Marietta Landscape Lighting Images - 6/21/2022

 

Alpharetta Landscape Lighting Images - 6/21/2022

 

Outdoor Landscape Lighting Images - 6/21/2022

 

Landscape Lighting Tips to Make Acworth Homes Magical

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Acworth, GA, designs and installs LED low-voltage landscape lighting in the Metro Atlanta area. For nearly fifteen years, the team of lighting professionals has been making Acworth homes magical with elegant designs, highest-quality fixtures, and impeccable maintenance and customer service.

 

Magic-Making Begins and Ends with a Plan

A landscape design master plan considers the entire property, from the first shovelful of dirt to the landscape lighting system that makes the home visible, beautiful, usable, and safe after dark. The plan combines design concepts such as balance, proportion, focalization, rhythm and line, and simplicity.

The plan may be hand-rendered or an AutoCAD drawing. Images of plants, construction materials, hardscapes, color renderings, and section drawings are utilized to fully convey the design concept to the homeowner, contractors, HOA, or municipal architectural board. A master plan may vary in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the project's complexity.

Wise planning is priceless. Thoughtful coordination can increase efficiency, reduce costs, prevent redundancies, and limit collateral damage to completed phases. A well-configured master plan can also allow the homeowner to install the landscaping in orderly stages that are budget-friendly.

A landscape master plan can include: demolition, grading, tree removal, tree, and shrub installation, fencing, the driveway, custom gating, walkways, water features (waterfalls, fountains, and fishponds), benches, a patio, decks, a gazebo, outdoor ceiling fans, a firepit, an outdoor kitchen, a stone pizza oven, gas lines, electrical lines, grass or sod, planting beds and plants, boulders, statuary, stonework, decorative planters, murals, mulch, irrigation, a pool, a spa, playground, lawn furniture, an LED low-voltage lighting system, labor, permitting, and oversight.

Budgeting the Landscape Lighting Wish List

The American Society of Landscape Architects offers the following advice on formulating a landscape budget in line with the home's style, price, and location: “Make a realistic budget. One rule of thumb is to invest 10 to 20 percent of your home’s value. If this seems steep, consider that landscape improvement return 100 to 200 percent of their cost when a house is sold—it’s the best improvement you can make in terms of increasing resale value.”

The article also contains encouraging news regarding the effects of landscape design on the home's value: “Homes that have been professionally landscaped can fetch 15 percent to 20 percent more at the time of resale than homes with less attractive landscapes.”

Creating Landscape Lighting Magic

Tip #1: Make LED low-voltage landscape lighting a non-negotiable, core priority.

Suppose a homeowner budgets $75,000 for landscaping on a $500,000 home. In that case, the project should include a landscape lighting component that makes the home, the landscaping, and the numerous amenities (pool, spa, patio, firepit, outdoor kitchen, etc.) visible, beautiful, usable, and safe after dark.

Too often, landscape lighting is an afterthought or receives no thought at all in the landscape master plan. Once the landscape and hardscapes are installed, the budget is exhausted, and so are the homeowners. If landscape lighting is a core priority in the funding from the start, funds earmarked for the lighting design and installation phase will be available.

Tip #2: Enlist the services of a proven landscape lighting professional.

Involve the lighting design professional in the overall landscape master planning from the earliest stages of the project. The involvement of a lighting design professional from the very beginning of the landscape design and installation process facilitates the incorporation of lighting design principles in the landscape master plan. The inclusion of lighting design and installation considerations in the master plan can enhance the landscape lighting's aesthetic quality and functional capacity. Also, costly redundancies, inefficiencies, and damage to other systems (irrigation, plumbing, electrical) can be avoided.

Tip #3: Enjoy the magic of LED low-voltage lighting early in the project.

Do not wait until the entire landscape project is completed to install the lighting design. In coordination with the architect overseeing the project, install as much of the lighting plan as possible so everyone can enjoy the completed phases. Extensive landscape master plans may extend over years. The beauty of an LED landscape lighting system is its flexibility. As soon as the new patio, outdoor kitchen, or other landscape elements are installed, turn on the landscape lighting and create magic in the backyard.

Contact Southern Landscape Lighting Systems for more information about LED landscape lighting design and installation. The Acworth office can be reached by calling (678) 324-6842 or emailing lindsey@southernlls.com.

The Downside of DIY Landscape Lighting Design and Installation

A jaw-dropping LED low-voltage landscape lighting project requires a fabulous design, premium quality components, and a flawless installation. Once installed and fully operational, the system will need scheduled maintenance for continuous, peak performance. If Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Marietta, GA, designed and installed the plan, the homeowner or business owner can take confidence knowing that the fixtures, wiring, junction boxes, and controls are of the highest quality and can endure the weather, children, pets, and any urban wildlife.

