A Guide to Selecting Spotlights for Your Landscape Lighting Installation

There are many different types of lighting – from floodlights to spotlights, path lights, and area lights. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems shares their tips on selecting spotlights for a landscape lighting installation as they play an integral role in transforming the exterior of a house and property.

Spotlights have their origins in theatre and show business and were used to light up the main actors on the stage. Today, in landscape lighting designs, they perform a similar function drawing emphasis on a landscape or architectural feature. Different from floodlights that give light to a wide area, spotlights have a much narrower focus with a beam that highlights one feature at a time.

Outdoor lighting isn’t designed to flood the exterior of your home with light. Rather, it is the interplay of light and shadow that adds depth to a garden landscape after dark. The selective application of spotlights creates visual accents on a home’s walls or sidings.

There are different ways to add spotlights to your property, such as:

Exterior Walls

The spacing and positioning of spotlights that shine on a wall is key to creating a visually appealing exterior. Where the siding or wall is plain without windows, spotlights should be positioned so that the beams overlap about halfway up the wall. 

Columns

If your home has columns, these provide an ideal architectural feature for spotlighting. With columns there is usually a white section between the columns under the eaves; this is where the beam from each column should meet the next (halfway along). Using this design, a popular choice of spotlight is a well-type flush set fixture which presents the column in its best light with the illumination starting at the bottom of the column. 

Second Story

Outdoor architectural lighting aims to reveal the shape of the most important structures on the property so they can be seen even on a dark night. This requires that the upper story of a building is also illuminated along with the lower story. This represents a challenge for the landscape lighting company during the installation process as the spotlights will need to be mounted either under the eaves or in gutters. An alternative to this is to use narrow beam spotlights that are positioned from the ground and aimed to shine at the underside of the upper eaves while avoiding shining the lights into second-story windows.

Trees

Whether during the day or at night, trees are an integral part of your property’s landscape and are impressive features in their own right. When it comes to shining a spotlight on them, you will need to consider their size and shape to determine the best way to showcase them.

Tall, Expansive Trees

Large, wide trees will need more than one spotlight. An effective strategy is to use at least two 60-degree beams to illuminate the trunk and the outer edge of the canopy. The number of fixtures you use will depend on the size of the tree and the extent to which you want it to be a focal point in the design of your landscape.

Large, Narrow Trees

These trees will usually only need a single spotlight (although two will give better coverage) positioned at the base with a beam that is wide enough to light up the tree’s canopy.

Small to Medium-Sized Trees

Young or ornamental trees will need one spotlight. A 24-degree spotlight will work well for a short, narrow tree, while a short, wise tree can benefit from two 60-degree spotlights.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta, GA, offers engaging landscape lighting installations for their clients. With many years of experience in the industry, they consistently offer the best quality LED lighting and excellent customer service to the clients.

The following blog post was originally published to A Guide to Selecting Spotlights for Your Landscape Lighting Installation and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. See more on:} http://www.southernlls.com/

Five Simple Landscape Lighting Techniques for Your Home this Winter

With winter upon us, trees have lost their leaves, and your garden might be looking a bit bare. But, after dark, this provides the perfect opportunity to transform your property into a winter wonderland. With a professional outdoor landscape lighting installation you can add a sense of drama and beauty to your home’s exterior. 

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems shares their top five landscape lighting techniques for the winter season:

Add Contrast with Uplighting Your Garden's Landscape Design

Uplighting, rather than using floodlights, offers great contrast where up lights are placed closer to the building resulting in a bolder, more dramatic effect. Different from the typical wall-washing light from floodlights, it’s much easier to draw attention to the focal points of a landscape. This might range from architectural features of the home itself to areas of interest in the garden such as trees, fountains, structures or statues. For uplighting, spotlights and well lights are the most popular fixtures.

Create an Illuminated Backdrop with Silhouetting Landscape Lighting Effect

Silhouetting is where a fixture is placed behind the featured design and aimed against a wall to create a backlit feature. This is an excellent option for winter when trees lose their leaves, offering the opportunity to create interesting outlines using the bare trees. This technique is known for its ability to create intrigue through the interesting outlines and profiles of features that it creates. For silhouetting, spotlights and well lights work best to create the shadowed shapes that contrast with the light behind.

