they become a place that you want to spend time in after dark with your friends and family.

If you still have questions about installing landscape lighting, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, a leading outdoor lighting company servicing the area of Atlanta, shares their insights:

I don’t want to do it myself, what are the options?

Working with a professional landscape lighting company offers a number of benefits. You will get access to the latest, best quality fixtures at an affordable rate as well as full peace of mind that the system has been expertly and safely installed by professionals that know exactly what they’re doing.

What is the impact on my energy costs?

Low-voltage systems that use energy-efficient LED lightings will have a very small impact on your monthly utility bill (and compared to traditional halogen bulbs offer a massive saving). LED lights convert as much as 90% of the energy that they receive into light, whereas incandescent bulbs are only at around 10 – 20%.

Should I be concerned about light pollution?

Dark sky advocation is becoming an increasingly important topic as brightening the night sky through artificial sources, including landscape lighting, has a disruptive effect on the natural cycles of wildlife. A professional landscape lighting company will ensure that lighting is properly installed and that the fixtures are directed correctly to address these concerns.

Local outdoor lighting company, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, serves the residents of Atlanta, GA offering the best in high-quality LED landscape lighting. With thousands of satisfied clients, many years of experience, and the best customer service, it’s not hard to see why they are the preferred custom outdoor lighting company.

Oct 07

0

Important Trends to Consider for a New Landscape Lighting Installation in Alpharetta

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Alpharetta GA, Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Landscape Lighting Design | No Comments

Whether you’re looking to update your current outdoor lighting or want a completely new landscape lighting installation, you can get inspiration from some of the top lighting variations that are currently trending.

LED Is the Best Choice for Bulbs

This isn’t new, but it’s an important ongoing trend as homeowners seek to decrease energy costs and enjoy flexible lighting options. LED technology continues to evolve and offers lower energy consumption, extended lifespans, and a wide variety of color options from warm to cool choices.

And the one argument that has stopped LED from being the first choice for some homeowners, the cost, has become less of an issue in recent years as the prices of LED fixtures and bulbs has come down considerably. So, when the long-term cost savings are considered, LED lights are a firm favorite for lighting companies and homeowners alike.

Bathing Your Garden in Moonlight

The full moon effect is currently a popular choice for outdoor lighting installations, creating a beautiful effect that mimics the light of the full moon. It creates a relaxing, tranquil environment that has the added benefit of increasing the security of the property and it naturally highlights and accents landscaping features.

The effect is created by installing downlights 20-80 feet from the ground, usually in trees or other structures. Mature trees are an excellent choice as it creates a dappled, soft, moonlight effect as the light shines through the branches. A professional landscape lighting company will help with this as they will ensure the proper beam spread coupled with glare guards will keep the light looking natural.

Use High-End Fixtures for Visible Lights

For porch lights, patios, and pathways, homeowners are choosing to allocate more of their budget to fixtures that are more visible, choosing lights that are more attractive and complement the overall aesthetic. These lights are what you and your visitors will see when you spend time in your outdoor living areas.

Fit-for-Purpose Lighting

This type of lighting includes both the outdoor cooking area and all outdoor attractive, yet functional lighting. The idea is that indoor living can extend to the outdoors, transforming areas of the yard into spaces that allow for reading, playing, eating, relaxing, and even work.

Outdoor lighting, therefore, needs to be customized for its purpose. Examples include lots of light for a backyard gym or tennis court, ambient mood lighting for a dining room outdoors, or a warm glow for a comfortable reading nook that can be used in the day or at night.

Water Features Lit from Within

Water features have long been a focal point for outdoor areas, but the current trend of illuminating them from within is taking water features to the next level. Uplights can be positioned to highlight fountains, a waterfall can be lit from below, or a soft glow added to a pond of flat water.

These types of installations usually require specific expertise and will need the services of an experienced landscape lighting installer. They will understand the requirements for working with electricity, lighting, and water and will be able to complete the project safely.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta has been helping homeowners in the area stay well-lit after dark for many years. Their specialist lighting experience, combined with a passion for offering customer service excellence, has made them popular with the community and is reflected in the many five-star reviews that they continue to receive. If you want to stay on-trend and enjoy your garden after dark, you can trust the Southern Landscape Lighting Systems team to help.

Sep 19

0

Fall Landscape Lighting Tips for Residents in Atlanta, GA

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Acworth GA, Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Landscape Lighting Design, Outdoor LED Lighting, Outdoor Lighting Company, Outdoor Lighting Ideas, Outdoor Lighting System | No Comments

As the days become shorter, there’s no need to pack up the barbeque and put away the outdoor furniture just yet. For Atlanta residents, there’s still reason to spend time outside in the evenings – but there may be some changes that need to be made to your outdoor lighting to match the change in season.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems services Atlanta, GA residents, installing high quality, long-lasting landscape lighting. Here they share their top tips for preparing your outdoor lighting for fall:

1. Check the Entertainment Areas

When it starts getting darker earlier it’s a good time to adjust outdoor lights to make sure that entertainment areas are well-lit. It probably won’t require the installation of additional lights, but just a general check that there is adequate soft lighting to ensure that guests are able to navigate the area safely.