Maintenance will be easy and quick. LED bulbs have a lower operating temperature, making the lenses easier to clean. Also, LED bulbs last up to 25,000 or more hours, resulting in fewer replacements. Malfunctions are few and far between with this revolutionary twenty-first-century lighting technology.

An awe-inspiring LED landscape lighting project is no simple accomplishment. Some homeowners assume lighting only involves adding several spotlights and path lights around the property. Below are some of the more common mistakes that homeowners make when attempting a DIY landscape design and installation project.

Common Mistakes That Homeowners Make When Attempting A DIY Landscape

1. Unsightly brightness

Less is more in the arena of landscape lighting. The tendency in a DIY project is to excessively illuminate an area with too many fixtures or bulbs that are too harsh for the desired scenery. Many retail institutions may offer only one setting option: bright. This mistake makes the yard, walkways, and driveway take on the appearance of an airport runway. If planes begin to circle overhead, it might be time to bring in a lighting professional to correct the lighting problem.

Too much lighting may transgress HOA or municipal lighting guidelines intended to reduce or eliminate light pollution. Both a novice DIYer and a lighting company can make this same mistake. Creating a beautiful and strategic landscape lighting design in the dense metro Atlanta area requires both talent and skill. Not all lighting professionals possess the skill set, experience, and talent to accomplish this feat.

2. Failure to conceal lighting fixtures

The DIY installer is often unable to avoid the unsightly exposure of numerous lighting fixtures, a feature that detracts from the natural appeal of the scenery. Concealment is the evidence of a brilliant design designer. The fixtures are not on display. In most cases, only the light should be seen. The combination of skill and genius in lighting placement can be subtle, leaving onlookers unsure exactly where the light originates. Concealment and misdirection are marks of true lighting professionals.

3. Outdated lighting technology

Landscape lighting technology has taken a quantum leap since 2010. Many DIYers mistake using outdated landscape lighting technology that is energy-inefficient, high maintenance, and unsafe for humans and pets. Because low-voltage LEDs burn bright but not hot, they are safer than traditional incandescent and halogen lighting systems. LEDs are exceptionally durable and 80% more energy-efficient than halogen lighting.

 

4. Underwhelming lighting

The DIYer may skimp on the quality and number of lighting fixtures to save money and time, but the result can be inadequate and unimpressive. Landscape lighting should have a definite “wow!” factor, which is not necessarily accomplished with bright, intrusive, and obnoxious applications. Subtle, delicate lighting techniques and applications can achieve the desired effect. In addition to creating a captivating lighting plan, the landscape lighting design professional will also install high-quality fixtures made of bronze powder aluminum or steel, which look great and hold up well.

5. Poor lighting placement

Creating a lighting layout that fails to spotlight the home and landscape adequately is all too easy. DIY enthusiasts may have the ideal lighting design in their head, only to discover that they lack the skills necessary to bring the vision to fruition. Optimal aesthetic appeal and functionality are achieved through careful planning that involves selecting the appropriate fixtures and strategically positioning them to create the desired effect. A true lighting professional can deliver both beauty and functionality.

6. Not choosing to light professional for landscape lighting design and installation

A professionally designed plan with premium quality fixtures is an investment that, when well executed, can produce excellent visual results and strong ROI for the homeowner or business.

Contact Southern Landscape Lighting Systems for more details about outdoor LED lighting installation and service. The Marietta office can be reached by calling (678) 616-9166 or emailing lindsey@southernlls.com.

How Better LED Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Is Better for Business

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta, GA, specializes in residential and commercial LED low-voltage landscape lighting design, installation, and service. The team offers free onsite consultations and a nighttime demonstration for customers interested in moving forward with a lighting system. Lindsey Rodericks and the team at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta, GA, highlight ten ways an LED landscape lighting system is better for business.

 

Ten Ways a Business Benefits from Better LED Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

1. The business with better landscape lighting gets noticed.

After dark, a business with outdoor LED landscape lighting has an advantage since the façade is evident to drivers and pedestrians. Other companies may have minimal lighting for security purposes, but a business with an intentional outdoor lighting design gets noticed.

2. The business with better landscape lighting is cast positively.

A well-designed and installed commercial LED landscape lighting system makes a business visible and makes the business façade and landscape more attractive and appealing to onlookers.

