Before You Allow That Landscape Company To Do Your Lighting, Read This...
- Mike K
- May 25
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
The Hidden Risks of Using a Landscaping Company for Outdoor Lighting Installation
As outdoor living spaces grow in popularity, more homeowners are looking to enhance their properties with beautiful, functional lighting. From illuminating pathways to showcasing architecture and landscapes, outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and safety. However, when it comes to installing these systems, many homeowners unknowingly make a costly mistake: hiring a general landscaping company instead of a specialized outdoor lighting professional.
While landscape companies excel in planting, grading, hardscape and lawn care, outdoor lighting requires a different set of skills, tools, and knowledge. In this article, we’ll explore why entrusting your lighting to the right professionals can make all the difference—and what risks you face when you don’t.
Understanding the Difference
Outdoor lighting isn’t just another item on a landscaper’s to-do list—it’s a highly specialized service. Here's how lighting professionals differ:
Design Expertise: Lighting specialists are trained in photometrics, beam angles, color temperature, and how light interacts with various surfaces and environments.
Technical Knowledge: From voltage drop calculations to waterproof transformer placements, lighting pros understand the nuances that ensure long-term performance and safety.
Custom Solutions: Unlike generic fixture placement, professionals craft lighting plans that enhance your home’s best features while considering shadows, glare, and uniformity.
Landscapers may install lights, but lighting professionals design lighting experiences.
The Risks of Choosing a Landscape Company for Lighting
While it may seem convenient or cost-effective to bundle lighting with other landscaping services, doing so can lead to several issues:
1. Poor Design and Placement
Lighting installed without a detailed design often leads to:
Uneven brightness or “hot spots”
Missed focal points (architecture, trees, water features)
Ineffective pathway lighting or glare in windows
Without an artistic eye for nighttime visibility and aesthetics, even high-end homes can appear flat or disjointed after dark.
2. Low-Quality Fixtures
General landscapers often rely on big-box lighting kits or low-grade fixtures:
Shorter lifespan and lower durability
Corrosion in wet or coastal environments
Limited warranty (if any)
By contrast, lighting professionals use commercial-grade, weather-resistant fixtures backed by manufacturer warranties—some even lifetime-guaranteed.
4. No Long-Term Support
Most landscape companies don’t offer service plans or ongoing support for lighting systems:
No help if fixtures fail or need realignment
Limited troubleshooting for flickering or outages
No seasonal adjustments or upgrades
Professional lighting firms provide maintenance plans, proactive check-ups, and dedicated support long after installation.
Why Professional Lighting Makes a Difference
Investing in a lighting specialist means:
Tailored Design: Every beam of light has a purpose—from enhancing curb appeal to improving functionality and ambiance.
Premium Materials: Long-lasting fixtures and transformers designed for outdoor performance and beauty.
Energy Efficiency: Proper voltage balancing and LED systems minimize energy use while maximizing impact.
Smart Integration: Many lighting pros offer smart systems with timers, app control, and color customization for modern convenience.
Peace of Mind: Licensed, insured, and code-compliant installation ensures safety and lasting value.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Lighting Professional
Look for companies that:
Specialize in Lighting Only: It should be their main focus—not a seasonal add-on.
Offer Design Consultations: Professionals should walk the property at night and provide a detailed plan before installation.
Back Their Work: Warranties on fixtures, transformers, and workmanship are a must.
Have Proven Experience: Ask to see past projects and request client testimonials.
Provide Ongoing Service: Look for companies offering maintenance plans and upgrade options.
Don’t Compromise on Your Outdoor Lighting
Your home deserves more than a generic lighting job tacked onto a landscaping contract. The difference between “lights” and lighting design is night and day—literally. Improper installation can cost more in the long run due to repairs, replacements, and lackluster results.
Contact Outdoor Lighting Experts to schedule your free consultation and discover the transformative power of expert design.