Choose a Softer Juxtaposition of Light and Dark with the Shadowing Lighting Technique

This technique is similar to silhouetting, where the lighting fixture is placed at the base of the fixture and aimed at an adjacent wall. But the style of the lighting is much gentler with the goal being to create a softer shadow. The technique works well all year round and is often used to highlight a tree with delicate, open foliage. It’s effective in winter where the shadows created by trees that don’t have leaves tend to be harsh and scary-looking rather than welcoming. 

Whether in winter or summer, shadowing works to create drama and depth to a home’s facade, although the overall effect is more subtle. Shadowing can be added to your garden by a landscape lighting company using a combination of floodlights, well lights, and spotlights.

Recreate the Feeling of a Moonlit Night with Moonlighting

The moonlighting technique is created by placing a downlight fixture as high up inside a tree as possible. It should have a full glare guard and be angled down. By doing this the light mimics the look of moonlight shining down through the branches. The light causes shadow patterns to appear on the ground that looks both beautiful and very natural. It is a good option in winter as the lighting is more subtle, with less glare, which is necessary when the trees are bare, and many of the vibrant features of a garden in summer are not present. Moonlighting is done with downlights and works best with trees that have open branches.

Add Light to Your Garden with Downlighting

The downlighting technique works in a similar way to moonlighting, but the effect that it creates is far brighter. To create the downlighting effect, fixtures are placed high up in features such as trees, eaves, trellises, or walls to pointed downwards, casting a pool of light over a large area. The amount of light that you want each fixture to provide can be adjusted by placing the light higher (for more illumination) or lower (to light a path or a smaller area of the yard).

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems provides outdoor lighting solutions to residents throughout Atlanta. Their friendly, professional services set them apart, ensuring that their clients have a seamless, excellent experience every time.

The following info was originally published to Five Simple Landscape Lighting Techniques for Your Home this Winter and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} http://www.southernlls.com/

2 Reasons to Choose High-Quality Copper Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

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.

The next information was first seen on 2 Reasons to Choose High-Quality Copper Outdoor Lighting Fixtures and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog

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

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.

 

The next information was first seen on 3 Reasons to work with a landscape lighting installer when building an outdoor living area in the backyard and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} https://www.southernlls.com/

Want to Get the Most from Your Outdoor Lighting? Here are Tips to Extend the Life of Your Landscape Lights in Marietta

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 your landscape lighting installer will help clarify maintenance requirements.

1. Prune Branches and Plants

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 Cables

It's important that the cables are not damaged and that they remain buried. Even with a 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 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 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. 

The next blog post was originally seen on Want to Get the Most from Your Outdoor Lighting? Here are Tips to Extend the Life of Your Landscape Lights in Marietta and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog

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

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.  

The following information was originally published on The Benefits and Advantages of Professionally Installed Landscape Lighting For Your Home and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} https://www.southernlls.com/

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

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.

The following article was originally published to Important Trends to Consider for a New Landscape Lighting Installation in Alpharetta and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. See more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems

Fall Landscape Lighting Tips for Residents in Atlanta, GA

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. 

The next info was first published to Fall Landscape Lighting Tips for Residents in Atlanta, GA and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog

5 Reasons LED Lights are the Best Option for Outdoor Lighting

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.

The next info was originally published to 5 Reasons LED Lights are the Best Option for Outdoor Lighting and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems's website

How to Maintain Outdoor Lights: Tips from Outdoor Lighting Company in Atlanta

How to Clean and Maintain Outdoor Lights: Tips from Outdoor Lighting Company in Atlanta  

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, the leading landscape lighting company in Atlanta, is led by Lindsey Rodericks who is a recognized expert in landscape and outdoor lighting design. They serve a broad client base of clients in the greater Atlanta, GA area, and Lindsey gets asked a few similar questions by homeowners and business owners frequently. One of the questions she gets asked most often is how to properly care for an outdoor lighting installation to ensure that it stays in good, working order for as long as possible.  

