Winter always seems to bring a certain charm to the landscape as it settles in. The crisp air mixed with the chance of snow can be truly mesmerizing. Although winter frost can be beautiful, it can also be harsh on your landscape and outdoor lighting. Adapting your equipment is essential when the temperature drops. Without it, you risk all your hard work going to waste in the event of a cruel winter freeze. Here at Georgia Lightscapes, it’s our passion to help you transform your landscape in any season. So let’s dive into some tips on how to prepare your landscape lighting for winter and make the colder months.
Getting Started
Before you can begin preparing your outdoor landscape lighting for winter, you need to take stock of the situation beforehand. Check all your lighting fixtures for any wear and tear. If you have older or damaged fixtures that you are unaware of, prepping unfortunately will not make a difference. Take note of any damage, debris or other ways your fixtures might be falling prey to the elements. Ice, snow, water and even freezing cold can cause internal issues, so decide if any of your fixtures need to be replaced or repaired. Maintenance can be critical for your outdoor lighting!
Winter Landscape Lighting Tips
Lead the Way with LEDs
If you haven’t already made the swap, consider changing your outdoor landscape lighting bulbs to LEDs. According to the Department of Energy, “LEDs are a highly energy-efficient lighting technology, and have the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.”
Not only do they last longer, use less energy overall, but they are also more resistant to the colder temperatures! Most LEDs emit a warm glow that serve as great replacements for natural light and compliment the winter ambiance similar to a warm fire.
At Georgia Lightscapes, we specialize in LEDs for outdoor landscape lighting. As we head into winter, feel free to contact us with any inquiries on LED lighting.
It’s All In the Timing
Wintertime brings darker days and longer nights. With the shorter days ahead, adjust the timers on your lights so it matches the cadence of the day. This also conserves energy, turning them on only when you need them, and ensures your lights are bright and ready to go when you need them.
Be Mindful of Wildlife
As the weather gets colder, the wildlife around you will try to find sources of heat or light. You may want to change up your landscape lighting during the winter so that it doesn’t attract or disturb any animal habitats. Directional lighting is a great option that causes minimal disturbances to wildlife.
Snow Safety
Whether it’s snow, ice or frost–the accumulation of any cold element can be damaging to your landscape lighting. Be mindful of where exactly you choose to place your outdoor lighting as it gets colder. Keep it closer to your house or driveway if you need more light at night as the darker days roll in. Try to avoid placing your lighting in concave areas where snow, water and ice can easily accumulate. Clean and check your fixtures often to prevent lighting issues. If snow or other items start to stack on top of the light, it can affect its overall performance and longevity.
Placement for Peace of Mind
The placement of your outdoor landscape lighting is important. It can be a great strategy to prevent ice buildup, and also vary the height of your lights to match the longer nights. Shorter days give you more darkness and shadow to work with, so consider a mix of low-level lighting with high focal point lighting. This gives your home more depth and overall visual interest to play with as the sun shows itself less and less.
Embrace the Beauty
Lighting can easily enhance a winter landscape. Get creative with your outdoor lighting placement, illumination, or even color! Consider using color features or lenses to create a different mood for your environment. Soft cool tones can reflect the cooler environment, while brighter lights can add an aesthetic warmth and feel to your home.
Winter in the New Year is a great time to revamp your old lighting setup into something new and exciting. Perhaps you want to add some more lights in your front yard, maybe sprinkle some color around your landscaping features, or even add some extra peak lights to your home? Whatever your decision, reach out to the professionals at Georgia Lightscapes for help!
Need Help With Outdoor Lighting This Winter? Call Us Today!
Preparing your outdoor space into a captivating masterpiece during the harsh winter season involves more than just installing a few lights. It takes continuous maintenance and a professional opinion to create a vision durable enough to illuminate through the sleet. As a trusted outdoor landscape lighting company, Georgia Lightscapes is committed to bringing your vision to life, while providing the best products in any season!
If you’re ready to enhance your outdoor space and create a stunning landscape with shadows and highlights, contact us today. Let our team of experts turn your outdoor space into a work of art that will be the envy of the neighborhood…during any time of year. Call us today!