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LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Lighting that's as functional as it is beautiful

 

There are, in fact, only a few basic applications when it comes to landscape lighting. Much like there are only a few basic techniques to apply paint to a canvas or the mixing of words in a sentence. But as we all know, not everything we read is poetry and not every picture we see is captivating. The reality is that most of the pleasantries we enjoy in this world come from the inspired hands of men and women who take basic elements and mold them into something unique and breathtaking.

This, basically, is how one should approach landscape lighting.

Our Process

We've been doing this for many years and we understand what makes a client happy. We know a big part if it is communication. We make sure that from the very first meeting, we explain the entire process and make sure everytihng us clear and understandable. You'll know exactly what we'd be doing, how much it will cost, and when the job will be completed. 

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1. On-Site Consultation

Our first step is always to visit your property and hear what your goals are. What are your goals with the irrigation project?Are there any unique challenges or requests?

 

Ease of use, water conservation, or proper caring for specimen trees or plants, perhaps? We then come out and walk the grounds with you to determine what you're hoping to cover.

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2. Budget

We can typically create irrigations solutions using different strategies and products, enabling us to work within most budgets.

Even with samller budgets, we ar experienced in the setting up an automated sysetem to control with your phone from anywhere or integrate with an existing automated system

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3. Recommendation

At the initial visit, we can share out initial thoughts about how we'd go about meeting your outdoor space's irrigation needs, including different options and approaches as well as ballpark pricing.

We can also share some cases illustrating how we installed similar systems and discuss general pricing

4. Design

If it seems like a fit, we return to our offices and write up a design and construction estimate with everything in writing so you undertsand exactly what you're getting, how much it will cost, and timing.

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5. Installation

Once we create a design that you're happy with, we get to work installing the system. We'll agree on the day and time and our crew will be there as promised.

We have completed so many of these projects that we can usually complete the actual work quickly.

Our crew is friendly, respectful, professionally dressed, and always happy to answer any quesitons you have while the work is being done.

We are very careful to not make a mess or damage anything in the process.

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6. Training and troubleshooting

We take pride that our systems are designed to be easy and  intuitive to use. We make sure you understand how everything works and that you're comfortable with the system before we leave.

We'll return to monitor the system to ensure everything is working smoothly. We're always just a phone call away if you need help.

While rare, we undertsand that sometimes issues don't arise untl well after the job is completed. If there is a problem, we'll come back and make it right, guaranteed.

There are, in fact, only a few basic applications when it comes to landscape lighting. Much like there are only a few basic techniques to apply paint to a canvas or the mixing of words in a sentence. But as we all know, not everything we read is poetry and not every picture we see is captivating. The reality is that most of the pleasantries we enjoy in this world come from the inspired hands of men and women who take basic elements and mold them into something unique and breathtaking.

This, basically, is how one should approach landscape lighting.

The Applications:

1) Uplighting – The application by which light is applied to the desired object(s) from the ground, or a buried location, or any stationary position below the target area.

2) Downlighting – Same as uplighting, but from a secured position above the targeted area..

3) Pathlighting/Area Lighting – This application would include any of the variety of fixtures which have a “hat” on a stem which projects the light over a desired radius.

4) Specialty Lighting – This category includes things such as underwater fixtures, decks, masonry applications, and “gimmick” lights.

I would contend that these are the only applications of this industry. Other contractors might disagree with this premise; however, I am of the opinion that with a strong understanding of the first three applications, one can create beautiful and meaningful landscape lighting masterpieces!

The Effects:

1) Highlighting – The method of applying light directly to the desired object or area. This effect can be accomplished by all four applications.

2) Shadowing – The device by which you direct your light through a selected plant or tree, thus creating interesting shadows on a wall or surface. This method can also be accomplished by all methods.

3) Silhouetting – An advanced technique in which selected objects are “featured” by directing light upward from behind and simultaneously between the object and a wall.

4) Mirroring – Another advanced application where a body of adjacent water is used to capture the images of the surrounding lighting system, thus creating a mirror effect over the surface.

5) Washing – Method by which you apply massive amounts of light to a specified area. This technique often requires specific knowledge of the products and bulbs being used.

The effects I have listed are by no means all of the possible occurrences in the realm of landscape lighting. Often times some of the most striking and interesting things happen purely by chance. However, I would argue that one without intent hardy ever produces beautiful accidents.