Proper cleaning and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of LED landscape lights and ensure that the system operates optimally. Regular maintenance can also avoid costly repairs at a later stage. While some tasks are best left to a professional landscape lighting company in Atlanta, GA, there are several things that a homeowner can do. Remember to disconnect the landscape lights from the electrical source before getting started. 

 

7 Top Tips for Outdoor Landscape Lighting Maintenance  

Outdoor Lighting Tip 1 | Cut Back Branches and Plants 

To get started with maintaining landscape lighting, the first step is to cut back shrubs, trees or plants that touch the fixtures, are too close, or have grown and are now blocking the light. This will help to prevent any damage to the fixtures and allows for the lights to effectively illuminate the garden. 

Outdoor Lighting Tip 2 | Remove Debris from the Lights 

Light fixtures should be completely free from debris. This can help improve the quality of the light’s illumination, make the fixtures look cleaner and neater and extend the lifespan of the lights. Debris can include fallen leaves, mud, dirt and dead insects. 

Outdoor Lighting Tip 3 | Check the Fixtures 

Landscape lighting is exposed to the elements and over time may be damaged. Check for dented metal, signs of corrosion and broken lenses to help identify whether any of the fixtures will need replacing.  

Outdoor Lighting Tip 4 | Check for Exposed Cables 

Cables may become exposed over time due to winds, harsh weather or even children playing in the garden. The long-term exposure of the cables to the elements can lead to damage. Before re-burying the cables, they need to be checked for damage. If there is a possibility that the electrical wires are not in perfect condition, a landscape lighting company in Atlanta, GA can come out to check and rebury them afterward. 

Outdoor Lighting Tip 5 | Replace Faulty Bulbs 

LED landscape lighting means that bulbs will generally not need replacing as they last for years. But this is a routine check that should be made regardless. 

Outdoor Lighting Tip 6 | Clean the Fixtures 

When cleaning the fixtures, it is important to focus on the metal and plastic components separately from the glass lenses. Metal and plastic parts can be cleaned with a soft rag and water. Glass lenses can be cleaned in the same way or with a special glass cleaner. 

Outdoor Lighting Tip 7 | Adjust the Position of the Lights 

Work through all the fixtures methodically to ensure that each one is pointing in the right direction. When the landscape lighting was installed, this will have been done correctly. However, if a couple of months have passed, some of the lights may need to be moved or adjusted due to plant growth or being knocked out of position. 

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, the region's best landscape lighting design and installation company helps bring affordable, professional landscape lighting solutions to the residents of Georgia in the areas of Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Acworth. They offer an end-to-end solution from landscape lighting installation to landscape lighting design to ensure that they meet the specific requirements of each of their customers. Once the installation has been completed, they are also available to ensure that the LED lighting is working optimally through regular maintenance. Included in this service are lens cleaning, bulb replacement, exposed wire reburying, plant pruning, timer battery replacement, and fixture adjustment.  

The next information was first published on How to Maintain Outdoor Lights: Tips from Outdoor Lighting Company in Atlanta and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} https://www.southernlls.com

Three Things to Consider When Contemplating a Landscape Lighting Installation in Atlanta, GA

An experienced landscape lighting designer has the potential to transform the outdoor area of your home. And with summer almost upon us, now could be the perfect time to choose a custom landscape lighting design in Atlanta. Starting the process of redesigning your outdoor lighting, may seem overwhelming with so many choices and different options to choose from. But, by keeping these three things in mind, it will be easier to ensure that you enjoy the process and have the perfect solution by the end of the process.

Get an Idea of What Your Home Could Look Like

Work with your landscape lighting installer to get an idea of what you can expect from your custom installation. At Southern Landscape Lighting Systems we offer a no-obligation free consultation where you can ask any questions that you might have, as well as getting a good idea of what the finished installation will look like.

Working directly with the installer will give you an opportunity to share what you’re looking for as well as get helpful advice and tips on how to get the most from your lighting installation. From there, our team will be able to draw up a landscape lighting design plan specifically for your home.

