Imagine this: You step outside after a long day, ready to enjoy your beautifully landscaped backyard. But instead of a warm glow from your outdoor lights, you’re met with flickering bulbs that seem to be auditioning for a role in a low-budget horror movie. You squint at the dim light, wondering if you’ve accidentally walked into a setting for a ghost story.

We’ve all been there: landscape lighting that doesn’t quite light up the night the way it’s supposed to. The sad truth is, even though they are long-lasting and low-maintenance, landscape lighting systems aren’t built to last forever. Over time, those shining beacons that once highlighted your property’s best features can lose their luster. Whether it’s burnt-out bulbs, sky-high energy bills, poor coverage, or outdated fixtures, there comes a point when your outdoor lighting needs more than just a quick fix; it needs an upgrade.

Your landscape lighting should make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home - a beautiful, functional, and secure environment. If your lighting is barely holding on or failing to serve its purpose, it’s time to reassess. In this article, we’ll walk you through five telltale signs that your landscape lighting needs a major refresh. Because let’s face it, if your lights are flickering like it’s the set of a bad thriller, it’s not exactly doing the job of making your home look inviting.

Let’s shine a light on these problems - literally - and get your outdoor lighting back on track.

Sign 1: Dull or flickering lights

One of the most common signs that your landscape lighting needs an upgrade is the appearance of dull, flickering, or inconsistent lighting. If your outdoor lights no longer shine as brightly as they once did or flicker intermittently, it may indicate a deeper issue with your lighting system. Over time, bulbs wear out, wires can become damaged, or other older components may lose their efficiency.

Why is my outdoor lighting so dim?

While occasional dimming might be expected as bulbs age, constant flickering or significant dimming can point to an underlying problem with the wiring or the fixtures themselves. Flickering lights, for example, can be a sign of a faulty connection. Additionally, bulbs may burn out more quickly if the wiring is damaged or the voltage is unstable. These issues not only affect the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor lighting, but can also contribute to potential safety hazards.

Upgrading your outdoor lighting system allows you to switch to more durable, energy-efficient bulbs, such as LEDs, and ensures the connections are updated. Newer lighting systems come with better technology that prevents these issues from occurring, offering brighter and more reliable illumination.

Sign 2: High energy bills

Landscape lighting is essential for both beauty and security, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of a skyrocketing energy bill. If you’ve noticed an increase in your monthly electricity costs and you’re unsure of the cause, your landscape lighting system might be the culprit. Older landscape lighting setups often use inefficient bulbs and transformers, which consume more energy than necessary to produce light.

Low-voltage, energy-efficient landscape lighting on Long Island, NY

Traditional incandescent bulbs, for example, waste a lot of energy in the form of heat, making them less energy-efficient than modern alternatives. If your system still uses these older bulbs, it might be time to make the switch to energy-efficient LED lights. LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 25 times longer, reducing both your energy consumption and the frequency of bulb replacements.

Switching to an energy-efficient system can significantly lower your electricity bills while providing the same level of brightness and ambiance. Moreover, the long-term savings you’ll experience on energy costs often make the upfront investment in an upgrade well worth it.

As of January 2025, the average cost of electricity in New York is 25.31 cents per kWh. That means a small setup with 10 landscape lighting fixtures could add around $28 to your yearly electric bill. Curious how that breaks down? Visit our blog post 'Does landscape lighting use a lot of electricity?' for a full breakdown and calculations.

Sign 3: Poor lighting coverage

Another clear indicator that your landscape lighting needs an upgrade is poor lighting coverage. If certain areas of your yard or garden are poorly illuminated, or if your lights fail to highlight important features such as pathways, trees, or architectural elements, it may be time to reassess your lighting setup. Inadequate lighting coverage not only detracts from the beauty of your outdoor space but can also pose safety risks.

Uneven lighting often results from an outdated system where certain areas are under-lit, while others may be over-lit. For example, if your lights are positioned too far apart or aren’t powerful enough to cover the entire space, some areas may be left in darkness. This can be especially dangerous in walkways, stairways, and driveways where people are likely to walk after dark.

An upgrade offers the opportunity to redesign your lighting layout, ensuring that every corner of your landscape is properly illuminated. Professional landscape lighting designers can help you strategically place lights to achieve uniform coverage, accentuating key features while providing the necessary safety and security around your property.

Check out this gallery of pictures to explore best practices in landscape lighting and find inspiration for your home's outdoor lighting design.

Sign 4: Outdated fixtures

As with any home feature, the aesthetic appeal of your landscape lighting can fade over time. If your fixtures are rusted, cracked, or otherwise showing signs of wear and tear, it’s a strong indication that an upgrade is in order. Old, worn-out fixtures not only detract from the overall look of your landscape, but can also affect the performance of your lighting system.

The materials used in older fixtures, such as plastic or cheap metal, may degrade over time, leaving them vulnerable to damage from weather, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Outdated designs can also clash with modern home aesthetics, reducing your property’s curb appeal.

By upgrading your lighting fixtures, you can refresh the look of your entire outdoor space. Newer fixtures are often made from more durable materials like brass or high-quality aluminum, which are resistant to rust and corrosion. Additionally, many newer models are designed with sleek, contemporary aesthetics that can complement the design of your home and landscape.

Whether you prefer modern, minimalist fixtures or more ornate, classic designs, there are plenty of options to enhance your outdoor lighting's appearance.

Sign 5: Safety concerns

Finally, one of the most important reasons to upgrade your landscape lighting is safety. If your current lighting system doesn’t adequately illuminate walkways, stairs, or other potential tripping hazards, it can be a safety risk. Poor lighting can make it difficult for you, your family, or guests to navigate your property at night, leading to potential accidents.

Security and safety lighting in Nassau County and Suffolk County

Inadequate lighting in key areas like pathways, driveways, and stairways can cause falls and injuries, particularly in high-traffic areas or during inclement weather. Additionally, poorly lit outdoor spaces can provide hiding spots for intruders, compromising your home’s security.

Upgrading your lighting system not only enhances visibility but also improves safety. Properly placed lights can illuminate all critical areas, reducing the risk of falls and making it easier for everyone to move around safely.

Conclusion

Light does more than help us see - it shapes how we feel about a space. It highlights the beauty, calms the mood, and creates a sense of safety. So when your outdoor lighting starts falling short, it’s not just an inconvenience, it changes how you experience your home.

Maybe it started with a flicker. A bulb that never quite bounced back. A dark patch on the path that makes you hesitate at night. Or maybe your lighting just doesn’t match the home you've worked hard to create. Whatever the case, outdated or underperforming systems are holding your property back.

Upgrading your landscape lighting is one of those rare improvements that checks all the boxes. It makes your home look better. It makes it safer. And with today’s energy-efficient options, it’s smarter for your wallet, too. You don’t need to go over the top - just thoughtful placement, reliable technology, and a system that works with your space, not against it.

Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant glow across the garden, clear visibility along every walkway, or simply a setup that turns on when it’s supposed to… upgrading your lighting can bring it all together.

If you have any questions or need assistance with landscape lighting services for your property, we're here to help. We offer professional design and installation services on Long Island, NY (Nassau County and Suffolk County), and the surrounding areas. Contact us today, and we’ll connect you with one of our expert lighting designers to discuss your needs and provide a custom design proposal for your home.

5 signs your landscape lighting needs an upgrade