Landscape Lighting
Light up your Life!
Outdoor lighting can accentuate your existing landscape to make it not only more beautiful, but safer as well. Safety is always a factor at your home or office, and professionally installed outdoor lighting can give you peace of mind. Law enforcement statistics show that a well lit home or office is less likely to become a target.
Landscape lighting can also make a substantial difference in the appearance and value of your home or office . The reasons for installing lighting are as varied as the types of lighting available. Security, dependability, safety and affordable elegance is what outdoor lighting is all about.
There are three main types of outdoor lighting systems used today, low-voltage, high-voltage and solar powered. Choosing the right type of lighting for your individual situation is largely based on cost effectiveness, aesthetics and the desired end result.
Solar powered can be the most inexpensive of them all. They are basically lighting fixtures pre-wired, in-line and attached to a solar panel. This type of lighting is readily available at home improvement and hardware stores, as well as large discount department stores. Most of these types of lights come with a photo sensitive eye that turns the lights off and on based on the available environmental light. They can be easily installed by homeowners and if installed and maintained properly, can make a marked improvement in the overall nighttime appearance of any landscape. These types of lighting systems generally are not as durable and do not last as long as other types of lighting.
Low-voltage lighting is also readily available at the same types of stores. These lights can be more expensive based upon the types of lighting fixtures chosen as well as the number of fixtures to be installed. These systems can be pre-wired, in-line, or can come as individual lighting fixtures. They are then then attached to a power cord that must have an outside power source such as an outdoor GFI plug-in. Some of these systems also require a transformer that reduces household current to 12 volts, making the system more efficient and cost effective to operate. These can either have a photo sensitive eye, or they can be attached to a timer.
High voltage lighting is the last of the three. This type of lighting involves installation of lighting fixtures that are separate from each other, increasing the flexibility of the types of fixtures used, the application of the specific light as well as placement of the fixtures. The basic fixtures themselves may start out at a reasonable price, but depending on features and appearance, can go up in price. This type of system also requires installation of underground wiring and installation of a timer/transformer unit, and depending on the number of fixtures you are installing, the transformers can get quite pricey. However, if you want to create a specific effect with flood lights, directional lights or very specific mood lighting, high voltage may be the way to go. Yes, it costs more to install, but it is less expensive to maintain overall, far more flexible in application. These fixtures are sturdier, last far longer, the bulbs as well as many components of the fixtures themselves can be replaced and you can achieve a most elegant and professional result.
If you have questions or comments regarding outdoor lighting, feel free to post away! Marty will be available to answer questions, help you with installations and repairs or even schedule a free demo of various outdoor lighting products he can install for you.
Look for the New Release “Installing Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting the Easy Way “, a comprehensive instruction guide to walk you through every step of selecting and installing a low-voltage outdoor lighting system!
October 11th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I own an older home in Aiken, SC. We have a lighting system installed and several of the light fixtures are broken. The first 2 lights are “bullet shaped” and some sort of gray metal, these are directed up into Crepe Myrtle Trees and no longer work. I was told they need to be replaced. I can see no maker stamp on the light fixtures themselves, so I don’t know who the manufacturer is. There is 1 light in the pool area that is not working as well. It is a (Chinese) lantern type light that hangs from a small pole (Black metal) and it also needs replacing.
This is a low-voltage system, there are 2 transformers in my garage, 1 for the front yard and 1 for the pool area. I can’t seem to find lights that will match these in any of the stores around town, and quite frankly, the estimates that I have gotten from the 2 or 3 lighting guys in town were outrageous. I could replace the fixtures myself if I could find the ones to match. Any ideas where I might be able to look for replacements?
October 11th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
TClansee3;
There are lots of outdoor lighting manufacturers out there. I’ll post some of the companies info. that are common to our area. Hard to tell who the maker is without looking at the actual fixtures, but this will give you a good place to start. I suggest browsing their online catalogs and finding your matches that way. If you don’t find matches here, just Google Outdoor Lighting Manufacturers and see what comes up for you.
Jodi
Progress Lighting
101 Corporate Drive, Suite L
Spartenburg, SC 29303
http://www.progresslighting.com
864-599-6000
Nightscapes
704.875.8785
email info@nightscapesdesign.com.
http://www.nightscapesdesign.com
Kichler® Lighting
7711 East Pleasant Valley Road
P.O. Box 318010
Cleveland, Ohio 44131-8010
http://www.kichler.com
Hadco
100 Craftway
Littlestown, PA 17340
http://www.hadcolighting.com
717-359-7131
Architectural Landscape Lighting
2930 South Fairview Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
http://www.alllighting.com
800-854-8277
American Lighting Association
Box 420288
Dallas, TX 75342-0288
http://www.americanlightingassoc.com
800-274-4484
General Electric Company
1975 Noble Rd.
Nela Park
Cleveland OH 44112
http://www.gelighting.com
800-435-2677
Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting
1625 Surveyor Ave.
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Phone: (805) 527-0987 or (800) 766-8478
Fax: (888) 670-8478
Email: email@vistapro.com
http://www.vistapro.com/
Affordable Quality Lighting
Mailing Address
23638 Lyons Ave, Suite 456
Newhall, CA 91321
1-818-534-5300
http://www.affordablequalitylighting.com/
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
October 11th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Thanks for all the names and addresses. Hopefully with all that I can find something close to what I have.
