Alpharetta Outdoor Lighting Company Leads the Industry in Landscape Lighting

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It is imperative that people become more conscious of the impact their choices have on the environment and the people around them. Making better decisions when it comes to outdoor lighting for homes and business is another way people can become more responsible citizens.

The team at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems enlighten us on the latest technology in the field of lighting, how to reduce our impact on the environment by making more educated choices, and how to improve our health and that of the people around us through better lighting design.

Switching to LED (light emitting diode) lights is a big step towards taking better care of the environment. LED lights can be up to 80% more energy efficient than the fluorescent and incandescent lights we tend to use. That means LED lights use most of the energy they receive for creating light and very little gets turned into heat, whereas the opposite is true for the alternative lighting options.

LEDs also require much less power to create the same amount of light as fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. The more LED lights are used, the less electricity needs to be produced resulting in fewer emissions that destroy the ozone. LEDs also do not contain toxic chemicals, unlike fluorescent lights.

Having a significantly longer lifespan, LEDs reduce the amount of materials required to make lights, package them and transport them, significantly reducing your carbon footprint. Switching to LED lights for exterior lighting becomes the obvious choice.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems further explained to us a phenomenon called ‘light pollution.’ This term refers to excessive light from manmade sources at night. Light pollution not only has a negative impact on nature but on people too. Artificial lights disturb the sleep of nocturnal animals, reducing reproduction rates of certain species. Sleep cycles of humans are also being disrupted as a result of excessive light pollution, resulting in physical and mental health problems.

They suggest being more strategic with outdoor lighting. LED lights are more focused than other globes, ensuring less light is wasted illuminating features that aren’t important. For example, over-bright spotlights with incandescent bulbs are detrimental to the environment but also potentially the sleep cycles of your family and your neighbors.

One concern people have when considering light pollution is that if they reduce the number and brightness of the lights on their property at night that the deterrent effect for potential criminals is then also reduced. However, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems assured us that it is possible to have a more conscious architectural lighting installation without negatively impacting on the security of your property.

We all have a role to play in saving the environment. More informed choices regarding outdoor lighting will not only positively impact the nature around us, but the people around us too.

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Southern Landscape Lighting Systems is a low voltage electrical contractor in Alpharetta, GA well known for their knowledgeable staff and reliable ongoing maintenance and customer support. They offer outdoor lighting and security lighting design and installation for homeowners and business owners in the area and are experts in LED lighting.
Contact them for a free consultation, and they will show you how LED landscape lighting can bring your property to life after dark by optimally illuminating all your favorite features.

The following information was first published on Alpharetta Outdoor Lighting Company Leads the Industry in Landscape Lighting and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} http://www.southernlls.com/

How to Choose the Best Landscape Lighting Company

Choosing the best landscape lighting company in Alpharetta, GA doesn’t have to be a complicated process. There are five essential checks to do before making a decision such as safety compliance, a focus on security, the option to customize your installation, the contractor’s reliability, and a competitive pricing offer.

Safety

The landscape lighting company that you choose to do your home’s outdoor lighting should be certified to install low voltage landscape lighting. They will ensure that the system is installed safely according to industry best practices. The certification also guarantees that the outdoor lighting will be safe for your family to use afterward.

Outdoor lighting has other safety implications. It is used to light up important areas of your garden after dark, making it safe for people to use at night time. As falls are one of the most common reasons for injuries at home (accounting for nearly one-third of all injuries in the US), a good landscape lighting installer will know what areas to focus on to improve home safety.

Security

Having a new landscape lighting design should incorporate a focus on security lighting where all areas of your yard are expertly lit to reduce the chance of a break-in. They will also be able to set the system so that the lights turn on automatically even if you are not home as a deterrent to intruders.

Customization

You will need an outdoor lighting company that listens to what you want. They need to be able to install a solution that reflects the vision that you have for your garden. An experienced landscape lighting installer will be able to understand what you are looking for and suggest ways to incorporate your ideas and offer improvements.

If holiday celebrations such as Halloween and Christmas are important, they will be able to offer advice on how to quickly transform your outdoor lighting to reflect the holiday by making changes to the existing installation that are easy and inexpensive to do.

Reliability

A reliable landscape lighting installation company will be able to provide accurate quotes, keep to their appointments and respond to your questions. Before choosing a company, read the reviews on Yelp, Facebook and Google to see if they are able to deliver on what they promise.

The best landscape lighting companies also offer a one-year guarantee on their work with free service calls that will assist with any system issues, re-burying of cables, socket greasing, lens cleaning, timer battery replacement and much more.