Choose Only the Best Fixtures

It’s important to work with a landscape lighting installer who only uses the best quality components when designing and installing an outdoor lighting system.

At Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, we use only the best products setting the bar high in terms of the quality of our products. This holds true for the full range of corrosion-proof LED lighting fixtures, wiring, and lamps. They can weather extreme outdoor conditions and remain looking good even after a couple of years.

It’s also important that the lighting performs well. LED lighting fixtures offer a long-life expectancy and consistent, high-quality light output. For low-voltage installations, it is considered best practice to use a number of different voltage transformers. This allows lamps to use a lot less energy (usually between 50% and 60%) without compromising on the quality of the light. Here there should be a balance between delivering the right amount of illumination with the intensity of the beams.

Work with LED Lighting for Your Outdoor Lighting Installation in Atlanta

LED technology is environmentally friendly which means that you don’t need to choose between the option of beautiful light or an energy efficient lighting solution. LED lighting offers much higher efficiency (with a saving of up to 80% in electricity costs) and longer light life that is easy to

manipulate in terms of controlling the light intensity and directions. LED lights are incredibly durable and function well even in extremely hot or cold temperatures.

New LED lights are far superior to previous LED technology because new technology LEDs are available in a range of color temperatures, not just the bright, hard single dimension white light. They are also ‘instant on,’ there’s no delay, flicker or need for the bulb to warm up and, because they do not contain any harmful materials, you can reduce your carbon footprint. LED bulbs have a life expectancy of over 50,000 hours. Keep in mind though, that the lifespan can vary based on the quality of the LEDs, the way that the system is designed and the environment in which they operate.

At Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, we are dedicated landscape lighting installers that specialize in outdoor LED lighting installations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs and surrounding cities. Using only the best equipment and materials, we have the installation experience to ensure that you get the best solution for your home.

The next article was originally published to Three Things to Consider When Contemplating a Landscape Lighting Installation in Atlanta, GA and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} www.southernlls.com

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Answers Your 5 Top Questions on LED Landscape Lighting in Alpharetta, GA

LED lighting solutions in Alpharetta, GA have become a popular option for outdoor lighting both for homes and commercial properties; but many clients still have questions. This is largely due to misinformation based on an outdated understanding of how LED technology works and its limitations. It’s important to understand how outdoor LED lighting works so this article will address six of the most commonly asked questions around the technology used for outdoor LED lighting and why it is the best solution.

1. Do LED lights really save money?

LED lights are designed to replace incandescent, fluorescent, halogen and other lighting types. In general, they will reduce energy consumption by a minimum of 40%, but often up to 80%. They can last up to (and sometimes longer than) 100,000 hours which also reduces the amount of maintenance that an outdoor lighting system will need. Between the energy saving and the reduced maintenance costs, LED lights quickly become a cost-efficient option.

2. What are the key benefits of using LEDs for landscape lighting?

There are many advantages to using LED lighting for outdoor areas; the key benefits are:

· A noticeable, immediate reduction in your electricity bill

· Long-lasting bulbs, LED bulbs typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours

· Durability – making them the perfect solution for outdoor use

· Efficiency, they produce less heat as they’re more efficient at converting electrical energy into light

· Safety as they don’t contain any hazardous materials

· The ease with which they can be recycled

3. How does LED lighting work?

There are three primary components: the LEDs, the heat sink and the driver. The driver converts AC power to DC and makes it available to the LEDs to create light. The LEDs are the chip set that produces the light. The heat sink works to catch the heat from the driver and the LEDs.

4. Can you control the brightness of LED lights with dimmer controls?

Not all LEDs are dimmable; it will depend on the driver which needs to be designed specifically to allow dimming and the installation of a particular type of dimmer. Check for both if you want an outdoor lighting solution that is dimmable.

5. Are LED lights good for the environment?

Yes! In addition to the energy savings and long lifespans of LED lights, they are also environmentally friendly. LED bulbs don’t contain mercury (or any other hazardous metal or chemicals), so they can easily be recycled.