3. The business with better landscape lighting makes a great first impression.

A first impression is a lasting impression. Two recent Princeton University studies indicate that a person will form a first impression within a tenth of a second of viewing another person’s face. Another study out of the UK finds that first impressions are made within 30 to 100 milliseconds, barely a glance. In a real sense, a business’s physical location is the face of the company, and onlookers, whether vehicle traffic, pedestrians, or visitors to a website, will form a lasting impression of the business with a fleeting glance.

4. The business with better landscape lighting increases brand awareness.

Landscape lighting is a dynamic component of a business’s marketing strategy that can increase brand awareness by highlighting the brand name (signage) and assets (logo, mascot, brand colors, products). Positive brand awareness is better for business.

5. The business with better landscape lighting stimulates mental muscle memory.

According to respected advertising research, three to seven interactions are needed for a message to register with a viewer. Beyond seven interactions, repetitive impressions accumulate benefits, and impact does not suffer diminishing returns for quite some time. People who see the location regularly will remember it, and if the first impression is positive, repetitive images will reinforce it.

6. The business with better landscape lighting can deploy a wide variety of lighting options.

Repetitive impressions reinforce the image and, therefore, the brand message in the brain, which can affect purchasing behaviors. Over time, boredom sets in and dulls message reception. The versatility of LED lighting technology allows a business to make creative adjustments that refresh and improve the visual experience while maintaining a consistent yet vibrant brand message.

 

7. The business with better landscape lighting can integrate brand awareness with the brand message.

Repetitive positive impressions powerfully connect a product or service with the location and the brand. People who frequently observe the well-illuminated façade will think about the product or service when they are in the general vicinity of the business. A reverse association develops, as well. When people interact with a product or service in another venue or on the internet, that beautifully illuminated business, retail outlet, or professional office pops into the mind.

8. The business with better landscape lighting distinguishes itself from competitors.

Excellent landscape lighting singles out the business from the competition and elevates the brand above the crowd. When the company stands out, it not only gets noticed, it acquires gravitas.

9. The business with better landscape lighting can more effectively advertise its products and services.

Landscape lighting can create a frame for a building or property to draw attention to products displayed in a window or on the property. This use of real estate and outdoor landscape lighting effectively leverages businesses with high vehicle traffic after dark.

10. A business with better landscape lighting creates a safe, secure environment for a more pleasant and relaxed customer experience from the parking lot to the entrance.

Customers are more likely to schedule appointments or shop after dark when tastefully and safely illuminating the entire property. Highlighting steps, ramps, walkways, walls, and benches assist customers in making their way to the store or office. Thoughtful lighting eliminates shadows and addresses potential trip-and-fall situations.

To learn more about the LED landscape lighting services offered by Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, contact the Alpharetta office by calling (770) 691-1221. The team can also be reached by email at lindsey@southernlls.com.

LED Landscape Lighting Strategies for Churches in the Metro Atlanta Area

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Marietta designs, installs, and services residential and commercial outdoor lighting systems in the metro Atlanta area. The LED landscape lighting professionals team strives to put each customer in the best light. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Marietta has secured the appropriate licensing relevant to the landscape lighting industry and uses only the highest-quality lighting features and installation techniques to illuminate the client’s home or business.

 

Landscape Lighting Opportunities for Marietta, GA, Churches

Georgia is located in the heart of the Bible Belt, and the solid religious culture of the state is one of the key reasons people are flocking to the area. The greater Atlanta area boasts over 1,500 churches and religious buildings. Most of the facilities have nighttime lighting, even if it is just a few streetlights illuminating the building and parking lot for security and safety purposes. However, like many homes and businesses, many churches have yet to update to LED technology. This lag in embracing and installing the newer, more advanced option keeps churches from enjoying the many benefits of LED low-voltage landscape lighting technology. It is time for a change. Churches in the Marietta and greater metro Atlanta area need to have a conversion experience when lighting sacred spaces.

Below are five reasons why Metro Atlanta churches should consider upgrading to LED low-voltage landscape lighting.

1. LED low voltage lighting is highly energy-efficient and cost-effective.

LED technology uses 80% less energy than traditional halogen lighting systems, and traditional halogen lighting consumes five times as much electricity as LED technology. The money saved by converting to LED will pay for the system over time. The energy efficiency savings could also help fund a church ministry, such as a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.

2. LED bulbs are low maintenance and enhance sustainability.

LED bulbs are long-lasting and can emit light for tens of thousands of hours before needing to be replaced. As a result, LED bulbs have lower maintenance requirements. The outstanding longevity of the bulbs also conserves natural resources, enhancing sustainability and reducing contributions to local landfills.

3. LED lighting is durable.

LED bulbs are shock-resistant. The bulbs are housed in sturdy, high-impact, corrosive-resistant fixtures that will last indefinitely in the elements. The institutions can withstand both a lawn maintenance crew and an energetic youth group.