Competitive Pricing

Costing is important as you want to pay a fair price for the service that you receive. There are some quick checks that you can do to make sure that you are comparing like for like. If you are looking at quotes from different landscape lighting companies, look at the breakdown of the costs. Compare the quality of the components that are being used, the number and type of fixtures being quoted on and that the cost of labor is fair.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs has an unbeatable reputation as a respectable, well-established landscape lighting specialist offering competitive pricing and a commitment to excellent service. Their numerous service awards and consistent 5-star customer reviews offer customers complete peace of mind that they deliver perfect LED landscape lighting that is customized for every client, every time.

The following article was first seen on How to Choose the Best Landscape Lighting Company and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. See more on:} The Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog in Georgia

Three Reasons Hiring a Lighting Design Company Will Save You Money

A landscape lighting company does not always have to be a more expensive option. Because they are lighting experts, they are able to do the job quickly, offer professional service as well as after-sales service and will ensure that the system works as it should.

If you’re looking for the perfect solution for outdoor lighting for your home in Marietta, then there are a number of factors to consider before hiring a lighting company or choosing to do it yourself.

It can be tempting to do a DIY installation, and there are many YouTube tutorials and countless blog posts that walk through the process. But, three key reasons hiring a landscape lighting contractor may be a better solution and save you money in the long run.

Quality Lights at a Competitive Price

A landscape lighting company will be able to source quality lights at competitive prices. They are experts which means that they know what lights work best for different functions, and which brands perform better than the competition.

In many cases, they will be able to source the best outdoor lights at a lower price than you would be able to if you were shopping for them yourself. LED lighting, in particular, is becoming an increasingly affordable option for landscape lighting as the technology improves.

Factor in Your Time

Because you are not a lighting expert, you will need to do extensive research into how to light different areas of your home including deck lighting and security lighting; you will also need to understand the different options including using LED lighting and whether it would be a good fit for your yard.

Once you have done your homework, you will then have to purchase the lights, cabling, and transformer and make the necessary calculations about what size transformer to use, how much cabling you will need and what light fittings would be best suited to your garden.

Your Mistakes Will Cost You

Any miscalculations that you have made during the preparation phase will come back to haunt you as you carry out the installation. If you have bought a transformer that is too small for the number of lights that you want to connect, you may have to purchase an additional transformer. Cutting cabling at the wrong place may means yards of wasted cables that can’t be used. And there is a risk that the fittings you purchase won’t be the right ones - either they are not low-voltage, are for indoor use or can’t be used with LED bulbs.

After Sales Service

If something happens to your DIY installation and it stops working, you will need to do the diagnosis yourself. This is in addition to any repairs or servicing that needs to be done to the system. If you use a professional landscape lighting installation company to do the job, your system will be serviced for a year afterward, free of charge. This includes lens cleaning, replacing timer batteries, adjusting and re-aiming fixtures and re-burying exposed wires.

If you’d like some advice for outdoor LED lighting for your home, contact Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta and they also serve Sandy Springs. They have an excellent reputation for offering affordable landscape lighting. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems will be able to offer a solution that is customized specifically for your needs as well as setting up a free consultation and lighting demonstration at your home.

The next information was first published on Three Reasons Hiring a Lighting Design Company Will Save You Money and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems LLC

Everything You Need to Know About LED Landscape Lighting Installations in Marietta

 

The rapid leaps in LED technology mean that LED lighting is fast becoming the best solution for a wide variety of outdoor lighting installations in Marietta. There are four important features that make LED lighting the best choice for a landscape lighting service.

 

 

 

The Top 4 Things You Need to Know About Outdoor LED Lighting

1. Light Color

In the past LED lights were known for their harsh white light, but advances in LED technology mean that LED lights outperform incandescents in almost every area. LED producers offer a range of colors, with the most popular being “soft white” and “warm white” which mimic the color temperature of incandescents, and “bright white” which is closer to daylight (similar to what you would expect to see in a retail store).

This means that an outdoor LED landscape lighting is a better option as the different lighting color options make highlighting garden and patio features more accessible.

2. Energy Efficiency

LED lights are the most efficient type of lighting producing more light with less energy than any other bulb on the market. By way of comparison, a standard 60W incandescent bulb puts out about 800 lumens. An LED bulb of equivalent brightness will only use about 10W of power.

With a focus on green energy, outdoor LED lighting ensures that you can enjoy time on your patio guilt-free due to its incredible efficiency.

3. Lifespan

LED bulbs to last over 30 000 hours (fifteen times longer than an incandescent bulb), while some last more than 50 000 hours. Because LED lights use slightly different technology, they don’t suddenly burn out but will, over time, become less effective.

