Landscape Lighting FAQ

Start with how you use the property at night: arriving home, entertaining, or simply enjoying the view from inside. A good plan usually covers the front facade, the walk to the door and one or two focal trees, then expands from there. Our process begins with a free consultation for exactly this reason.

It depends on the size of the facade, the number of trees and the length of walks and drives. A modest front yard might use 10 to 20 fixtures, while larger properties use many more. Our fixture estimator gives a rough planning count.

Most homeowners prefer warm white around 2700K, which flatters brick, stone and wood. Slightly cooler tones like 3000K can suit modern homes or bring out green foliage. See our color temperature guide and the warm vs. cool white comparison.

Yes. We bring sample fixtures for a night demo at your home so you see real effects on your own house and trees. You can also experiment with our lighting visualizer beforehand.

They should not. We aim fixtures carefully, use shielding and glare guards, and keep brightness at a level that highlights your property without spilling into windows next door.

Cost depends on fixture count, fixture quality, controls and site conditions. As a general planning range, many professionally installed residential systems fall in the low-to-mid thousands, with larger designs costing more. Our Texas cost guide breaks it down, and a written proposal gives you exact numbers.

Very little. A typical LED fixture draws a few watts, so even a full system often uses about as much power as a couple of old incandescent bulbs. Try the energy cost calculator with your own numbers.

Usually, yes. LED uses a fraction of the energy, runs cooler and lasts far longer between replacements. The LED savings calculator and our halogen to LED guide explain the math.

Yes. The consultation and night demo are free, and the written proposal comes with no obligation.

It is a 12V system: a transformer plugs into a standard outdoor outlet and steps household power down to a safe low voltage for the fixtures. Low voltage is safer around people, pets and irrigation and easy to adjust as plants grow.

Solar lights are inexpensive but tend to be dim, inconsistent and short-lived, especially after cloudy days. For reliable, even light that highlights architecture and trees, a wired low-voltage LED system performs far better.

Solid brass and copper fixtures resist corrosion and develop a natural patina, which makes them a strong choice in humid and coastal areas. Quality powder-coated aluminum can work well in drier regions. Plastic fixtures generally do not last in Texas sun.

Yes. Smart transformers and controllers let you set schedules, create zones, dim fixtures and switch lights on from an app. Learn more about smart lighting controls.

Add up the total wattage of your fixtures and leave headroom, commonly around 20 percent, for voltage loss and future additions. Our transformer sizing calculator and sizing guide walk through it.

Quality LED fixtures and UV-resistant components are built for it. Heat is one reason we avoid cheap plastic housings and choose sealed metal fixtures. Read more in best landscape lighting for Texas heat.

Well-built fixtures and waterproof connections handle most storms, though direct hail strikes or debris can damage lenses. We place fixtures thoughtfully and use sealed connectors to reduce the risk. See our tips on protecting lighting from Texas storms.

Yes. Salt and humidity accelerate corrosion on lower-grade metals and connections. Near the Gulf Coast we recommend brass, copper or marine-grade fixtures and fully sealed wire connections.

Expansive clay can shift fixtures and stress wire, and shallow limestone makes trenching harder. We adjust stake types, mounting methods and wire routing to suit your soil, which is common in North and Central Texas.

Most residential installations take one to three days, depending on size and site conditions. Our process page outlines a typical timeline from first call to final tuning.

Only if you need a new outdoor outlet or circuit. That line-voltage work is handled by a licensed electrician, while the 12V lighting system itself is our work.

We use narrow trenches, route wire around roots and irrigation, and restore turf and mulch as we go. Most yards look undisturbed within a few days.

Some HOAs require approval for exterior changes, including lighting. Check your rules early, and we can provide a plan and fixture details to support your application.

Yes. We can size the transformer and wiring for future zones so you can start with the front yard and add the backyard, pool or trees later without starting over.

Common causes include a cut or corroded wire, a failed connection, a tripped outlet, a timer issue or a failed lamp. Our landscape lighting repair service diagnoses and fixes existing systems, including ones we did not install.

A check once or twice a year keeps a system looking its best: cleaning lenses, re-aiming fixtures, trimming plants and checking connections. Use our maintenance checklist between visits.

Often. If the wiring and transformer are sound, we can swap in LED fixtures or lamps, add controls and fill gaps in the design. We will tell you honestly when replacement makes more sense.

A basic timer drifts as sunset times shift through the year. Astronomical timers and smart controllers adjust automatically, or you can use our sunset timer planner to set a schedule.