Landscape Management, January 2019

Design Build Installation Path lights do not need to be spaced so closely together that light meets light according to Rick Baird of Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting FIXTURE FACTS As with anything in the landscape industry maintenance is key Follow this checklist provided by Rick Baird national sales manager landscape division Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting to keep a propertys lighting fixture setup in peak condition FINISH The fixture may need to be wiped clean periodically to remove water spots or chemical stains LENS The lens of each fixture will need to be polished with a water repellent applied ANGLE AIMING Determine each fixtures original purpose and make sure its aimed and standing correctly to illuminate its intended space LIGHT SOURCE Periodically check to make sure the fixture is still operating with the same light output as originally intended Note LED has eliminated the need to replace light sources on a frequent basis SPACE MAINTENANCE Check the surrounding landscape for plant material ground cover shrubs and trees that may need to be trimmed for optimum light output and performance BUSINESS BOOSTERS Light the way L andscape lighting can extend the length of time spent outdoors once the sun goes down This is perhaps one of its main selling points It can also bring safety benefits to a property When strategically placed path lights not only illuminate paths and walkways but also light planting bed borders says Rick Baird national sales manager landscape division Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting a manufacturer headquartered in Simi Valley Calif There are several types of landscape lighting but illuminating walkways is one of the most popular applications Ryan Williams senior marketing manager for FX Luminaire a San Marcos Calif based manufacturer says path lights are the companys second most popular style category after up lights DONT JUST FOLLOW THE PATH Despite their popularity and safety benefits Williams recommends installers avoid overusing path lights Optimal pathway lighting can be achieved by installing up lights and down lights in close proximity to pathways LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET JANUARY 2019 50 he says Down l ight s can be installed in trees and on nearby structures to contribute to effective path lighting according to Baird In commercial spaces its important to get lights off the ground to eliminate damage from increased foot traffic and potential vandalism Step lighting can be considered very detailed path lighting Baird says Its imperative to keep shadows and dark spots to a minimum He recommends lighting designers take a walk along a path including any steps to identify obstacles such as intersecting paths or elevation changes When installing wall and step fixtures Williams recommends that contractors pay close attention to the wiring and keep in mind safety aesthetics and future servicing PHOTOS VISTA PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING FX LUMINAIRE Installation and maintenance tips for path and step lighting BY DANIELLE PESTA LM ASSOCIATE EDITOR LIGHT IT UP Path lights can be used to brighten up plant bed borders in addition to walkways