It’s important to note that:
● Switching LED bulbs on and off frequently will not have an impact on the bulb’s lifespan
● Exposure to heat causes them to age more rapidly (their base is heavy due to the metal heat sink which is designed to pull the heat away from the bulb)
● They are more durable than other bulbs as they do not have a filament

Lower maintenance costs and the increased efficiency make the use of LED lighting for outdoors a more attractive option. The system is more durable and weather resistant and requires less upkeep.

4. Cost

The cost of LED bulbs has fallen dramatically in recent years due to improvements in technology and increased demand for the technology. Where price would have been a deterrent previously, at the moment, the cost difference is no longer a significant barrier to purchase.

Because the initial costs have come down significantly (paired with lower energy usage and longer lifespans) LED landscape lighting has become the more effective option.

If you’re looking for a landscape lighting company in Marietta or one of the surrounding areas such as Atlanta or Sandy Springs, please get in touch with us and we’ll show you what LED lighting can do for your garden.

 

The next post was originally published on Everything You Need to Know About LED Landscape Lighting Installations in Marietta and is courtesy of Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog Georgia

Alpharetta Outdoor Landscape Lighting Company Offers Quality LED Lighting

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Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta, GA Adds Their Voice to The Go-Green Movement With Quality Outdoor LED Lighting Solutions

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta, GA has long stood by their commitment to providing and installing quality landscape lighting solutions, so their move toward outdoor LED lighting should come as no surprise. Owner and founder, Lindsey Rodericks has been a proponent of green-energy products for many years and is proud of the changes that her company has made to support a green culture going back almost 5 years now.

As Lindsey has noted in the past: “we only have one planet, and it is up to us to ensure that we steward it wisely.” She went on to add, “it’s important that we as businesses invest in learning new ways of doing things and where possible integrate solutions that are earth-friendly while still delivering the best possible product and value to our customers.”

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems' answer to this is their commitment to installing high-quality outdoor LED lighting for their clients whenever the budget allows. The environmental and cost-saving benefits are numerous as LED landscape lighting fixtures are more efficient than almost any other light sources, so they consume less energy for a given task. They are also kinder to the environment as they do not contain hazardous materials such as toxic mercury. Their longer lifespan means that they are not contributing to the millions of tons of non-recyclable waste that fill America’s dumps - it also means you get a high-quality, long-lasting LED and fixture that comes with a multi-year to 20 year warranty and don't have to worry about losing cheap landscape lights to malfunction or complete loss in the first 6 months to 2 years like normal landscape lights you buy at the big box home improvement stores.

In the US alone, the Department of Energy estimates that if home and business owners were to switch to LED bulbs, this would amount to a saving of 265 billion dollars over the next 20 years. In addition, changing to LED technology would eliminate the need to build 40 new power plants as well as saving hundreds of millions of tons in greenhouse gas emissions.

LED lights also offer numerous benefits to Southern Landscape Lighting System’s clients as LED bulbs last up to ten times longer than compact fluorescents (and up to forty times longer than regular incandescent bulbs.) Lindsey shared that “(LED bulbs) are also more durable than typical bulbs as they do not have a filament so jarring and bumping that would otherwise damage a bulb will not have an effect.” Both the lifespan and the durability of LEDs mean a lot less maintenance for an outdoor lighting installation that typically has to withstand the elements and thus requires a robust solution.

Long-term, LED landscape lights also offer a more cost-effective option. So not only is Southern Landscape Lighting offering a great environmentally friendly solution, but they are also offering clients the opportunity to save money on their installation in the long run.

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are the next generation in outdoor lighting. They are incredibly energy-efficient solid light bulbs. Recent applications (such as outdoor lighting installations) work by “clustering” the small bulbs that are available with standard bases to fit most light fixtures. It is important to note that the initial limitation of LED lights was that the light was directional rather than spherical. New technology that uses diffuser lenses and reflectors has addressed this shortcoming.

Trust Southern Landscape Lighting Solutions to guide you on choosing the best LED outdoor lighting installation and start saving money and the environment!

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Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta, GA designs and installs specialized outdoor LED lighting that fully customized to their client’s needs. Every lighting installation comes with the guarantee of high-quality fittings and a commitment to service excellence.

LED outdoor lights are used to accentuate and highlight features, whether residential or commercial and they also service the neighboring areas of Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta, Buckhead, Holly Springs and Sandy Springs. As an industry-leading landscape lighting contractor, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems has continued to innovate and provide their clients in Alpharetta with the best landscape lighting designs and installation services available.

