Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta leads the way in providing outdoor landscape lighting designs that capture and enhance the beauty of the home and the landscape. The design team also pays attention to hardscape elements such as a pond, waterfall, fountain, birdbath, sitting area, and statuary.
In the midst of COVID-19, outdoor living spaces have gained prominence as more homeowners and families shift activities to living spaces outside the home. Lighting designers at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta employ innovative lighting technology and design techniques to enhance the beauty and optimize the functionality of these outdoor environments. These outdoor living spaces include features such as:
- Patio, deck, outdoor classroom, sitting area with benches
- Outdoor kitchen, grill area, fireplace, fire pit, or barbecue pit
- Pool, spa, or sauna
- Outdoor play gym, volleyball area, basketball court, or putting green
Likewise, walkways, steps, pathways, and sitting areas are illuminated with an eye to aesthetics, use, and safety while not overpowering the overall lighting theme or compromising safety.
The demand for outdoor architectural landscape lighting design and installation has increased significantly. New systems are being designed and installed. Existing landscape lighting systems are being upfitted to accommodate the addition of living spaces, hardscapes, and landscaping. Homeowners are lighting more because they are doing more. Industry leaders like Southern Landscape Lighting Systems are satisfying the needs of their customers with the best designs, equipment, technology, and customer service.
In the last few years, homeowners and businesses have chosen to install LED low voltage lighting rather than traditional lighting. Many property owners are transitioning from halogen to LED. The superiority of an LED low voltage lighting system is seen in several areas. LED lighting is much more energy-efficient than other options. Bulb temperature is much lower than halogen lighting. Also, LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan than other types of landscape lighting choices. The efficiency, safety, and longevity of the bulbs make them the superior choice for architectural landscape lighting.
Landscape lighting systems, whether traditional (halogen) or innovative (LED), need ongoing maintenance. With LED, the maintenance requirements are much less. Nonetheless, the system still needs regular and annual upkeep.
Maintenance keeps a lighting system functioning properly and extends the system’s life. Basic maintenance issues can be handled by the homeowner who has the time and inclination to take on a DIY project. The team at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems can be scheduled for routine lighting system checkup, including maintenance, bulb replacements, repairs, lens cleaning, and beam adjustment.
Outdoor Landscape Lighting Checkup
This checklist is helpful for a basic lighting system checkup. Some preliminary considerations include:
- Inspect the lighting system several times each year; for instance, in March, July, and November.
- Review the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance specific to the lighting system and various fixtures. Contact Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta, GA, if there are any questions.
- Disconnect the power supply before working through a checklist to prevent electrical shock.
Prune plants and branches that obstruct light beams and remove debris from fixtures.
The maintenance checkup begins with trimming any plants, vines, shrubs, or trees that touch the fixture, that are too close to the fixture, or that obstruct the light beam. Removing these obstructions will prevent damage to fixtures, ensure proper illumination, and facilitate the performance of other maintenance and cleaning tasks.
Also, remove debris from fixtures, including dirt, mud, mulch, leaves, or sticks. This task improves illumination, lengthens the life of the fixtures, and makes outdoor living spaces more attractive. In the case of older fixtures that can get very hot, this task can eliminate fire hazards.
Inspect cables for exposed or damaged wires.
Cables can become exposed even if the system was professionally installed. The family dog, a treasure-hunting child, or a burrowing animal can dig up the cable. Erosion or high foot traffic may remove the overburden, leaving the cable exposed. A root can push the cable to the top of the ground. At that point, someone can trip over the cable. The cable can snag on a lawnmower or become tangled in a weed eater.
Rebury the cables if they do not appear to be damaged. If there is any doubt about the integrity of the cables, give the experts at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems a call to set up an appointment for an electrical inspection.
Check fixtures for damage.
Look for broken lenses, dented or cracked housings, corrosion, or other damage. Parts or fixtures may need to be replaced.
Replace bulbs.
Traditional bulbs need to be replaced much more frequently than the newer LED bulbs, which can last for many years. LED bulbs do lose brightness over time and may need to be replaced. Many homeowners prefer to have the lighting system installer replace the bulbs. While the bulbs are being replaced, the experts can check for corrosion, fixture damage, cable damage, or other issues.
Clean plastic or metal components.
A soft cloth and soapy water usually are sufficient to clean fixtures. If more cleaning power is needed, use a mild, green, all-purpose cleaner. Test the stronger cleaner on a small area of the fixture to ensure no damage is done to the fixture.
Clean glass lenses.
After cleaning the metal and plastic, move next to the glass lenses. Water and a soft cloth or soapy water and a soft cloth may be sufficient.
Re-position of fixtures if needed.
Fixtures may need adjustment if they have been bumped or jostled. Adjustments may be needed to accommodate changes in landscaping. Plants, shrubs, and trees grow, die, or may be changed out for other options.
Not everyone has the time and expertise to perform seasonal maintenance on their outdoor landscape lighting system. Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta designs, installs, repairs, and maintains architectural lighting systems in the metro Atlanta area. They also offer nighttime demonstrations and consultations. For more information about their services, contact the office by phone at (770) 691-1221 or by email at [email protected].
