Landscape lighting makes your yard safer, more inviting, and more usable after dark. On Landscape Atlas, you can explore outdoor lighting companies near you, compare reviews and photos, and request quotes to bring your nighttime curb appeal to life.

Landscape lighting installation is the design and setup of low-voltage or line-voltage lights around your home's exterior spaces. It combines art and engineering to highlight architecture, trees, and pathways while improving visibility and security. A professional installer plans fixture placement, wire routing, transformer sizing, and controls so the system looks great at night and works reliably year-round.

Most residential systems use safe, energy-efficient 12-volt LED fixtures powered by a transformer connected to your home's electrical service. Installers trench or bury cable, mount fixtures, set beam angles, and program timers or smart controls. The goal is balanced, glare-free illumination that complements your landscape rather than overpowering it.

Why outdoor lighting matters

• Safety and wayfinding: Illuminated steps, paths, and entries reduce trip hazards and make it easy for guests, delivery drivers, and family members to navigate after dark.
• Security and peace of mind: Thoughtful light on entries, driveways, and dark corners helps deter unwanted activity and makes cameras more effective.
• Curb appeal and property value: A well-lit façade and layered plant lighting create dramatic nighttime views that can enhance perceived value.
• Outdoor living: Patios, decks, and pools become evening hangouts with comfortable, glare-free light.
• Efficiency: Modern LED systems deliver bright, warm light while using a fraction of the energy older halogen systems consumed.

Key components of a professional outdoor lighting system

• Fixtures: Path lights, spotlights (uplights), wall wash lights, well lights, deck and step lights, hardscape lights for retaining walls, and underwater lights for ponds or fountains.
• Light sources: Integrated LED modules or LED lamps (bulbs) in warm color temperatures (often 2700K-3000K) for a natural look.
• Transformer: Reduces household 120V to 12V and may include multiple taps for voltage balancing. Proper sizing prevents dimming and extends component life.
• Wiring and connectors: UV-resistant, direct-burial cable and waterproof, corrosion-resistant connectors ensure reliability in wet environments.
• Controls: Photocells, astronomical timers, and smart Wi-Fi controllers allow schedules, scenes, and integration with voice assistants or security systems.
• Protection: Surge protection, GFCI outlets, and weatherproof enclosures help safeguard electronics and fixtures.
• Design elements: Beam spread, lumen output, and color temperature are tuned to avoid glare and produce consistent, layered lighting.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose an outdoor lighting company

What to look for

• Experience in residential landscape lighting, with a portfolio of night photos that match your style.
• Clear design process, including a site walk, goals discussion, and a written or visual plan.
• Proper licensing and insurance for electrical work in your state and locality.
• Knowledge of fixture placement, voltage drop, and waterproof connections-not just "plug-and-play."
• Solid product and workmanship warranties, explained in writing.
• Responsiveness and professionalism: timely estimates, clear pricing, and realistic schedules.

Red flags

• Vague, lump-sum quotes with no fixture counts or specs.
• Refusal to discuss wire routing, controls, or transformer capacity.
• No night-time aiming or adjustment visit included.
• Overly bright designs or plans that "light everything" without attention to glare control and shadows.

Typical costs and what affects them

Every property is different, but the scope of work and fixture quality drive most of the price. Here's how pricing commonly breaks down for low-voltage LED systems:

Price ranges at a glance

• Small accent package (8-12 fixtures around entry, path, and a tree or two): often in the $2,000-$4,000 range.
• Mid-size system (15-25 fixtures covering front yard or a combined front/back highlight): typically $3,500-$8,000.
• Larger or estate-scale projects (30+ fixtures, multiple transformers, complex hardscapes): $7,500-$20,000+ depending on design and site conditions.

Installers may price per fixture or as a project total. Per-fixture installed pricing often lands in a broad $200-$450 range, influenced by fixture type, access, and brand.

What drives cost up or down

• Fixture type and material: Solid brass or copper lasts longer and costs more than basic aluminum.
• Count and complexity: More lights, more trenching, and multiple zones increase labor and materials.
• Site conditions: Long wire runs, rocky soil, hardscape coring, or mature root systems add time.
• Controls: Smart hubs, app control, and dimming modules add convenience and cost.
• Power access: New outdoor outlets, subpanels, or long conduit runs raise electrical costs.
• Permits and inspections: Requirements vary by jurisdiction-your contractor should clarify what applies.

Pro tip: Ask for an itemized proposal listing fixture models, quantities, transformer size, controls, wire gauge, and warranty terms. It makes comparisons much easier.

Installation timeline: from consult to night-time aiming

• Initial conversation and site visit (30-90 minutes): Discuss goals, walk the property, identify power sources, and note hazards or obstacles.
• Design and proposal (2-7 days): You receive a plan with fixture counts, placements, and pricing. Some pros offer a live demo to preview effects.
• Scheduling (1-3 weeks typical, variable by season): Lead times can stretch in spring and early summer.
• Installation (1-5 days): Small systems are often installed in a day; larger projects or complex hardscapes take longer.
• Night aiming and adjustments (same night or within a week): Fine-tuning beam angles, brightness, and glare shields makes all the difference.
• Final walkthrough and handoff: You get control app access or timer instructions, plus maintenance guidance.