The next article was first published on Alpharetta Outdoor Landscape Lighting Company Offers Quality LED Lighting and is available on Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. See more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog

Landscape Company in Acworth GA Sets the Bar High for Service Excellence

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Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Sets the Bar High for Service Excellence in Acworth, GA

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Acworth, GA  has become synonymous with industry-leading landscape lighting installation. With many years of specialized experience in the field of outdoor lighting, owner and founder Lindsay Barnhill is excited to open up the opportunities for new and exciting installations in Acworth.

 Since expanding their services in Acworth, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems has been honored with recognition from their customers for the quality of the work that they offer, in particular, the professional service that they provide from start to finish. Customers have commented on the end-to-end experience from the initial, free-of-charge consultation, to the demo setup, lighting installation, and follow-up support.

Lindsay has often gone on record saying “delivering an excellent service to our clients that exceed their expectations is the most important part of what we do.” She went on to add, “our clients want to understand what they’re getting and how we add value, so communication is key.” Southern Landscape Lighting Systems understands that making the decision to hire a professional landscape lighting company can be daunting when there are many providers, and it can be difficult to know who to trust with such a personal job.

The three concerns that Lindsay and her team address up-front with clients is delivering an excellent service as well as offering security and competitive pricing. As Lindsay says “clients want to know what they’re signing up for, they want regular feedback and updates on the status of the project and they want to know that they’re getting a good deal. And because those areas are important to us as well, we know that we can offer clients what they’re looking for.”

 

Throughout the installation process, the team is in constant contact with their clients, sharing feedback, updates and offering personalized recommendations where necessary. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems has designed their product offering to deliver on their client’s expectations. They add up-front value to home-owners and business owners by offering free day-time consultations (or picture consultations) that help clients to understand some of the options that are available to them for their landscape lighting design.

 If the client needs further assistance with visualizing the project and are wanting to move forward with the project, they are also available to do nighttime demonstrations at the owner’s home or business. This is a live demonstration of the outdoor lights and gives the owner confidence that the outdoor lighting solution is precisely what they want.

The company has also found that something that their clients value, but don’t always prioritize in the initial stages of the installation, is the importance of after-sales service, and this is an area where Southern Landscape Lighting Systems excels. Garden lights are exposed to the elements and experience the full impact of mother nature, landscaping contractors, children, and pets.

For this reason, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems is proud of their comprehensive after-sales service, and free service calls for one year following the lighting installation. Their team is committed to keeping their client’s outdoor lighting systems in good working order assisting with cleaning lenses, replacing timer batteries, greasing sockets, replacing halogen bulbs, pruning trees and foliage, re-burying exposed wires and adjusting and re-aiming fixtures if needed.

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Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Acworth, GA offers a one-stop solution for outdoor lighting. Their team designs and installs high-quality, custom lighting that will accentuate the best features of your home, garden or business. Their installations also focus on providing security lighting for darker areas to give their clients complete peace of mind. Their talented staff offers only the highest quality products, professional, creative designs, and the best installations and after-sale support services for their customers.

 

The following info was first published to Landscape Company in Acworth GA Sets the Bar High for Service Excellence and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} https://www.southernlls.com/

Marietta Landscape Lighting Company Offers Complimentary Consultation & Estimate

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Get a Free In-Home Consultation & Estimate in Marietta GA Now!

As award-winning experts in outdoor lighting, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta GA is proving their commitment to high-quality customer support with their expanded range of services including complimentary in-home consultations and estimates.

The in-home consultations include a free day-time appointment where a landscape lighting installer will visit your home or business to discuss the options for illuminating specific areas. They also offer the option to have this part of the process completed remotely where clients will send the landscape lighting contractor pictures of the areas of the home and property that need to be illuminated.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems will then answer questions on the types of landscape lighting and security lighting products and materials that they would recommend and well as explaining the difference between using halogen versus a more efficient LED landscape lighting product and installation. They will also offer guidance on the number of fixtures to be installed, the types of outdoor lighting fixtures that are likely to be most effective and will give an honest estimate for your residential landscape lighting project.

As an award-winning outdoor lighting company, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems also offers excellent after-sales support, providing lens cleaning services, assistance with re-burying wires that have become exposed, replacing timer batteries when needed and the adjustment and re-aiming of fixtures if applicable. In addition, they are also equipped to implement the replacement of halogen bulbs and can provide any and all needed landscape lighting system maintenance and repair.

Their commitment to customers includes free service calls for a year following the successful completion of a quality outdoor lighting installation by Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. And, as industry leaders in exterior lighting, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems highly recommends integrated LED technologies for all applications of a new outdoor, landscape or security lighting project.

