Spring has officially sprung … and there’s no better way for clients to continue to enjoy the warmer temperatures than adding landscape lighting to their outdoor spaces.
Four key trends are popping up in night lighting designs, according to Michael Hatcher of Hatcher Landscape in Memphis, Tennessee.
1. Energy efficiency rules.
Sustainability means energy efficiency, so it’s no surprise that LEDs are becoming more popular. In fact, by 2019, LED lights are estimated to make up 53 percent of the global lighting market, according to Statista. Residential LEDs, especially Energy Star rated products, use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, says the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Safety and security secrets.
Landscape lighting can prevent falls, deter criminals and create clear visibility, illuminating potential hiding places. “But you don’t want your landscape to look like a runway or blind people just to incorporate safety and security,” Hatcher says. “Lighting should enhance the property, not be an eyesore.” Some popular places to add lighting for safety include on stairs, along walkways, in plant beds to uplight a home, inside columns and under sitting walls.
3. It’s entertainment!
Don’t let the good times stop once the sun goes down. Spotlight entertainment areas, such as sitting walls, patios, pergolas with TVs, fire features, water features, outdoor kitchens and other areas where clients want to relax and entertain.
4. Control it.
Timers allow customers to set when lights come on and off, instead of having to manually set them. This can help clients cut back on utility usage by only having lights on at peak times. There are even some wireless lighting controllers customers can access from smartphones or tablets, allowing them to adjust dimmers, turn lights on in the hot tub or create a light show.