Landscape Lighting Questions, Answered

Most residential landscape lighting projects in Texas range from $2,500 to $12,000, depending on property size, the number of fixtures and how complex the installation is. A starter package for a typical home runs $2,500–$5,000, while comprehensive estate lighting can exceed $20,000.

These are planning ranges. We provide a detailed, itemized quote with zero obligation, so you know exactly what you are getting before you decide. For a ballpark of your own, try the landscape lighting cost calculator.

Professionally installed, most fixtures land around $250–$450 each. That figure covers the fixture and lamp, its share of the transformer and cable, connections, labor and on-site aiming. Architectural-grade brass fixtures, in-grade well lights and pool or water-feature lights sit at the higher end; simple path lights in open beds sit at the lower end.

Yes. Consultations and estimates are free and carry no obligation. Your quote is itemized by fixture type, transformer, wiring, controls and labor, so you can see where the money goes and adjust the scope if you want to phase the project.

Absolutely, and many clients do. A common plan starts with the front facade, entry and walkway, then adds trees, the backyard or the pool later. We size the first transformer with spare capacity and plan cable routes so later phases connect cleanly.

It depends on what you want to feature, not the square footage. A front elevation with an entry, two or three trees and a walkway often needs 12 to 20 fixtures; a full property with backyard and pool can need 30 or more. Good design is about strategic placement: lighting focal points and leaving some areas softly dark creates depth.

For most Texas homes, warm white between 2700K and 3000K. 2700K flatters brick, cedar and warm limestone; 3000K keeps foliage looking natural and suits cooler stone. We keep the whole system consistent so nothing looks mismatched. Compare them yourself in the color temperature visualizer.

Uplighting places fixtures at ground level aimed up at a facade, column or tree for drama. Downlighting mounts fixtures above, on eaves, pergolas or trees, for soft, natural light on patios and paths. Moonlighting is downlighting from high in a tree canopy, so branches cast dappled shadows on the ground below, a beautiful fit for mature live oaks. See our complete guide for more techniques.

It shouldn’t. We use shielded fixtures, glare guards and careful aiming so you see the lit surface, not the bulb. We follow dark-sky practice: no light aimed off the property or into the sky, and warm color temperatures that are easier on the eyes.

Most residential installations are completed in one day. Larger estate projects or commercial properties may take two to three days. We schedule around your convenience and make sure everything is working, and aimed, by nightfall on the final day.

We take exceptional care of your property. Low-voltage cable is buried with narrow-blade trenching tools that barely disturb turf, and we hand-dig around roots, irrigation lines and existing plantings. Any turf we disturb is restored, and we leave the property clean.

Yes. A low-voltage system runs at about 12 volts after the transformer, which is far safer around people, pets and irrigation than line voltage. The transformer plugs into a weatherproof GFCI outlet, and our connections are sealed against moisture.

Low-voltage cable is typically buried about 6 inches deep in beds and turf. We use 12-gauge or 10-gauge direct-burial cable, depending on the load and distance, and lay it out in a hub pattern to control voltage drop so the last fixture is as bright as the first. Run the numbers with the transformer and voltage drop calculator.

Very. Modern LED landscape lighting uses 75–80% less energy than traditional halogen systems. A typical whole-property system running about six hours a night costs roughly $10–$25 per month to operate. Homeowners replacing an older halogen system often recover the cost difference in energy savings within a few years. Check your own numbers with the LED energy savings calculator.

Quality integrated LEDs and LED lamps are rated for tens of thousands of hours, which works out to many years of nightly use. In practice, the fixture body, seals and connections determine lifespan, which is why we install solid brass and copper fixtures that stand up to Texas heat, humidity and hail.

Usually, yes. Depending on the condition of the fixtures, transformer and wiring, we can swap in LED lamps, replace failing fixtures, or rebuild the system. Retrofits often allow a smaller load on the transformer and a noticeable drop in your electric bill. Learn more on our maintenance and repair page.

Yes. Our smart lighting systems let you switch zones, dim, set scenes and change schedules from an app, and many integrate with popular smart-home platforms and voice assistants.

An astronomical timer calculates sunset and sunrise for your location every day, so your lights turn on at dusk all year without adjusting for seasons or daylight saving time. Many clients run lights from dusk to around midnight, with entry or security zones staying on later. See dusk times for your city with the Texas dusk timer.

Yes. We divide the system into zones, such as front facade, trees, backyard and pool, so each can have its own schedule and brightness. That saves energy and gives you scenes for entertaining, everyday evenings and late-night security.

Every installation is backed by our 5-year workmanship warranty. Fixtures also carry their manufacturers’ warranties, which vary by product and are often several years or longer. If something fails because of how it was installed, we fix it at no charge.

A little. Plants grow, mulch shifts and lenses collect dust, pollen and hard-water spots from sprinklers. An annual tune-up covers cleaning, re-aiming, trimming back growth, checking connections and voltage, and resetting timers. Our maintenance checklist walks through each Texas season.

Yes. We design every system with expansion in mind. Low-voltage lighting is flexible, so it is easy to add fixtures, upgrade to smart controls, or adapt the lighting as your landscaping matures. Many clients add to their system once they see the results.

Yes. We troubleshoot and repair most brands of low-voltage landscape lighting, including dead zones, dim fixtures, failed transformers, cut cables and corroded connections, and we can upgrade older systems to LED.

We work statewide, including Austin, Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, West Texas and the Gulf Coast. If your town isn’t listed, ask; we likely serve it.

Many Texas HOAs require approval for exterior changes, and some set rules on fixture types, brightness or light trespass. We can provide a fixture list, product sheets and a layout to include with your application, and we design to dark-sky standards that most associations welcome.

Yes. Alongside homes, we design and install lighting for commercial facades, entries, signage and grounds, including security and floodlighting that improves visibility without harsh glare.