4. LED low-voltage lighting is safe for the community environment of the church.

LED technology operates at a much lower voltage rate than traditional halogen lighting. The lower voltage is safer, and the danger of personal injury from electrical shock is significantly reduced. LED bulbs also burn at a much lower temperature than halogen lighting; these lower operational temperatures decrease the possibility of burn injuries and fire damage.

5. LED lighting enhances the safety and security of the church facility.

The efficient, safe technology of LED lighting enables a church to deploy more fixtures in high traffic areas and low-traffic areas. By illuminating both spaces, the overall safety and security of the church property are strengthened. The mature segment of the congregation will feel at ease being on the premises during the evening hours.

The additional lighting will enhance the ability of the church to maintain a secure facility, especially if the property is under video surveillance. Since LED is a programmable technology, the church security team can proactively program lighting configurations that interface well with the scheduled activities of the congregation, such as on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesday nights.

LED landscape lighting technology has come into its own over the last decade and is affordable, energy-efficient, safe, low maintenance, and programmable. Offering all these benefits, outdoor LED lighting is an excellent fit for a metro Atlanta area church that needs to light its building and property. The lighting professionals at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Marietta are available to provide onsite consultation and evaluation. The team also maintains and services landscape lighting systems so that clients can turn to Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Marietta for all their outdoor lighting needs.

The team of landscape lighting experts at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Marietta can be reached by phone at (678) 616-9166. The office can also be contacted by email at lindsey@southernlls.com.

The Importance of Curb Appeal for the Entrance to a Residential Community

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta understands the power of a great landscape lighting design plan to positively impact the perception, expectations, and intrinsic and actual value of a residence, business, or professional office building. Eye-catching architecture, majestic landscaping, unique sculpture, exquisite stonework, inviting outdoor living spaces, and stunning signage forfeit their power to generate interest, create perception, shift expectations, and add value when darkness falls. Poorly lit or non-illuminated features cease to exist in the shroud of darkness.

The lighting professionals at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta take pride in assisting developers, HOA’s, and individual homeowners to enhance a residential entrance's beauty, ambiance, drama, utility, safety, security, and value home or a business.

 

The Importance and Priority of Curb Appeal

Some developers of residential communities understand and fully embrace the power of curb appeal to communicate ethos and shape consumer perception about a planned community or neighborhood. Before the first lot in the gated community is sold, a well-designed and well-executed entrance is installed, complete with mature shrubs, tasteful color, elegant stonework, and stunning ironwork from a master craftsman. The surrounding neighborhoods buzz with speculation, anticipating the construction of homes that will reflect the grandeur and strength of the magnificent entrance.

In an exclusive, well-defined residential community, curb appeal begins at the entrance to the community. Within the community, curb appeal for each property is the homeowner's responsibility, who must maintain the home and property within the covenants and deed restrictions of the HOA. Adherence to the somewhat restrictive HOA guidelines can be stifling and counterproductive for the homeowner, who, like the discerning developer, understands and fully embraces the power of curb appeal to shape the perceptions and expectations of passersby, guests, and most importantly, potential buyers.

The entrance provides guests with a powerful, enduring the first impression. A well-executed design frames the access to the community in a way that captures the attention and creates the experience of entering an idyllic space of warmth, beauty, elegance, and prestige.

The entrance casts the community in the best light in the following manner:

• Sets or reinforces the visitor’s expectations before the first home is visible
• Elevates the perception of the quality and value of homes in the neighborhood
• Enhances the intrinsic value of living in the residential community
• Increases the economic value of the houses in the community

An article in Realtor Magazine entitled “How Much Does Curb Appeal Affect Home Value?” cites a recent study that analyzes the value of curb appeal. According to the article, “Homes with high curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7% more than similar houses with an uninviting exterior, according to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington.” The research also highlighted the positive impact of a neighbor’s curb appeal on a home’s premium value. The findings of this study reinforce the impact and importance of the entrance to a residential community.

LED landscape lighting is the perfect choice for residential or commercial landscape lighting. LED bulbs use 80% less energy than traditional halogen bulbs and have a lifespan of over 25,000 hours. The durable fixtures and bulbs can withstand temperature extremes, severe weather, and a pounding from the landscape maintenance crew. Since the bulbs operate at substantially lower temperatures than halogen bulbs, the lenses are easier to clean and only need maintenance once a year. LED is a sustainable technology for the future.

