Proper Landscape Lighting Fixture Placement is Very Important
I know I’ve covered this topic before but this particular problem is so prevalent in the Austin and Texas Hill Country areas that I have to touch on it again: Installation of above-grade lighting fixtures in turf areas – which becomes a major headache for the home owner. So let’s talk about proper landscape lighting fixture placement.
Hardly a day goes by that we’re not dumbfounded by the number of “bullet” or PAR, above-ground lighting fixtures that we see in beautifully manicured and well-cared for lawns. Unfortunately, there are usually a couple of them that are broken off at the stem due to being struck by the lawn maintenance equipment or children at play.
The individuals installing these fixtures in these locations are not lighting designers, they are fixture sales people. They have no concept of proper landscape lighting fixture placement, and really care very little about the consumer once the project is paid for. The reason we see so many broken fixtures is because the installation company likely won’t come back to repair or replace the fixture, or do any other maintenance for that matter.
So, how can you illuminate a large oak or cedar elm tree that is in a turf area? Quite simply — we use an in-grade fixture which can be mowed over, walked on, or played around. The fixture can’t be busted off because it is below the cut grass level, just about even with the dirt level. These fixtures do cost a little more, and they actually take more time to install; but they also don’t have to be replaced due to breakage like their above grade counterparts, and they are easily maintained. Another benefit is that you don’t see those fixtures planted, sticking up in the lawn like a weed!
Bullet and PAR fixtures, and all above-grade fixtures belong in flower beds where they are protected and can be hidden by the landscape plants, boulders or other objects. This includes single stem path lights too! There’s nothing quite like seeing a bunch of path lights along a walkway leaning like the Tower of Pisa because they were placed in a turf area, and once again, the lawn maintenance crew or others bump into them and don’t bother to level them back up. (There are some path lights that can be used in turf areas and I’ll cover them soon.)
Naturally, there will always be the clients that don’t consider that more appropriate fixtures should be used in order to save some money – and that is certainly their decision. I find more often, however, that most prudent home owners would rather pay more up front and get the right tool (fixture) for the job than to pay for that same unwisely chosen fixture over and over again.
If you would like us to replace some of your broken off, above grade outdoor lighting fixtures with some great in-grade fixtures, please contact us here.
