Landscape lighting professionals near you

Yes, professional landscape lighting can be a great investment. It often boosts your home's curb appeal and improves safety by lighting up walkways and dark corners. A professional can help ensure the design is cohesive and the installation is safe, giving you a polished result that extends your home's living space into the evening.

When looking for a professional to install landscape lighting, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Many pros have a low-voltage electrical license or a landscaping contractor license, and they should always carry general liability insurance. Requirements vary by region, so it’s good to check local rules.

• Get several estimates: A proper estimate should be itemized, breaking down the costs for fixtures, wiring, transformers, and labor. It should also account for any necessary site work, which can sometimes involve services from landscape grading contractors to ensure proper placement and drainage.

• Read their reviews: Look for comments praising the pro’s design sense, reliability, and the durability of their installations. Red flags can include reviews that mention flickering lights, messy wiring, or fixtures failing soon after installation.

• Look at their portfolios: Check for photos of both day and night. During the day, fixtures should be discreet. At night, the lighting should create a pleasant ambiance, not just harsh bright spots. See if their style matches what you want.

• Find out if they have warranties: Ask about warranties on both the installation workmanship and the lighting fixtures themselves, which are often covered by the manufacturer.

• Ask important questions: Before hiring, you can ask: What type of fixtures and bulbs do you recommend for my property and why? How will you hide and protect the wiring? Do you offer a maintenance plan?

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• The number and type of lights. The total quantity of fixtures is a primary cost driver, along with the style you choose—such as path lights, spotlights, or well lights.

• Your property’s size and layout. Larger or more complex yards with hills, dense gardens, or existing patios can require more labor and materials to light properly.

• Fixture quality. The materials used for the fixtures affect both price and durability. Weather-resistant metals like brass and copper typically cost more than aluminum or composite options.

• Power and wiring needs. The cost will account for the transformer size, the amount of low-voltage cable required, and the labor to trench and conceal the wires.

• Design and site preparation. A custom lighting design will influence the cost. If your yard needs significant prep work, like services from landscape grading contractors, this can also affect the final price.

Here are some cost-savings tips:

• Get at least three quotes from different professionals. This helps you compare not just the price but also the quality of materials and the scope of work they propose.

• Choose energy-efficient options like LED lights. They can have a higher initial cost but will save you money on your electricity bill and last much longer than halogen bulbs.

• You don’t have to light up your entire yard at once. Start with high-priority areas like paths and patios, and you can add more fixtures later as your budget allows.

• Do simple site preparation yourself, such as clearing away brush and leaves from the installation areas. If your yard needs leveling, hiring dedicated landscape grading contractors may streamline the process and prevent unexpected costs.

• Inquire about off-season pricing. Companies are often less busy in the late fall and winter and may offer discounts to fill their schedules.

Typically, it will take one to two days for a professional to complete a landscape lighting installation. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:

• The size of your property and the number of lights being installed will be the biggest time factor.

• A more complex lighting design with various types of fixtures and effects will require more time to set up.

• Difficult terrain, such as rocky soil or steep slopes, can slow down the process of trenching for wires.

• The installation may take longer if your existing outdoor electrical system needs significant upgrades to support the new lights.

• If your yard requires significant preparation, like work from landscape grading contractors, the overall project timeline will be longer.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

Your landscape lighting installation typically needs regular cleaning of lenses, checking for burnt-out bulbs, and making sure fixtures are still aimed correctly. It's also a good idea to trim back any plants that may be blocking the light and inspect visible wiring for damage. Performing this simple check-up a few times a year can help keep your system running beautifully and prevent bigger issues.