October 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
We are looking at installing lighting in our yard and starting to do research on types of lights. That is great info! Thanks for posting all that. Also, do you have any words of wisdom on installing low-voltage lighting? This is our first major do-it-yourself landscape project, so any help is good at this point.
Debbie
October 11th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Peasinapod and TClansee3;
If Marty or I can help you with anything along the way, just post or email me. We will be happy to help however we can. As for the advice on your project Peasinapod, Marty and I are in the process of writing an e-book on Low Voltage Landscape Lighting, it should be available in the next week or so.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
Note:
I have added several suppliers to the list above after researching past orders.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Just wanted to say thanks for the help. I found matches for both types of lights, all from Hadco. I ordered them online and they were MUCH cheaper than the quotes I had gotten.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
TClansee3;
I take it none of the people you got quotes from told you where they would be getting the lights? Boooo, shame on them
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
October 15th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Nope, never told me anything, just gave me a generic quote for replacement of three light fixtures and a service call fee.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Apparently they like keeping their little secrets to themselves. Shame shame. Glad we could help you out! Let us know if you run into any challenges replacing them. Maybe you should email them the link to this site! …the cat’s outta the bag now!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
October 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Ok, you guys have my interest peaked. What, in your opinion, is the “best” type of outdoor lighting system to have installed for the typical homeowner that just wants to add some atmosphere and up the safety factor? Why do you think it is best?
I am asking purely out of curiosity because it is something I have thought about doing but have not gotten around to yet. We have an older home (about 60 year old farm house) that is out in the country. The only lighting we have now are the lights on either side of our front and back doors and flood lights on our garage/shop areas. We aren’t looking for anything too fancy, but some lights around the front, the driveway and our deck in the back would really be nice. We have not really investigated lighting yet as we have had lots of projects to complete during the renovation of the interior of the house. We should be done with the interior sometime this December, and then the outside gets its’ turn. So I am sort of planning ahead.
October 16th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Blakenme56;
In my opinion low-voltage is the way to go. Low-Voltage lighting is relatively inexpensive for a basic home system. The transformers, even the ones with a large capacity and a great warrantee, are reasonably priced, the overall maintenance is low, it does not require an electrician to install any of the wiring, you can chose from hundreds, if not thousands of styles of lights from many different manufacturers for many different applications. These systems can be installed in a number of configurations, they are flexible in the types of lights you can install, and with compact fluorescent bulbs (or lamps), they are very economical to operate. Combine those energy efficient lamps with a timer and you are good to go. There is no risk for shock if a wire is cut while digging or moving a light fixture and the wire you use is easily repaired if it is cut. How do you beat that?
I just think that if you are going to install an outdoor lighting system, it’s the way to go. Electricians are expensive, and someone with literally ZERO experience with electrical wiring can install one of these systems.
FYI: Marty and I are about ready to publish our e-book on how to install low-voltage lighting. I’m hoping to have it up on the website in a day or so.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
October 26th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Just wanted to let you know, I got the replacement lights from Hadco, they came with everything I needed. They were easy as pie to replace and they look great. Thanks for the help…You saved me gobs of cash on this one.
October 26th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Excellent!! Glad I was more help on the lights than the tunnels
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
October 29th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Solar landscape lighting or electrically powered landscape lighting can provide a really nice effect for your lawn at night.
**But Can a 12V House Work?**
If one considers the number of low voltage devices in a modern home - mobile phone chargers, TVs, PCs etc - and add that to the possibility of using photovoltaics or maybe wind power linked to a 12V battery array, I have often wondered if efficiency gains could be made by installing a 12V DC system in parallel with our conventional 240V AC wiring. Then there could be 2 systems, one running lighting, consumer electronics and possibly things like fridges, and the other running the high power appliances such as ovens, etc (I would have solar water heating so no big geyser).
So I went to Google and this is what I found:
Self-sufficientish has done it for his lights
Halfbakery had some good discussion although there are some reality checks in the comments
Treehugger has an article too
Homepower Magazine looks like a good source of information (a good rule of thumb from the site: every dollar spent on energy efficiency saves $3-5 on providing new power)
So in short… its been done, its not that easy to do it properly, but its worth trying…
October 29th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Interesting…Nothing worth having is ever easy!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
December 30th, 2008 at 8:12 am
[...] Landscape Lighting | TurfGal [...]