The importance of a reputable landscape lighting solution cannot be over-estimated. A recent study found that outdoor security lighting contributes to a reduction in crime by around 39%. The study, conducted in New York City, highlighted that the decrease in crime levels was explicitly correlated to crimes committed during the night.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems provides a thorough consultation to find the best way to ensure that your home is protected and well represented visually at night.

High-quality outdoor lighting installations also help to reduce the rate of night-time accidents such as falls significantly. Falls are the number one cause of fractures and hospital admissions, and more than 60% of falls happen at home. Outdoor areas that have inadequate lighting present a safety hazard. This is especially true for areas where paving may be uneven and where there are obstructions such as patio furniture, overgrown shrubs, or a lack of railings.

Southern Landscape Lighting Solution’s reputation precedes them as they consistently receive five-star reviews with customers commenting on the level of professionalism, quality products and landscape lighting installation service along with competitive pricing. Clients felt that the team was honest and helpful with many noting that they would recommend their services to friends and family. Some clients have gone on to use their services in a second home, proving that the company consistently delivers over and above their client’s expectations.

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Southern Landscape Lighting Systems designs and installs outdoor lighting that is customized to the requirements of their clients. Each landscape lighting system is designed to accentuate the unique features of each home, garden, or business while ensuring that the system is optimized for the area’s security needs as well. They also service the neighboring communities of the North Atlanta region, Alpharetta, Roswell, Buckhead, Kennesaw, Holly Springs and Sandy Springs.

By offering the highest quality of products, professional design, and installation, as well as ongoing service and support for their customers, Southern Landscape Lighting Solutions has firmly entrenched themselves as the leading provider of outdoor and landscape lighting in Marietta Georgia.

The following info was originally seen on Marietta Landscape Lighting Company Offers Complimentary Consultation & Estimate and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. See more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog Georgia

3 Steps to Protecting Your Home with Security Lighting

Marietta GA has a reputation for being a safe city in which to live. However, it is worth being prepared for the unexpected. This year alone there have been almost 400 counts of burglary in Marietta, and a good outdoor lighting system goes a long way to deterring would-be criminals. Setting up your home security lighting is an excellent place to start if you want to keep your family safe.

Tips for Effective Security Lighting

There are three key things to keep in mind when deciding how to set up your outdoor lighting to maximize security. Firstly, understand the optimal placement of landscape lighting and ensure that all areas of the home are covered, secondly, have a good maintenance routine in place and thirdly, remember to get a second opinion. Unless you are an expert, it makes sense to get input from an experienced landscape lighting installer who can help you avoid common pitfalls.

1.   Location of Lighting

Positioning of Lights

It is important that there are no blind spots on your property, so it is often more effective to have multiple less-bright lights at regular intervals rather than one really bright light. Blind spots and areas with inadequate lighting make it easy for a burglar to slip in undetected.

Security on all Sides

Your doors and main pathways are the most important and biggest areas to cover. But remember that many homes don’t just have one access route, it’s not enough to just focus on the front of your home, the back and sides of the house also need to be covered.

Placement of Lights

Security lighting is usually placed higher off the ground to effectively illuminate a larger area (lights closer to the ground generally do not cover as big a radius). Lights that are higher up create fewer shadows which reduces the number of blind spots on your property.

2.   Maintenance Plan

For your security lighting to be an effective deterrent, it needs to be in good working order. Security and outdoor lighting maintenance should be done by a landscape lighting contractor on a regular basis. It is a good idea to schedule appointments in advance for peace of mind.

Make a note to replace any burnt-out bulbs as soon as possible and have a cleaning schedule in place so that dirt and dust that collects on the lighting does not impact the functioning of the lights.

3.   Get Expert Help for Your Outdoor Security Lighting

When employing a landscape lighting company that specializes in security lighting, keep in mind these important questions:

●     Do they have a low voltage electrical license?

This will give you a good idea of whether or not they have the necessary qualifications to do a good job of the installation.

●     Are they quick to respond to your questions?

You need a landscape lighting installer that will be reliable and systematic, offering an excellent outdoor lighting installation experience.

●     How much experience do they have installing security lighting systems?

This is an important decision, and you need someone who has experience in the industry and will offer a comprehensive solution for your security lighting needs.

Setting up security lighting for your home in Marietta doesn’t have to be a complicated process. A qualified security lighting specialist will be able to tell you where to place the lights to ensure that you and your family are protected.

Effective Outdoor Security Lighting Depends on These 3 Things

Outdoor lighting adds beauty and functionality to your home, but it is also an important part of your home security system. In Acworth GA, there are almost 600 property-related crimes annually. This makes understanding the different security lighting options and controls a vital step in protecting your home and your family.