2. Create a Sense of Warmth

Adding warm lighting to outdoor areas can increase the feeling of warmth. A welcoming environment that makes use of warm, rather than cool, LED lights makes it more likely that you and your guests will want to spend time outdoors.

3. Remove Fallen Leaves and Branches

As trees lose their leaves, and in some cases, small branches, this can impact an outdoor lighting installation by obscuring light fixtures and blocking lenses. To avoid this issue, regularly remove debris from around the outdoor light fixtures.

4. Adjust Lighting If Necessary

The placement of up-lights in summer may perfectly highlight a beautiful tree or bush, but as the tree loses its leaves in fall, the lighting may contribute to a sense of starkness or loneliness. By lowering the angle of the light to accentuate the trunk rather than the bare branches, you can easily solve this issue.

5. Prepare for Halloween

If you don’t want to keep making changes to your outdoor lighting, now’s also a good time to ensure that pathway lights are adequate for guests such as trick or treaters to easily and safely navigate the pathway from the sidewalk to your front door. It’s a smart move if you want to enjoy the fun of Halloween but ensure that your lawns and flowerbeds are safe from unwanted foot traffic.

6. Switch to an LED Landscape Lighting System

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to switch to LED lighting for your outdoor lights. Halogen lights use significantly more electricity and don’t offer all the benefits of an LED installation – such as longer bulb life and lower utility bills.

7. Do Routine maintenance of Your Lighting Installation

Preparing your outdoor areas for fall includes some routine maintenance. Some tasks that you may want to add to your to-do list include cleaning light fixtures, removing debris that may be covering the lights, reburying wires that have become exposed and checking the system to ensure that it’s still in perfect working order. These steps are important as regular maintenance of your outdoor lighting installation will ensure that it continues to function optimally, and it can have a big impact on the lifespan of your outdoor lights.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems for Atlanta, GA residents offer a range of services from design and installation, to maintenance in order to help keep gardens in Atlanta looking their best. With thousands of satisfied clients, they pride themselves on their ability to expertly install custom outdoor lighting that accentuates a home’s natural features. The Southern Landscape Lighting Systems team uses only the highest quality products for their professional design and installation services, which they follow up with outstanding continued customer support.

Sep 05

0

How Does LED Landscape Lighting in Marietta Work?

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Landscape Lighting Design, LED Lighting Guide, Marietta GA | No Comments

Low voltage landscape lighting adds value to the residents of a home by making outdoor areas easy to navigate and accessible after dark. It also adds to a home’s curb appeal, as well as safety and security. And, if done using LED fixtures, can save money by minimising energy use.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems specializes in LED lighting installations for homes in Marietta. Their unique understanding of the area, combined with their experience that spans thousands of LED lighting installations, ensures that they have the expert, in-depth knowledge needed for the successful design and installation of the ideal lighting solution for properties.

Here they share their top tips for ensuring that a landscape lighting solution has the correct components:

LED Lights: Setting the Style and Ambiance in a Garden

There are a number of different LED light fixtures that can be used, and the perfect combination will depend on the layout of the garden, as well as its size. Lights that should be included in an installation include path lights for illuminating a sidewalk or pathways in the garden. Spotlights and floodlights can highlight features of the garden as well as lighting up larger areas.

LED lights are available in a wide range of different designs allowing homeowners to work with their landscape lighting installer to come up with the best combination for the home.

There are some important considerations when setting up lighting in a garden; this includes:

Safety – visitors need to be able to safely navigate the garden whether they are walking from their car to the front entrance or walking through the garden to an outdoor entertainment area.
Security – landscape lights provide an important deterrent for unwanted intruders on the property. This may mean setting up lighting around the perimeter of the yard, as well as lighting up all possible entranceways and windows.
Aesthetics – landscape lighting can be used to highlight, or even create, features in the garden including water features, trees, shrubs, or even walls.

The Transformer: Powering Up the LED Lighting Installation

Your landscape lighting company will advise on the size transformer that is needed to power the installation. All transformers have a maximum wattage capacity – for example a 200-watt transformer can only safely provide power to an installation that has a maximum demand for 200 watts. This is why the lighting company will map out the yard and the fixtures needed to get an understand of the number of lights that will be used. Each of the lights will have a maximum bulb wattage rating so to calculate the size of the transformer needed; they will need to add up the total number of lights and their wattage.

An important tip here is that your lighting company will want to pad the numbers a bit and suggest that a bigger transformer be used. This is a good idea in case you decide to add additional fixtures at a later stage. Using LED light fixtures will bring down the transformer price as they are low-wattage, which will mean that you can buy a lower-spec, lower price transformer.