Residential community developers, HOA presidents, members, business owners, and homeowners to schedule a lighting consultation today. At Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta, the lighting experts design and install customized lighting plans that spotlight the best features. The team exercises meticulous attention to detail and considers functionality and aesthetics when undertaking a LED landscape lighting project. The company is equipped with the pertinent licensing for the industry and offers the best quality products, as well as professional design, installation, and continuing service support for residential and commercial clients in the metro Atlanta area.

For more information on landscape lighting installation and service, contact Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta by calling (770) 691-1221 or emailing lindsey@southernlls.com.

How to Prepare for an LED Landscape Lighting Consultation

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Acworth designs, installs and services premium residential and commercial outdoor LED lighting systems in the metro Atlanta area. The landscape lighting installation process includes a free day-time consultation/picture consultation where the team visits the client’s property. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Acworth estimates factors in the types of fixtures used, the number of institutions required for the project, and the price for the installation.

 

Preparing for a Lighting Consultation

Tip #1: Focus on three priorities: security, functionality, and beauty.

A well-designed and well-executed landscape lighting design can add up to 20% to the value of a house, and LED landscape lighting can help improve safety around the property. In addition, LED lighting and programmable technology can dramatically increase the enjoyment of the home.

Tip #2: Explore the benefits of LED lighting.

Modern LED landscape lighting technology boasts energy efficiency, long-lasting bulbs, low maintenance, flexibility, affordability, safety, and programmability. LEDs use 80% less energy than their traditional halogen counterparts. LED bulbs last upwards of 40,000 hours before needing to be changed.  The bulbs' longevity and the fixtures' durability explain the low maintenance. The lenses are easy to clean, as well. The low-voltage and lower operational temperature mean an LED lighting system is exceptionally safe.

Tip #3: Inquire about programmable technology.

With the advent of phone apps and Bluetooth technology, programmability has reached a zenith of capabilities and ease of use. The programming possibilities are as vast as the imagination and the needs of the customer. However, the application of the technology requires thoughtful intentionality.

Listed below are several questions to discuss with the design and installation team.

1. What hours of the evening should the lights be operational?

Evening Light: Light sensing technology can signal a lighting system to become operational when darkness falls. Dusk can be one of the most unsafe times of the day. A lighting system can be brought online in phases and locations to accommodate safety and security concerns. The homeowner may only want high traffic areas and entrances lighted during early dusk rather than prematurely bringing the entire system online. This capability also conserves energy and cuts costs. Ask the designer what other homeowners have done that might be helpful.

Morning Light: Most people think of landscape lighting as an evening rather than a morning amenity and only consider evening programming configurations and commands. Some metro Atlanta residents have the freedom to shift work schedules to avoid the morning metro traffic mayhem and will leave for work an hour or two early, meaning it is always dark when they leave for work.

Acworth, GA, homeowners should consider the benefits of bringing up all or some of the lighting systems in the early morning hours. The reasons may include:

• • Physical safety while walking from the home to the vehicle while it is still dark in the morning
  • Personal security while exercising, walking pets, taking out the trash, doing light yard work, or servicing vehicles before going to work
  • Stimulation from the blue light in LED arouses the mental faculties

2. Should later hours be scheduled for the weekend to accommodate entertainment, recreation, and leisure activities? If so, what are the time ranges?
3. What should be the priority for the default setting? Security, functionality, or aesthetics?

The security setting would cast light on areas of darkness that could double as hiding places for bad actors. Storage areas for lawn care and recreation equipment would also be lighted. Entranceways and the driveway garner special attention. The driveway could be illuminated with a simple command from a motion sensor, and the light would automatically turn off after a few minutes after the person has safely entered the vehicle and locked the door.

4. Is it possible to enhance recreational activity?

Another command could activate a recreational mode that makes the backyard safe for everything from kickball to croquet to soccer. In contrast to the bright recreational lighting option, a discrete mode would provide privacy and seclusion for that personal time of relaxation, reflection, and pleasure in the hot tub.

5. Can landscape lighting enhance curb appeal?

In collaboration with the lighting designer, the homeowner could configure a program setting that highlights the unique aesthetic qualities of the home. The special lighting would enhance guests’ first glimpse of the residence.

Tip #4: Broach the issue of light pollution.

Metro Atlanta ranks among the top ten largest metropolitan areas in the US. The larger, denser population has brought to light the issue of light pollution, so HOAs and municipalities are placing tighter restrictions on outdoor landscape lighting. These restrictions need to be identified at the beginning of the consultation.

Contact Southern Landscape Lighting Systems to learn more about landscape lighting design and installation. The Acworth office can be reached by phone at (678) 324-6842 or by email at lindsey@southernlls.com.