Light Up Your Landscape
During the freezing days of winter, you probably aren’t giving much thought to landscaping. But now’s the perfect time to start thinking about ways to light up your nights.
Lighting is a key part of any landscape design, so call SESCOS and start planning now for a great backyard this spring.
Get Smart
Illuminating your landscape looks great, but keeping it brightly lit all the time is wasteful, not to mention what it does to your electric bill. To save money and energy, use outdoor LED lights and smart automation.
LED lights are great for outdoor use because they’re weatherproof and unbreakable. To really save money without sacrificing usefulness or style, try the following:
- Always use low-voltage lighting in outdoor fixtures.
- Set up smart sensors to control all your outdoor lighting from anywhere in the house.
- Use motion-detector lighting for security instead of leaving lights on all the time.
- Let SESCO’s expert technicians advise you on the latest smart innovations that will add value, comfort, and convenience to your home.
Trees and Shrubs
Lighting for your plants should be subtle. You don’t want your backyard lit up like the Vegas strip. Tuck LED accent lights into shrubs to create soft, unobtrusive lighting that lets you walk around the property safely but isn’t blindingly bright.
Hang lights in or near the tops of trees and use downlighting to create a romantic “moonlight” effect.
During the holiday season, uplight a decorated tree from the ground to really jazz up your holiday scene.
Hardscapes
Stone walkways and patios are perfect places to illuminate. You’ll make your backyard easier to navigate and create a charming effect. A row of lights running along one side of a path or a stairway allows for evening strolls that are both romantic and safe.
Lights strung along the top or bottom of a stone wall add an elegant look to your outdoor space. For a special occasion or party night, try using a technique called “wall washing,” which allows colored light to beam softly all over the side of a wall. With smart sensors, you can control the effect from anywhere in your home.
Flowers
Flowers add beauty year-round. Plant a mix of flowers that bloom at various times of the year so that you always have color and fragrance. Try a row of small, solar-powered LED lights to mark your flower garden’s border to keep people from trampling over your blossoms when it gets dark.
Party Lights
You can use lighting not just to brighten but to decorate. String LED tape along railings and banisters to create festive, low-cost party lighting that will make your guests feel like they’re in an enchanted hideaway.
If you have dark spots and corners in your yard, use strategically placed lights to mark them so your guests don’t stumble when they walk around admiring your beautifully lit landscape.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to downlight your house number so it’s easier to see from the road. A few lights to mark the driveway or garage are another attractive and useful option.
Water Features
Water features fill your yard with sound and tranquility. Done right, they’ll also attract birds, small wildlife, and even frogs. Add a waterfall or fountain for a feature that costs pennies to run and will add a nice focal point to your yard. Smart automation to control the water pump will help save money and energy.
Use the Right Fixtures
- Lighting fixtures for outdoor use should be designated as weatherproof and watertight.
- Outdoor LED light fixtures are available in many different designs and you’re sure to find some that fit your personal style.
- If you already have outdoor fixtures, ask SESCOS about retrofitting them with LED lights.
Lighting is a key part of any landscape design. For all your indoor and outdoor lighting needs, SESCOS is standing by with the latest in electrical innovations that will make your life easier and your home more bright and beautiful.