Cables: Linking Up the LED Lighting Installation

Here a landscape lighting contractor will lay out all the light fixtures to ensure that they have enough cabling to connect all the fixtures to the power source. In most cases, cables will be run along the ground so that they can be lightly covered with soil (making them easy to dig up and adjust if needed).

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta, GA specializes in custom design and installation of outdoor LED lighting solutions. With years of experience, they know exactly which light fixtures to use where, the size transformer that will be needed and how to neatly and effectively wire the installation so that it works well and can be adjusted if necessary.

Aug 19

0

5 Reasons LED Lights are the Best Option for Outdoor Lighting

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Alpharetta GA, Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Outdoor LED Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting Company | No Comments

LED Lights Outdoor Lighting Alpharetta Georgia While halogen lights were a popular option for landscape lighting installations in the past, LED landscape installations are definitely the way of the future. For homeowners deciding between

halogen and LED options, there are a number of factors to consider, but it’s important to keep in mind that the long-term savings and overall efficiency of LED lights make them the better option.

These are the most important considerations:

1. Expense

Halogen lights may be an attractive option because upfront they offer a lower cost proposition, however, in the long-run LED lighting is more cost-effective as the bulbs need to be replaced a lot less often and their energy consumption is significantly lower leading to lower energy costs.

2. Energy Efficiency

Halogen bulbs lose a lot of the energy that they draw to heat, which is why the bulbs tend to get quite hot and don’t last as long. In contrast, LED bulbs, while also producing some heat, have the heat drawn away from the bulb and is dissipated by a heat sink which contributes to the long lifespan of LED bulbs.

The amount of energy the LED bulbs use is significantly lower than the amount that halogen bulbs draw. Switching from halogen to LED bulbs can result in a decrease in energy usage by as much as 80 percent.

3. Color Range

Warm light with a yellow hue is an important aspect of most landscape lighting installations, and this has always been an option for halogen and other incandescent bulbs. In the past, LED bulbs colors were limited, and most were only available in a harsh white light. But LED technology has quickly improved, and fixtures are now available in a wide range of colors and temperatures. In addition, the color tends to be a lot more consistent between fixtures.

A landscape lighting company will be able to offer LED light fixtures in a range of colors and temperatures, allowing homeowners diverse options that can be combined together to create the perfect lighting installation.

4. Lifespan

Halogen bulbs generally have a lifespan of between two thousand and five thousand hours, compared to LED bulbs that can last over 40,0000 hours if they use newer LED technology.

The lifespan of LED bulbs is calculated differently to halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs fail or burn out, and this determines the end of their useful life. LEDs tend not to fail but rather experience light depreciation, meaning that the amount of light produced by the bulb decreases over time. The lifespan of the bulbs is therefore measured differently for a halogen bulb. For halogen bulbs, it is the

time taken for “50% of a large group of lamps to burn out” and for LED bulbs it is “based on a prediction of when the light output decreases by 30 percent” according to EnergyStar.gov.

5. Maintenance

Neither halogen nor LED fixtures are considered high maintenance, but halogen bulbs will need to be replaced more frequently than LED bulbs (approximately every one to two years). LED fixtures offer the same design flexibility if not more but will not need to have bulbs replaced for upwards of ten years. This makes them a better option for less accessible features or for homeowners looking for a very low maintenance option.

When the factors are looked at as a whole, it becomes clear that LED lighting is a better option for homeowners. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta are the leading LED landscape lighting specialists offering top of the range fixtures and professional installations at an affordable price. Their high levels of customer satisfaction and commitment to excellent service make them sought-after lighting specialists in Alpharetta and the surrounding areas.

Aug 10

0

A Stylish Landscape Lighting Installation That Will Stand the Test of Time

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Marietta GA, Outdoor LED Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting Company | No Comments

As professional landscape lighting installers, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta has seen it all. From DIY jobs gone bad, to completely over the top installations that take poor taste to the next level. It has helped them to value the most important requirements for landscape lighting. All homeowners want landscape lighting that adds to the curb appeal of a home while serving the practical purpose of adding safety and security to a home.

Marietta Georgia LED Lighting The Southern Landscape Lighting Systems team shares their top tips for creating enduringly stylish and modern lighting installation for gardens in Marietta:

1. Keep Path Lights for Their Purpose

There is a tendency to use path lights for lighting flowerbeds, particularly around the perimeter of a yard. This is neither practical, nor does it serve any real aesthetic purpose. Path lights shouldn’t be installed randomly, but rather used to light pathways to help visitors navigate safely through the garden.

For homeowners wanting to highlight the natural beauty of a garden, there are better lighting options that can be used which a professional lighting company will be able to assist with.