January 6th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Kichler Timer Unit Transformer | Solar Lighting:
Thanks for the ping-back. Hope I can help some of your people get the look they have always wanted without spending a fortune! Perhaps some of my clients can view your site for price and availability options as well.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
January 6th, 2009 at 11:42 am
F and K Andra;
Thank you for your recent purchase of my Landscape Lighting e-book. Sorry for the delay in fulfillment of your order. The book has been sent. If you have any other problems, please contact me!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
January 14th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
[...] Landscape Lighting | TurfGal [...]
January 26th, 2009 at 11:48 am
We purchased your lighting book several weeks ago. My husband used it to select and install lights along our driveway, front walking path, garage and back deck. He said it really helped him a lot in laying out the system and making sense of what and where to buy. We decided on Kichler lights and ordered them online. Our yard looks so much nicer and we have gotten several compliments from neighbors already. (The system was finished 01/25/09) Thanks for a great book. Very helpful to us. My husband loves telling people that he put the system in by himself too.
Ginny McIntyre
January 27th, 2009 at 9:52 am
tweetypie66;
I am so glad the book helped you. I tried to be as informative as possible with that book, making the process of installing your own system as hassle-fee as possible. Thanks for the purchase and the feedback! Feel free to tell them all where you got the book that helped you!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
February 5th, 2009 at 5:25 am
Hello to all
I can’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Help me, please
February 5th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Music_Mp3_Flourlfraro:
As far as I know, you just click on the small orange icon on the top of the page you are interested in subscribing to. (When you mouse over it, it should say “subscribe to this page”.) The icon is in the right hand side of your search bar, or at least that’s where mine is in FireFox. Hope that helped.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
February 8th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Very nice site, great information here. I will be checking regularly for tips! Thanks
February 8th, 2009 at 11:50 am
tymnengange:
Thanks!
If you need help with a specific project, feel free to post your questions in the appropriate section! We are here to help.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
February 13th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
[...] Landscape Lighting | TurfGal [...]
February 14th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Progress Line Voltage Flood Light | Landscape Lighting:
Thank you for the add! I hope to help anyone that wants to post questions!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
March 15th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Greatings,
Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Thanks
GlenStef
March 16th, 2009 at 1:45 am
GlenStef:
Post if you have questions! I’ll be happy to answer them.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
March 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 am
Hello,
Thanks for article. Everytime I like to read you.
Thanks
AnnaHopn
March 24th, 2009 at 7:16 am
AnnaHopn:
Than you for the post and link. If you have a specific question, feel free to ask. I’ll be more than happy to get answers posted for you!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
April 11th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Hi there,
Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Thanks
Hobosic
April 19th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
David Smithey…
Our weblog will share what we’ve learned over the last ten years with regard to lighting design, installation, service, product innovation, light bulb technology, green home and environmental considerations, and lighting controls. Enjoy!…
April 20th, 2009 at 11:02 am
David Smithey;
Great info on your site. I am allowing your post as it is relevant and I think it may help some of my readers. Thanks for the post!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
April 27th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
thanks !! very helpful post!
May 4th, 2009 at 3:12 am
Established in 1997, Ningbo Zhongxing Lamp & Light Co.,Ltd. is a professional manufacturer specializing in research, design and production of all kinds of indoor and outdoor lamps. We can produce all kinds of Halogen Lamps,Lawn Lamps, Bulkhead Lamps, Garden lamps,Wall Lamps, Led Lamps,Spot Lamps,Stainless Steel Lamps,Floodlight Lamps and Work Lamps,etc. All of our products have passed GS and CE certificates.
“High effective, energy conservation, innovation, environment protection” is our company’s aim.With solid technical strength and manufacturing, our company can supply the satisfied service for all of our old and new customers. All of our efforts are to meet the needs of customers and to exceed customer expectations.
Welcome to visit our website:
http://zxss.en.alibaba.com http://www.zxlamps.com
May 4th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Mr.Jack:
Very nice selection of fixtures. Some of the designs are truly unique. Makes me think about buying new deck lights. Hmmmmmmm.
Thanks for the link, I think some of my readers could really benefit from that.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Thanks for the list of sites.I found another good resource for lighting products when i was searching for lamps.I just want to share it here so that it may be of help to your readers.
This site http://www.eco-lights.com has nice collection of lighting products made from recyclable materials.
Hope this helps!!
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
smarty:
Thanks for the link. They have some very nice products available.
