Fixtures
If you live in an area where the weather is cold and the days are short, you might want to change the fixtures in your landscape lighting system. This can be an ideal time to change to a more energy-efficient lighting system or to switch out your bulbs for LED. LED lights tend to last longer and save you money over time.
It can be particularly hard on your outdoor lighting fixtures when winter hits. Rain, ice, and mud can cake onto the lenses of your fixtures, reducing their brightness. You should also replace any burned-out bulbs as they drain electricity and cause the remaining bulbs’ to overload.
Wires
When planning to use lighting in your landscape, it’s essential to keep these wires clean and in good repair during the winter. Snow accumulation, drifting snow, and high winds can cause outdoor lighting fixtures to become crooked. To avoid this, you can post indicator flags on your fixtures so that your snow removal company can know their location and ensure that the lights are working correctly.
If you find wires buried below the soil, conceal them at least 6 inches deep to protect the landscape lighting system from the elements. An exposed wire is not only a tripping hazard but can also be chewed by wild animals.
Maintenance
During the winter, landscape lighting fixtures need to be appropriately maintained. Dirt, mineral deposits, and other debris can reduce the light emitted by your fixtures. You can clean these fixtures using a non-abrasive cloth and CLR-type cleaner. You should also ensure that you don’t damage any fixtures during the winter by dropping ice or snow on them.
When preparing your landscape lighting for the winter, it’s essential that you clear snow from all of its fixtures and lenses. If you use halogen bulbs, they can emit enough heat to melt snow. In contrast, LED bulbs produce less heat and do not melt snow. Also, make sure you bury your wires before the ground freezes. If the wires are exposed, they might be damaged or corroded.
Locations
In winter months, it’s essential to check your outdoor landscape lighting locations to ensure they’re still working. Landscape lights should be appropriately positioned to provide adequate illumination and prevent tripping hazards. When putting up outdoor fixtures, you should make sure they’re secure against high winds and snow. You can also put up flags to indicate the locations of lights, so they’re easy to find.
Choose fixtures that come with a lifetime warranty to keep outdoor lighting fixtures safe from water damage. Quality fixtures should withstand snow and rain. Make sure to check them regularly, especially after a heavy snowfall.
Cleaning
To ensure your landscape lighting stays in great shape throughout the winter, clean the lenses of your fixtures. Dust and mud can coat the lenses, reducing their brightness. Use an all-purpose household cleaning solution to remove these substances. It is also vital to replace any burned-out bulbs. The longer they stay unlit, the more electricity they use.
Landscape lighting cleaning should be done once or twice a year. Ideally, in the spring after the winter season. If you are unsure about how to clean your outdoor lighting, you can hire a professional service to do the job. This way, you won’t have to worry about disrupting your daily routine.
Repositioning
When winter comes, it’s time to reposition your landscape lighting. This is harsh on outdoor lights, so they can be damaged if you’re not careful. Keep an eye out for signs of broken fixtures, like dark patches.
To avoid damaging your lighting, make sure that you clean them regularly. A clean fixture will last longer and won’t need to be replaced when spring rolls around. You can also opt for frosted lenses, giving the illumination a softer look. Another great idea is to place path lighting in your landscape. This will prevent people from falling, which can be dangerous when wet. In addition, path lighting will make your landscape more inviting.
Need help getting your Landscape lighting for winter?
Winter is coming, so it’s time to winterize your landscape lighting! Here at Waterworks, we provide a range of services to ensure your lights are ready for the cold. We’ve got you covered if you need us to install new lighting or take care of maintenance and repairs.