2. Motion Sensor Lights are Not a Good Option

Homeowners often use motion sensor outdoor LED lighting as a security solution. But they can have the opposite effect. In reality, the more light that shines on a property, the more likely it is that the property will be avoided by a trespasser. Leaving the lights on acts to discourage potential trespassers before they even enter the property, whereas motion sensor lights only turn on after someone has entered the property.

3. Security Lighting Can Also Beautify a Property

Landscape lighting is installed to perform three main functions – it needs to illuminate a property to improve security and deter potential trespassers, it should accentuate the features of the property so that the yard can be enjoyed after dark, and it should make it possible to navigate the garden safely.

Professional landscape lighting is able to do these three things using a system of LED lights that are strategically positioned by making subtle adjustments to the choice and placement of fixtures.

4. Up Lights Aren’t a Good Option for Lighting Paths

Uplights aren’t a good choice for lighting paths or stairs as the direction of the light will always be up. This doesn’t make sense because the stairs and paths won’t be adequately lit, and people navigating those areas are likely to be blinded by the lights which then turns paths and stairs into tripping hazards. It’s for this reason that uplights shouldn’t be repurposed as path lights – and it’s also why path lights are the best option for stairs and paths.

5. Use a Variety of Lighting Options

With so many different types of LED lights to choose from, it makes sense to incorporate a variety of options into your landscape lighting installation. Each serves a different purpose, from lighting features to assisting with navigation and more. Working with a landscape lighting company can help homeowners find the perfect mix so that their yards are lit optimally.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta has a team of lighting professionals who are passionate about working with homeowners to design and install landscape lighting for their homes. With a focus on highlighting the natural beauty and features of a yard as well as delivering state of the art security lighting for homes, the company has developed a strong reputation for excellent solutions and high-quality service. Their team goes the extra mile, offering trial installations, walk-throughs and excellent post-installation service that includes lens cleaning, re-burying exposed wires, replacement of halogen bulbs, replacement of time batteries, fixture adjustment, socket greasing and pruning of foliage overgrowth.

Aug 05

0

Water Feature Lighting Tips for Homeowners in Atlanta by Leading Landscape Lighting Company, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems

By Southern Landscape Lighting Systems | Atlanta GA, Landscape Company, Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Company, Outdoor LED Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting Company | No Comments

Landscape lighting in Atlanta should always be designed to draw attention to the most important features of a garden. Water features are often one of the most effective focal points for a landscape lighting installation.

Whether they are viewed in the daytime or at night, water features add significantly to the visual appeal of an outdoor living space as well as offering an element of tranquillity. If done correctly, lighting a water feature such as a fountain, stream, swimming pool or pond can turn a seemingly simple feature into a captivating focal point. Water feature lighting is important from both an aesthetic and a security point of view, as if extended time is spent outdoors in the garden after dark, the feature is a potential hazard.

The water feature needs to be considered from all aspects as external and possibly underwater lighting will be needed to illuminate the structure, create a contrast between light and shadow as well as enhancing visual interest and capturing the movement of the water. Here, working with an experienced landscape lighting company is essential as they will advise on the correct features to use and ensure that the solution works well with the yard’s existing landscape lighting installation.

Atlanta GA Landscape lighting The most important factors to consider are the:

1. Angle of the LED Lights

The landscape lighting should enhance the water feature and draw attention to the reflections of the water on nearby objects, but it is important to avoid glare on the water or blinding lights that shine on outdoor seating of a patio area.

This becomes a bit trickier if there are different seating areas and access paths as the lights need to be angled away from the main viewing positions. It is possible to use existing elements from the garden to shield the lights such as rocks, trees and plants.

2. Safety

While the primary focus of installing landscape lighting may be to enhance the visual appeal of the water feature, security is also an important consideration. Bodies of water can be close to invisible at night, which is a safety hazard for children and adults that are outside in the yard. Adequate water feature lighting along with clear lighting on pathways will help guests to navigate the garden safely.

If additional lighting is needed for safety, uplights can be used to illuminate a bridge and floodlights can offer illumination of a bigger area.

3. Fixture Location

It’s important to be able to enjoy the effects of the lights without seeing the mechanics of how they work. A specialist landscape lighting designer will be able to assist with this, placing the fixtures in such a way as to optimize the effect of the fixture while ensuring that the source of the light remains hidden or obscured. They will still need to be accessible for maintenance and cleaning.

There are a number of other factors that a professional landscape lighting company will look at when lighting a water feature, including the transformer location, taking into account flora and fauna, the mood or ambience, and considering different external and underwater lighting options.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems has been installing LED lighting solutions for homeowners in Atlanta for many years. They are highly regarded for their ability to match the project vision with a solution which is both practical and enhances the aesthetic of a yard after dark. Their high levels of customer service and professional installations ensure that they are one of the leading outdoor lighting installation specialists in Atlanta.