I’m sure some of my readers will find that a very helpful resource!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
June 12th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
I have one solar light post to install. I would like it out front. Is it best to install it near the front walk or at the front of the driveway?
June 13th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
claudette:
If you have problems seeing your driveway at night, the light would solve the problem, if your front walk is dark, you may need to install it there. You may also want to consider a location that will illuminate both areas, and if that is not possible, perhaps getting another post might help. I suppose it depends where the type of light you have to install would do the most good and look the best.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Your post Landscape Lighting | TurfGal was very interesting when I found it over google on Tuesday by my search for outdoor lighting. I have your blog now in my bookmarks and I visit your blog again, soon. Take care. Parejaspareja.es
November 16th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I’ve really enjoyed reading your articles. You obviously know what you are talking about! Your site is so easy to navigate too, I’ve bookmarked it in my favourites
November 19th, 2009 at 4:46 am
This is a great site, I love the theme you are using. I Stumbled on it and bookmarked it on Digg. I found it via your facebook site, great information throughout the site. I will be purchasing one, possibly more of your books.
Thanks.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 am
I like your style, the fact that your site is a little bit different makes it so interesting, I get fed up of seeing same-old-same-old all of the time.
December 8th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Thank you for all the nice comments! Happy Holidays.
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
December 21st, 2009 at 12:36 am
Christmas Lights are up all over town!!
The Lights Before Christmas display at the Riverbanks Zoo is fabulous again this year. If you have not taken the time to go see it, you should. As always, they did an outstanding job. We had a great time at the zoo despite the somewhat drizzly night. It didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of anyone at the zoo though. The displays were amazing and really got people into the Holiday spirit! Kudos to all at the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens for giving us such a wonderful light show yet again this year! *Claps* Hooray!
Happy Holidays All!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
January 18th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Nice article.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:36 am
Saw your Blog bookmarked on Reddit.I love your site and marketing strategy.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him
So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! http://diysolarpanelsfordummies.blogspot.com/
February 9th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
DIY Solar Power:
Thanks for the comments, passing on my site and the link. Solar is the future! Go green. Thanks
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
February 17th, 2010 at 7:23 am
I found this blog while searching for low voltage outdoor lighting today. Interesting.
March 4th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
March 5th, 2010 at 7:53 am
Turfgal
Was wondering if you have any good information regarding installation of solar panels for home use, not just for landscape lighting but say to heat your pool, etc. Not really landscape lighting, I know, but in searching the internet, all I am getting is confused.
BFrick
March 5th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Bfrick;
I know solar is all the rage today. I really have not had call to do much research on solar panels in any sort of array for home use. In the past the installation and maintenance cost have far exceeded any savings unless it’s commercial use. That may have changed. Perhaps some of our readers have some input…
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
March 5th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
We don’t think it’s as easy as your everyday peel-and-stick adhesive bumper sticker, but just the same. It sounds like a major improvement from the tedious drilling and constructing that goes into the installation of ordinary solar panels. The Lumeta PowerPly solar panels are glued in place on the roof, using adhesives normally used in roofing. So far the method/product is only available for commercial buildings, but we hope an application for private homes will be in the market soon.
March 6th, 2010 at 7:00 am
Bfrick;
At least we got one response. I don’t know how much help I’m going to be on this subject. It’s a wee tad out of my realm. Sorry :(!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!
March 17th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I like the blog, but could not find how to subscribe to receive the updates by email. Can you please let me know?
March 20th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Thanks for the info… i’ll put it to good use
April 20th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
That’s good-looking good article,I really love the tips you have given.Will be referring a lot of friends in relation to this.Looking forward to reading more from you…So keep blogging. Valuable information and excellent post you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up!
April 22nd, 2010 at 1:00 am
How-do-you-do, just needed you to know I have added your site to my Google bookmarks because of your extraordinary blog layout. But seriously, I think your site has one of the freshest theme I’ve come across. It really helps make reading your blog a lot easier.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:35 am
Like info on this blog thank you
April 22nd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Just wanted to give you a shout from the valley of the sun, great information. Much appreciated. http://biodieseldiesel.com
April 23rd, 2010 at 9:40 am
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.
woonut51
April 26th, 2010 at 9:03 am
This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
May 14th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
solar panels suppliers…
Not sure why Landscape Lighting | TurfGal appeared so high in the results when I was looking for info on solar panels suppliers today and I wasn’t going to bother reading it but I did and it was worth the couple of minutes it took. Thought provoking …
May 14th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
solar panels suppliers;
Yay for SEOs! I sure am glad they are working and my search ratings are up there! Glad you thought it was an interesting read. I try and pack lots of good info that is actually usable. I am allowing your link as it’s got some really good info I think my clients/readers can use.
Thanks!
Jodi
TurfGal~Happiness by the Yard!