Preparation tips before you request quotes

• Clarify your goals: Safety on steps? Architectural highlight? Entertaining on the patio? Rank your priorities.
• Collect inspiration: Save a few night photos that match your taste-warm, subtle, dramatic, minimalist, etc.
• Note power locations: Exterior outlets, garage, or utility areas for the transformer.
• Mark utilities and irrigation: In the U.S., call 811 before digging to locate underground lines.
• Plan for landscaping changes: If you'll be adding trees or hardscapes soon, tell the designer so the system can grow with you.
• Set a budget range: A ballpark helps pros suggest the right mix of fixtures and controls.

Smart ways to compare quotes

• Apples to apples: Compare fixture models, lumen output, color temperature, and beam spread-not just "10 spotlights."
• Transformer details: Capacity, multi-tap options, and available load for future expansion.
• Wiring and connectors: Ask about wire gauge, burial depth, and waterproof connectors to avoid corrosion and failure.
• Controls and automation: Photocell plus timer vs. astronomical timer vs. smart app control; note any subscription needs.
• Warranty coverage: Years on fixtures, LEDs, transformer, and workmanship-plus who handles warranty labor.
• Night-time aiming: Confirm it's included; proper aiming prevents glare and hotspots.
• Maintenance plan: Cleaning lenses, repositioning lights as plants grow, and seasonal schedule tweaks.

A simple checklist to use: fixtures and counts, transformer size, controls, wire and connectors, surge protection, warranties, and a plan for final night adjustments.

Essential questions to ask installers

• Do you specialize in outdoor lighting? May I see recent night photos of your work?
• Are you licensed and insured for electrical work here? Who will be on site during installation?
• Which fixture brands and materials do you recommend, and why?
• How do you size the transformer and manage voltage drop across long runs?
• What's your approach to glare control and light trespass to neighbors?
• Do you include a demo or a night-time aiming visit?
• What are the warranties on fixtures, LEDs, transformers, and your workmanship?
• How do you protect connections from moisture and corrosion?
• What's the expected energy use of this design, and can I dim or schedule zones separately?
• If I expand later, is the transformer sized for growth?

Signs you may need new or upgraded lighting

• Dark entries, steps, or paths that feel unsafe at night.
• Old halogen bulbs burning out frequently or driving up energy costs.
• Fixtures corroded, leaning, or filled with water.
• Harsh glare on windows or hot spots on walls-signs of poor aiming.
• Controls that don't keep accurate time, require constant seasonal tweaks, or won't connect to Wi-Fi.
• Landscape changes-overgrown shrubs, new trees, or remodels-making your original design feel off-balance.

Upgrading to modern LED fixtures with better optics and smart controls can refresh the look, cut energy use, and reduce maintenance.

Maintenance and care

Outdoor systems live in tough conditions. A little upkeep goes a long way:

• Clean lenses and remove mulch or debris that blocks light.
• Re-aim fixtures as plants grow and shapes change.
• Check wire connections and stakes after heavy storms or freeze/thaw cycles.
• Replace failing photocells or upgrade to astronomical timers that auto-adjust for sunrise/sunset.
• Add surge protection if you've had power issues or lightning nearby.
• Schedule a professional tune-up annually to keep performance and safety on point.

About Landscape Atlas: how the directory works

Landscape Atlas is a service directory to help you discover local landscape lighting installation and outdoor lighting companies. You can browse company profiles, read customer ratings, and request multiple quotes to compare your options.

Important notes:

• Landscape Atlas is not a contractor and does not provide installation or repair services.
• Providers listed in the directory are not pre-screened or endorsed by Landscape Atlas.
• Always verify a company's licensing, insurance, and references, and review all contracts and warranties before you hire.

A quick glossary of lighting terms

• Beam spread: The width of a light beam; narrow beams highlight columns or trees, while wider beams wash walls and hedges.
• Color temperature: "Warm" light (around 2700K-3000K) typically complements homes and landscapes.
• Lumens: The amount of light produced-more lumens means brighter output, but placement and aiming matter more than raw numbers.
• Voltage drop: Loss of voltage along long wire runs; managed by design, wire gauge, and multi-tap transformers.
• Glare: Uncomfortable brightness from a light source; reduced with shields, proper angles, and correct placement.
• Astronomical timer: Automatically adjusts on/off times based on your location's sunrise and sunset.

Final tips to get the best result

• Focus on effects, not fixtures: The right light in the right place beats more lights everywhere.
• Layer the look: Combine pathway glow, soft wall washing, and targeted tree accents for depth.
• Keep neighbors in mind: Tilt fixtures away from windows and property lines to minimize glare and light trespass.
• Plan for growth: Choose a transformer and wiring layout that makes adding a few fixtures later easy.
• Document everything: Ask for a simple as-built map and a list of fixtures and lamp specs for future maintenance.

Bring your home to life after dark with a design that blends beauty, safety, and efficiency. Explore local outdoor lighting companies on Landscape Atlas, compare quotes with confidence, and choose the pro who understands your vision.

Frequently asked questions