July 21, 2008

May 1, 2008

Installing landscape lighting is like almost anything else--a few good tips from a seasoned professional can go a long way. I was recently doing some reading on the subject and found a few tips that seemed useful.

April 27, 2008

As we mentioned in our previous article, installation of in-ground landscape lights requires special consideration. When installing a fixture underground one must take into consideration such items as grade and drainage.

April 26, 2008

Proper installation of inground landscape fixtures is more important than in above-ground applications. This is because the underground environment exposes the fixture to many risks and hazards that are not isues for above-ground fixtures. Before we get into the step-by-step instructions for installing an inground LED landscape light it is important to know some general rules for these types of installations.

February 22, 2008

Our initial relationship with lighting was monogomous--all we had was the sun. As man evolved and technologies were developed it became possible to have light 24 hours a day. But just because we now can have light 24 hours a day and in all places, do we really need it? To answer this question it is important to understand the history, progression, and current use of outdoor lighting in our society. This is especially true as we are facing an increasingly real threat from global warming.

Halogen and LED landscape lighting products are available in varying levels of quality, so its difficult to make generalized comparisons about performance. However, assuming we are comparing a higher-end halogen and LED fixture, an LED will typically last up to 25 times longer. An high-output LED spot light may use up to 13W of power while a comparable halogen model would use about 20Ws. This means that the LED model is about 40% more efficient.

February 19, 2007

LEDs are the most durable and long-lasting lighting technology available. But all LEDs are not created equal and the difference between high quality and long lasting LEDs and average LEDs is all about thermal management.

Although landscape lighting systems require some planning and design there are some simple tips that all installers should remember before moving forward with their landscape lighting project.

The lighting industry is in a pre-revolutionary stage. The incandescent light bulb has been the standard for lighting since it was invented over 100 years ago. In the last 5 years new and revolutionary technologies such as the compact fluorescent and LED have been introduced. Despite the superior performance of these new light sources, many landscape professionals and others are skeptical and reluctant to make a change. This article discusses some of the core advantages of LED over halogen.

February 14, 2008

The real estate market in the U.S. made a decent run over the last 10 years. Many markets saw prices double in less than 5 years and buyers were lining up at the curb to buy homes the first day they were listed. Unfortunately, those days seem to have come to an end. In many markets homes are sitting on the market for months with no interested buyers. Depending on the market you live in it may be a good time to just settle in for a while rather than considering a sale of your home. After evaluating the real estate marketing in your area and your individual situation, it may make sense to improve your current residence during this market correction.