5 Tips for Landscape Lighting in the Winter
As winter continues, the days continue to get shorter and shorter, which means that you need more light outside of your home.
Landscape lighting not only improves the visual aesthetic of your home’s exterior, but it also increases your home’s security. Think about how poorly lit areas can be a potential injury hazard with increased amounts of snow and ice. Well-lit areas also deter criminals and pests from entering your property.
There are many things that you can do to keep your home safe, sound and stunning this winter. Some include must-do annual repair checks and some are recommendations. Read on for tips on landscape lighting in the wintertime. Enjoy the beauty of winter landscape from within the warm coziness of your home.
Direct guests with a guided light trail
Welcome guests with an inviting path to take to your front door from your driveway or sidewalk. Avoid slips and falls on the ice by illuminating the walking trail that you took the time to salt and de-ice.
Your Eye naturally focus on lighter areas, so when nighttime rolls around and guests are coming to your home, bring their focus to the path that they should take entering and exiting your home.
Be strategic with what you illuminate
If you entertain outdoors, enhance the area with landscape lighting. Developing a focal point and building the system in layers of light is key. Don’t forget get about elevation changes and natural stone, these areas are typically the most difficult to navigate
In wintertime, leaves fall off of most trees. Opt to illuminate the entire tree, as they are generally more impressive in the winter than summer months. You can also dim the lights when there is a layer of fresh snow on the ground, this creates a balanced and peaceful setting
Clean your landscape lighting
Over time, dirt and bugs can block your landscape lighting bulbs and strips. This makes your lighting appear dim, so remember to clean them. You can wet a cloth and wipe them down. We suggest avoiding coarse scrubbers, as you don’t want to scratch the optics. Opt for a soft toothbrush and glass cleaner for tougher stains.
Before cleaning, shut off their power and check for insect nests.
Check your transformer and lighting system every year
Start a habit now to maintain your landscape lighting set up. Set a time on your calendar every year to tighten the screws on both sides of your transformer’s terminal blocks, inspect for exposed wires, clean debris, check clock timing, replace batteries, and adjust fixtures that may have been moved throughout the season. Landscapes grow quickly, this can dramatically change the look desired without proper care
Check for moisture
If your landscape lighting products are high quality, they can handle the moisture from snow. If they are low-quality fixtures, seams may break, water may leak in, and they may break down over time. If you find moisture in your fixtures, remove it immediately to avoid corrosion. You also don’t want to let moisture build up and dim the lights’ shine.
Contact us with install and maintenance requests. info@naturalnightscapes.com