Balance and Dimension:

OK, so now you have an understanding of the various effects lighting can produce, but how do you physically apply them or more specifically, where do you start?

This is sort of the gray area where the designer’s personal taste and preferences begins to take over. There are, however, two things that everyone must consider when designing your lighting system.

Balance and dimension

Balance is simply the evenness of light distribution across the face of your targeted area. If it is your house for example, you want to ensure that one side is not brighter than the other, that you used similar application on each side.

Dimension is the end result of a successful lighting job. This is accomplished in a couple of different ways: On a home, be sure to target the corners of each protruding wall, leaving the insets dark, this will define the structure of the dwelling. Avoid placing lights directly under windows if possible; this has a tendency to flatten the visual impact. Additionally, you should always try to light a few things away from the home, or in various areas of the landscape bed to pull one’s eye across the desired area. This is very similar to the way an artist would direct the viewer’s eye through a painting, rather than placing the focal point directly in the center of the canvass.

Technical Issues to Consider:

There is a variety of safety issues to consider when you begin to physically install your lights. The most important of which involves calculating the amount of wattage you have allocated to a particular circuit. This is accomplished by adding up the amount of wattage used by each bulb (ex. A 20 watt Halogen MR-16 uses 20 watts) on single cable extending from the transformer, in relation to the gauge of the wire used. That is putting it simply. It can actually get much more complicated when you factor in voltage drop and distance. My advice in this area is two-part, consult first the product guidelines as issued by the manufacturer, or hire a qualified contractor to install it for you. Remember, even if you hire a professional to install your lights, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be involved in the creative process of the design. After all, it’s your project and you should have a vision of how it should look completed!

ILLUMINATED BEAUTY AND BRILLIANT SECURITY FOR YOUR HOME.

Professional Irrigation Systems and its affiliates has been helping to beautify and preserve local homes since 2001. The same dedication and expertise that made us one of St. Louis’ and St. Charles’ top sprinkler irrigation system specialists have also helped us become one of the area’s most dependable home lighting system installers.

We’re proud to partner with FX Luminaire for any home lighting system needs. That’s just another way your residential irrigation system experts help improve your greatest investment.

With a solid selection of transformers, fixtures, finishes, and filters, our home lighting system designers can surround your residence with light, which improves its overall appearance, security and value.

OUTDOOR LED LIGHTING SYSTEMS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE

Showcase your home and keep it safe and secure with a beautifully deigned LED lighting system. We rely on the FX Luminaire line of products for our home lighting systems, which features some of the best capabilities in the industry:

  • Filters to modify color temperature

  • Automatic color control on beam utilizing 30,000 possible outcomes

  • 10-year warranty on fixtures and LED boards

  • Up to 80-percent savings on energy consumption

  • Reduced transformer and cable costs

  • Flexible, fully upgradeable lighting system
     

THE BRIGHTEST IDEA YET – OUTDOOR LED LIGHTING SYSTEM

LED-based landscape lighting systems provide a number of distinct efficiency and practical advantages:

  • Energy efficiency for lower energy costs

  • Longer lamp and fixture life due to less heat

  • Consistent light output so your home is illuminated evenly

  • Fixture life length of more than 50,000 hours

  • Cutting-edge LED color light spectrum with more than 30,000 colors to choose from
     

Benefits of the FX Luminaire line of LED Lighting Systems:

  • The most advanced technology ever develop for home LED lighting systems

  • Lower energy costs than traditional Halogen lighting systems

  • Replaceable LED boards for quick and easy repairs

  • Boosted durability to handle most situations
     

About FX Luminaire

FX Luminaire is an industry-leading manufacturer of landscape and architectural lighting products with a focus on the advancement of LED landscape lighting system technology and digital lighting control with zoning, dimming and color adjustment capabilities. We are proud to have them as our LED lighting systems partner
 

FX Luminaire LED Lighting Systems

Professional Irrigation Systems only installs LED lighting systems that use top-of-the-line FX Luminaire products, such as:

  • Up Lights

  • Path Lights

  • Wall Lights

  • Down Lights

  • Specialty Lights

  • Power and Control Fixtures

  • Accessories

Our technicians are excited to help you highlight your home’s beauty and increase the safety of your property. Contact Professional Irrigation Systems today with any questions you might have regarding outdoor LED lighting systems for your home or industrial lighting systems for commercial properties. (636) 692-4441.

Create your dream home.
Tell us about your project today.

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