Installing a security lighting system requires understanding the different lighting fixture options, learning about how they work with lighting controls and the role that an Acworth landscape lighting contractor plays in integrating an effective system.  A thorough grasp of these three areas will help you create a landscape lighting installation that will deter intruders while not compromising the aesthetics of your garden or outside area.

1. Understanding the Different Types of Outdoor Lighting

An outdoor lighting company will make use of a combination of the different outdoor landscape lighting types to make sure that all areas of your outdoor area are adequately covered and that there are no blind spots.

• Roadway Luminaries

Roadway luminaries are a popular choice for outdoor lighting installations and are used for driveways, parking areas and streets to provide general illumination.

• Floodlights (often used with a motion sensor)

These are used for driveways, backyards, entryways, patio or deck lighting and pool areas.

• Mounted Luminaries

Mounted luminaries are an excellent choice for entrances, as well as around the perimeter of a property.

• Landscape Path Lighting

These ground lights are ideal for safety and are used where there aren’t existing structures to install raised lighting including flower beds and trees, as well as frequently used paths and walkways.

• Recessed Lights (often used with a motion sensor)

Recessed lights with a motion sensor are used for pathways, over doorways, and for backyards.

2. Learning About Your Lighting Control Options

Security lighting is controlled by a combination of dimmers, motion detectors, time switches and photocells which allow you to customize your lighting to your preferences.

• Dimmers

A light dimmer works by adjusting the level of brightness. This helps with energy conservation and can be used with flush mounts, pendants, and lamps.

• Motion Detectors

These are important for outdoor lighting as they are energy efficient (ensuring that the lights only come on when there is movement) as well as introducing the ability to surprise an intruder. They are compatible with most outdoor lights including floodlights, landscape path lights, and surface-mounted lights.

• Time Switches

Time switches control when light fixtures turn on and off (regardless of whether they are needed or not). They can be used with floodlights, landscape path lights, roadway lights, surface-mounted lights, and post-mounted lights.

• Photocells

Photocells measure the level of light, automatically turning on lighting when it is dark. They work in combinations with a time switch to turn the lights on at dusk, and off in the morning. Light fixtures that integrate with photocells include floodlights, landscape path lights, roadway lights, and surface-mounted lights.

3. Consulting with a Security Lighting Professional

There are a number of checks that you should do when your lighting system is installed, but it is often more effective (and more affordable in the long run) to have a landscape lighting installer in Acworth GA, such as Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, do the work for you. They have the necessary skills and expertise to ensure that your landscape lighting design works as it should and won’t easily break down.

A professional will help you:

• Locate places where light fixtures cannot easily be tampered with


• Install wire covers to protect fixtures that might be at risk of being vandalized


• Adjust the lights so that there are no blind spots, and that they all point down on your property (and not the neighbors)


• Test the light fixtures" sensitivity to motion and adjust accordingly

By following the three points of light fixture choice, light control options and consulting with Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, the best landscape lighting contractor in Acworth, you will be able to rest easy at night knowing that your home and family are safe from intruders.

Creative Landscape Lighting Ideas for Your Home in Alpharetta

Alpharetta has a long-standing, well-deserved reputation as a vibrant Southern city offering a high quality of life for its residents. Part of its charm lies in the strong sense of community and welcoming locals who are quick to invite you into their homes, and the temperate climate that offers perfect weather for entertaining almost all year round.

Neighbors and friends frequently visit one another for barbeques, and this suburban area has a collection of the most beautiful gardens. If you’re living in Alpharetta and looking for some inspiration for your outside area - creative landscape lighting will breathe new life into your garden, patio, pool area or deck. Four trends on the horizon include LED string lights, fiber optic lights, colored lights and unconventional uses of spotlights and floodlights.

LED String Lights

LED string lights can be wound around trees in your yard to make a feature of them, or around a garden gazebo or trellises. It may take a bit of experimentation to find a look that works for your garden. LED lighting is an excellent option as it is energy saving and the strings add a modern feel to your landscape lighting installation. They also work well to frame an area such as outlining a window frame, doorway or patio.

Fiber Optic Lights

These are also a relatively recent addition to landscape lighting design, being incorporated into artistic outdoor installations that come in many styles and patterns such as birds and butterflies. Fiber optic lighting is set to become very popular as the demand for it increases, and there will soon be more exciting options that can be included in your landscape lighting installation.

Adding Color to Outdoor Lighting

Standardized harsh white lighting is a thing of the past. Creative landscape lighting installations make use of different colors to add texture and interest to a patio, pool area or garden. There are a number of ways to customize lights with color including fitting existing lights with light filters or color gels and newer lights such as LED landscape lights can be bought in different colors. It is also possible to make your own light colors using acetate filters.

