What is Landscape Lighting?

Landscape Lighting is the creation of a lighting effect. It is not the display of lighting fixtures. With the possible exception of path lights, the fixtures should not be seen... it’s their effect, effect upon the landscape and architecture that should be seen.

Why add Landscape Lighting?

The addition of a professionally designed and installed low voltage lighting system will add to the "curb appeal" of your property. It will allow you enjoy your landscaping many more hours a day and to utilize your investment to a greater extent. It will add and element of safety and security by lighting areas that were previously dark or hidden by shadows.

Why Low Voltage Lighting?

Low voltage lighting uses a transformer to reduce regular household current (120 volt) to voltage between 12 and 15 volts. This lower voltage is safer and requires less disturbance to the existing landscape to install. Where lights using 120 volts are required to be have lines buried 18", low voltage cable can be discreetly hidden in beds and shallow (6") slits in the lawn. Low voltage fixture may also be moved easily giving you and the installer more flexibility in creating the desired impact. The soft effect of low voltage lighting is also more appealing when compared to the harsh glare of 120 volt systems. Finally, the electrical consumption of a low voltage system is about a third of a 120 volt system.

I am having my contractor design my landscape now. Can you work with them?

Yes, this is a great opportunity to tailor the lighting to fit the design of your landscaper. It will also allow us to work together to install the wiring and fixtures before the last plants are in place. In many cases we can have lines or conduits put under walkways and walls, before they are built, which will give us more flexibility in developing your lighting design.

I have spent a lot of money on my landscape, how much damage will be done during installation?

Low Voltage Lighting installation requires minimum trenching and in most cases, when crossing grass, we can use a slit trench, which heals very quickly and should not be noticeable after a week or so. In those cases involving grass, we like to have the lawn watered thoroughly ahead of time as this not only makes the slit trenching easier, but leaves a much smaller scar. When ever possible, we will try to keep most of the wire runs in beds, where it is easily hidden in the mulch.

Where will the transformer be installed?

Our first choice is to install the transformer outside and in an area out of normal viewing. The transformers are stainless steel and designed for outdoor use. We have, on occasion, installed transformers in garages when other options were not workable. Outdoor installation will allow us to perform routine checks on the unit without having to schedule you to be home.

How will the lights be turned on and off?

The most common way to deal with the cycling of lights is with a timer. The timer is located in the stainless steel transformer box and can be easily adjusted. In other installations we can use a photo eye to turn the system on and off. We can also use both a timer and a photo eye on an installation, which allows the system to be energized at dusk and off based on the timer.

Do you install Solar Lights?

No. Solar lights are not something that we choose to deal with, other than replacement of them with a low voltage system. They are not effective and do not provide a pleasing source of light to enhance your landscape and architecture. Perhaps technology in that field will advance in the future to a point where solar lights can be part of a professional lighting design, but they are not at that level yet.

What brands of lights and transformers do you use?

There are several good brands of landscaping lighting equipment available to the professional installer and we have used several. At Lincoln Landscape Lighting we have chosen to use only top of the line products. We consider Cast, Unique and Vista to be our primary products. We encourage you to look at those sites and get a feel for what low voltage lighting entails for the homeowner.

Is there any way we can see the impact of a Low Voltage Lighting on our home before we commit?

Yes, we can set up a nighttime demonstration of lighting at your home. We have the ability to leave a demonstration system at your home for 48 hours. The system would not light all of your property, but would give you a very good feel for how the overall installation would look.

I have a system installed, but it needs service. Do you do that?

Yes, we service existing systems and can update or add to existing systems as needed.

How long does it take to install a system?

Normally a system of 15-20 lights can be installed in 1- 2 days. However, as you may imagine, there are a number of variables that impact the installation. The number of lights, type of lights, distance of wire runs, soil condition, driveways etc must be take into consideration. As we look at the project, we will be able to give a more precise estimate of the time. Our goal is to install the system properly and not damage the landscape, so if it takes longer to install….we will spend the time.

What kind of warranty do you provide?

We provide a one-year warranty on all new systems installed. We will replace bulbs at the end of the first year as well clean and adjust all lights. After the first year we offer service contracts to maintain the system. We honor all manufacture warranties on lights and transformers.

Do you provide free consultation?

Yes, if you would like a consultation, Contact Us and we will set up a time to visit with you and develop a plan to meet your lighting needs. After the onsite visit we would send you a written proposal outlining our lighting plan and the cost.

Do you offer financing of the project?

Yes, we work with an agency that will extend you the option of paying 6 or 12 months “same as cash” with no additional cost you, subject to credit approval.