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Installing Landscape Lights

Installing Landscape Lights

Landscaping lights are any type of lights like path lights, accent lights, and even solar-powered lights that highlight your landscaping. Adding landscape lights to your property can increase both its curb appeal and safety. The steps involved in installing landscaping lights are given below.

  1. Make a Landscape Lighting Overview
  2. Lay out the Components
  3. Turn over the Sod
  4. Bury the Electrical Cable
  5. Plug in the Transformer
  6. Prepare Holes for the Fixtures
  7. Make the Electrical Connections
  8. Install the Light Fixtures
  9. Replace the Sod

Landscape Lights

1. Make a Landscape Lighting Overview

Before setting up anything, you must plan a landscape lighting overview, even if it’s a slight improvement or an addition to your yard. 

Inspect the areas of your landscape that need security and safety, such as the walkways and driveways.

Consider the power supply for the system as well. Examine the ideal place to mount the system. Remember that the bottom of the transformer must be located at least 12″ from the ground. 

Keep in mind the wire cable to be connected to the transformers, the different wire connections, and the fixtures involved in the process. 

Figure out or design a layout before finalizing anything regarding installing the landscaping lights for the best results. 

2. Lay out the Components

Set the wires about 8 to 10 feet apart where they are supposed to be installed. Use the required gauge cable for the lighting systems you wish to install.

Eden recommends stringing the cable around, or under any fixtures, fences, or shrubs you come across during the installation process. 

3. Turn over the Sod

Use a shovel to dig the grass up; the depth depends on the wire you use. For instance, to bury an underground feeder cable, you must go for 24 inches. 

4. Bury the Electrical Cable

Bury the low-voltage electrical cable in the trench while leaving some portion of the cable at each lighting fixture in your yard to allow room for later adjustments.

Smooth the soil over the trench, but leave the cables sticking out near the light fixtures again. Remember to keep the cables of each fixture above the ground. 

5. Plug in the Transformer

Cut the cables reaching the outdoor electrical outlet using wire strippers to strip off ½ inch of the rubber insulation.

Tighten the two terminal screws after the stripped wires are placed on the bottom of the transformer and under the screws to secure and hold the cable in place. 

Now, you can either stake the wood in the ground and then screw it with the transformer or mount it directly to the wall of the house.

6. Prepare Holes for the Fixtures

Place all the light fixtures in their positions to determine if they’re equally spaced.

Do not let any part of the cable or the fixture hang over to prevent anyone from bumping on it. Also, consider positioning the first fixture close to the edge of the driveway or walkway. Now, drive the fixture into the hole in the ground.

7. Make the Electrical Connections

Combine the sharp prongs to make the connection with the wire. With the transformer plugged in, check if the fixtures are lighting up. If the fixtures do not light up, check the connector first and then the transformer or outdoor electrical outlet.

8. Install the Light Fixtures

Use your hands to push the fixture and the stake into the ground. Ensure that the fixture is not tilted. 

Then, put the cable and the connector under the sod to a depth of at least 2 inches. Install the other fixtures in the same way. 

9. Replace the Sod

After examining the light fixtures, smooth the sod around all the fixtures. If needed, cut the extra sod around the fixtures with a shovel.

It is also important to note that you must immediately replace any malfunctioned or burned-out bulb since it can shorten the longevity of other lighting fixtures.

Install landscape lights

What factors should be considered before installing landscape lights?

Before you go out and purchase the light fixtures, consider the following factors. 

  • The purpose of the lights ‒ Knowing the purpose of the lights will help you choose the right type of light. Some wish to highlight certain features of your landscaping. Others want the lights to provide accent lighting or general lighting for their yard. To determine the right type of light fixture, consider the reason behind the installation. 
  • The location of the lights ‒ You’ll need to decide where you want to place the lights before you can purchase them, as this will also determine the type of fixtures you need to purchase.
  • The power source for the lights ‒ You’ll need to choose a power source for your landscape lights. Solar lights are powered by the sun, while an electrical outlet powers low voltage lights.

Installing landscape lights requires knowledge of electrical fixtures, which is why you should consider hiring a professional for installation. Contact Eden for installing landscape lighting that highlights the best parts of your landscape even after the sun goes down.

From selecting the right seasonal plants to installing an outdoor kitchen, our landscaping services can do it all for you. Contact us today for a stunning landscape!