Colored outdoor lighting does require some experimentation as not all colors look good and using too many different colors can look amateur.

Unconventional Uses of Conventional Lights

Spotlights:

Spotlights are usually installed higher up, pointing down. But another way to use them would be to place them at ground level, pointing up or sideways, and have them highlight a tree or feature in your garden, around the perimeter of your patio or crisscrossed at regular intervals along a garden pathway.

Floodlights

These can be installed at the base of a tree or in a flower bed shining from the ground up (and they can be installed with different colors).

These exciting trends will liven up your next barbeque in Alpharetta. The easiest way to make sure that you get the look you want (and impress your friends and neighbors) is to use the best landscape lighting company in Alpharetta GA to bring your creative outdoor lighting ideas to life!

 

Outdoor Lighting and Landscape Lighting Tips

Do you have a general idea of what you want your outdoor lighting to do but don’t know how to go about it? Why not check out the different types of outdoor lighting that you’re drawn to? In this article, we discuss outdoor lighting, including some landscape lighting tips straight from the professionals at landscape lighting companies in Alpharetta, Georgia!

With so many different landscape lights in the market, you should be able to find the one that suits your taste, style and budget. You can go for soft lighting for some areas, while for other areas, you might want it bright. Watt indicates electricity consumption, but some lightings emit more than others, even with the same watt. Consider that the wider the light throw distance or the more intensity you need, the more output you’ll need.

LEDs, Energy Savings, and Efficiency

Some types of lighting are more efficient compared to others. Low voltage lights, can save on electricity by focusing light beams, but it typically does not have the line voltage’s equivalent beam throw. The more up-to-date 65-watt and 120-watt incandescent bulbs produce a maximum of twenty-five percent more light. Newer compact fluorescent lights give the high level of savings in terms of energy and the softest lighting. Mercury vapor lights give high illumination as well as energy savings, but they have a cool color.

The best lights would have to be LED lights which have LED arrays built in. Outdoor LED lighting is one of the favorites for landscape lighting. They can last for years, removing the need for always changing the light. Since they also use little energy, you can put in more lights attached to the same transformer. You can even use a more affordable and smaller transformer.

Fluorescent

Fluorescents lights can be utilized for banisters, walls, and signs. These lights usually give off a soft light quality and are also a top saver for energy.

High Pressure Sodium/Mercury Vapor

This group of lighting offers intense light at an affordable energy cost. Their color creations limit use and they do not come on readily with a flick of the switch as  they need warm up time.

Incandescent A

The incandescent A is a general type usually used at home. They are affordable, but has less light compared to other incandescent lights.

Incandescent B

Incandescent B is a reflector, either concentrated or flood spotlight. This has twice the output of incandescent A lights.

Incandescent Tungsten-Halogen/Quartz

This kind of light gives off a bright light consistently. This is available as a projector or a reflector type and can fit in less obtrusive and smaller fixtures.

Now knowing the kind of lights you might need and want for your lighting, it is also wise to consider few tips for your outdoor lighting. Here is what Southern Landscape Lighting Systems suggests:

First, disguise the landscape lighting source as much as possible. That is, except whenever the fixture is decorative. Second, do not overdo it. Just a little light can go a long way in the evenings. Third, try to be creative by mixing a couple of light techniques. Fourth, put in an automatic device such as a timer that can turn the lights off and on. Lastly, consider your neighbors’ circumstances. Make sure the lights don’t shine on their windows.

If you want more pro tips and consulting on your outdoor lighting, contact us at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. We are your landscape lighting contractor in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Techniques for Landscape Lighting Design and Installation

 

Getting an outdoor landscape lighting system for your home is a wonderful way to incorporate curb appeal, beauty, and even safety to your driveway, and entrance. In addition, if you already have some kind of lighting system installed, this can be adapted or enhanced through updated styles, layouts, and such. In this article, we discuss some of the better-known techniques for landscape lighting, so you’ll know which landscape lighting companies to engage for landscape lighting installation in Acworth, GA.

Area Lighting or Down Lighting

Area lighting or down lighting - lighting units are installed high on your house or on trees to create wide illumination. This type lighting system allows  you to entertain whenever you’re outdoors, at your backyard in the evening and also serve as a tool for safety and security lighting. If you want to highlight steps, paths, or flowerbeds, the down light can be placed near to the ground.

Cross Lighting

When you illuminate a statue or a tree from two or more sides, it shows up it"s 3-dimensional form.