6. Is it true that the only color temperature available for LEDs is that harsh white light?

Absolutely not. When LED lights first became available on the market the light temperature was Cool White which is fine for floodlights, but not a good way to create ambiance. As technology has developed, there is now a wide range of different colors, as well as a variety of ‘white’ bulbs to choose from.

Manufacturers label the LEDs with terms such as Day White, Natural White, Warm White, and Cool White. These labels signify the warmth of the light, warmer lights will have more yellow tones, and cooler lights will have more blue tones. For an outdoor LED lighting installation, it often works well to have a combination of warm and cool LED lights to create a perception of depth and variation for the garden.

If you’re looking for LED landscape lighting in Alpharetta, GA, give the team at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems a call. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about using LED lighting for your garden as well as giving some suggestions on how to get started. With many years of experience, they’re the best landscape lighting company with specific expertise with LED lighting.

The following post was originally published on Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Answers Your 5 Top Questions on LED Landscape Lighting in Alpharetta, GA and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} The Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog in Georgia

Marietta Outdoor Lighting Company Shares Important Components on Lighting Systems

The professional team at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta, will design and install an outdoor landscape lighting system that meets all your requirements. Not only do they do installations, but they also do detailed design work together with your architects, builders, and landscaping contractors, to get the best effects in your garden and on your home. They also provide maintenance services for all outdoor landscape and security lighting systems. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems provides complimentary consultations and estimates. Their commitment to customers extends to free service calls for a year after installation.

The most critical part of an effective and sustainable outdoor landscape lighting installation, is the correct selection of components that meet the requirements of the lighting plan, have low maintenance requirements, keep their structural integrity when exposed to the elements, and are low energy consumers.

Light Fittings

Great outdoor lights will add “kerb” appeal and ambiance to any home. The outdoor landscape lights that you choose consists of two parts, the fitting/mount, and the globe. When specifying the design of the light fitting for your outdoor lighting system, you need to determine whether it is concealed or in open view, which will affect the aesthetic appearance of your installation.

All exterior outdoor light fittings are susceptible to the ravages of ultra-violet light, temperature extremes, water, and the occasional knock from pedestrian traffic or garden implements. The extent of this risk will determine how robust the light fittings must be.

Globes and Voltage System

Your outdoor lighting installation can be designed to operate on “line voltage”, the 120 volt current from your house, or on a low-voltage system that operates on 12 volts. 12-volt systems are “stepped down” through transformers from your home’s 120 volt supply, and are generally recommended in smaller installations, as well as where there is continual exposure to water.

There are a wide variety of bulb types that can be used in outdoor landscape lighting designs, but must be compatible with the lamp fitting and voltage supply. Types of bulbs made specifically for outdoor applications include fluorescent, incandescent, CFL or LED. LED or Light Emitting Diodes is now the most popular type of lighting technology used in outdoor lighting installations (both 120 volt and 12 volt systems) as they are more efficient at converting energy to light, and therefore radiate less heat than other lights. They can use less than 90% less power than equivalent incandescent bulbs.

Sensors Timers and Control Systems

The operation of your outdoor lighting installation is managed by either a timer, which switches the system or parts of the system on and off at certain times, or motion sensors that activate the system when your premises are approached by moving objects, people or animals.

Outdoor lighting systems are also now part of a network of things, and can be activated through various controllers linked to computer systems, the internet, and mobile phone technology.

Wiring and Conduit

The specification of wiring is determined by the number of bulbs, power demand, and the total cable length of the outdoor landscape lighting installation. All outdoor wiring must be protected from damage and deterioration by good quality, strong and resilient conduit to prevent mechanical, water or sunlight damage.

Mounts, Brackets, Stands, and Fixtures

Mounts, brackets, stands, and fixtures enhance the aesthetics of your landscape lighting system and should not be overlooked for quality and safety of operation.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems has firmly entrenched themselves as the leading provider of outdoor landscape lighting in Marietta, Georgia. By offering the highest quality of products, professional designs, quality installation, as well as ongoing service and support for their customers, they should be your first choice when looking for outdoor installers of landscape lighting solutions.

The following blog post was first published to Marietta Outdoor Lighting Company Shares Important Components on Lighting Systems and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} https://www.southernlls.com/