Diffused or Spread Lighting

If you want circular light patterns on flowerbeds, ground cover, or bigger shrubbery, you can spread the lights to cover a bigger area using low-level lighting. Some units, like bollards, create diffused soft lighting for pathways, driveways, deck lighting, and patios.

Grazing

Placing your light near a surface with some interest can bring about the texture of a masonry wall, a tree bark, a pretty door, or wood shingles. It is not suggested to do this for smooth surfaces.

Moonlighting

Similar to down lighting, but making use of light sources that are soft and positioned extremely high, this creates a simulated effect of moonlight going through branches, designing pretty shadow patterns.

Pool and Fountain Lighting

Underwater lighting makes dramatic effects on fountains and pools. Put in a dimmer for turning the lights up for more excitement. You can use the water as a mirror through lighting the area behind a reflecting surface.

Shadowing

Shadowing lights up the object from below and up front to make for intriguing shadows appear on vertical surfaces, like the wall.

Silhouetting

If you hid your lights below and behind a bush or trees, you get that great impact, somewhat like a ridge silhouetted by the sky during dusk.

Spot or Accent Lighting

Landscape spotlights concentrate on intense and controlled beams so as to underscore the central parts of your garden lights such as your statuary, shrubs, and flowers. This makes for twinkling islands of curiosity in your plan for landscape lighting.

Uplighting

Uplighting has lights aimed up or at times buried in the ground. This creates a truly dramatic impact. You can use it if you have interesting textured walls, a statue, or trees. Swirling snow or autumn leaves give wonderful effects with this technique. Concentrate the lights on key objects or plants found in your yard.

If you have questions or need help with the design and installation of your landscape lighting, contact the experts at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. We’re a landscape lighting company in Acworth, Georgia with a professional but friendly team.

Areas and Fixtures for Outdoor Lighting in Marietta, GA

You want your home to reflect elegance but at the same time provide high level of security---this is exactly what outdoor lighting can do for you. This article goes through the areas and fixtures for exterior lighting; read on to learn about what you need to know before you begin working with a landscape lighting company.

Areas

Close to the House

Lighting rear and side entrances to your home, as well as walls that are near windows, can ensure that thieves and prowlers would be discouraged from invading your home.

Driveway

Illuminating your driveway using light increases security and safety for your home. Also, the delineation created makes a pretty pattern.

Front Entry

With front entry lighting, you give a warm welcome to your family and friends even when evening strikes. Pick a wall bracket that has sufficient illumination for the front steps and lighting for the house number and keyhole.

Garage

Sufficient garage lights will improve security and safety, especially if the other lights in your house aren’t on.

Paths and Steps

Oftentimes forgotten, lit paths and steps are also crucial in preventing accidents when it’s dark. The house can be adorned with post lights and lanterns and low path lights.

Rear Yard

Floodlighting from trees or the home helps discourage vandals and intruders. If you cannot cover your light source, pick units that look nice, not industrial. You can arrange accordingly for motion sensors, photocells, or automatic timers.

Fixture Types

Accent or Spot

These are adjustable or versatile fixtures utilized for grazing, accenting, cross lighting, and up lighting. When this is mounted up high, it can offer focused moonlighting and down lighting.

Chain Lanterns, Ceiling Close Up, Wall Bracket

These are mounted on doors, on porches, and over garages. The chain hung lantern unit creates a light that goes outward, either diffused or direct.

Bullet Shape, Box Shape, and Cylinder

These types of designs help concentrate and direct light beams. Some cut off the glare and protect lamps and sockets from moisture and debris.

Diffused and Spread

These kinds of low-level units are created to make illumination on a broader pattern for paths, steps, driveways, perimeter plantings, and flower beds.

Fountain and Swimming Pool Lighting

The fixtures are installed at the ends and sides of pools and the bottom of fountains. For lamp changes, wet niche fixtures can be taken out. Dry niche fixtures, on the other hand, need access to the pool shell’s back.

In-Ground or Well Light

When you bury the fixtures flushed against the ground, this covers the source of light. You can use this for shrubbery up lighting and for grazing walls with texture.

Post Lights and Bollard

These are standing fixtures like garden lights or deck lighting that light up pool areas, the deck, garden walks, steps, and pathways. They also offer beautiful light patterns for your driveway.

Transformers, Timers and Other Accessories

Photocells, motion sensors, or automatic timers that turn the lights on during dusk and turn the lights off during dawn make landscape lighting energy-efficient and convenient.

When you need support for figuring out your what areas to lit up and what fixtures to use for outdoor lighting in Marietta, Georgia, contact the experts at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. With many years in the business, we are one of the very best landscape lighting companies in Marietta GA.