Landscape lighting installation on Long Island, NY: What to expect & how to prepare

Location: North Hills, NY.

When it comes to increasing curb appeal, safety, and the value of your home, few upgrades make as big of an impact as professional landscape lighting. For homeowners across Long Island — specifically in Nassau County and Suffolk County — outdoor lighting transforms dark, overlooked yards into inviting, functional spaces that elevate everyday living.

If you're thinking about installing landscape lighting, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect from the process and how to prepare your property for a smooth, stress-free experience.

Why homeowners on Long Island, NY are choosing landscape lighting

If you've noticed more homes in your neighborhood lighting up their driveways, front yards, and back patios, you're not alone. Landscape lighting has become one of the hottest upgrades for homeowners across Long Island — and it’s easy to see why. This isn’t just about adding a few pretty lights; it’s a change that brings both beauty and function to your property. Whether you’re boosting curb appeal, enhancing security, or creating the perfect atmosphere for outdoor living, landscape lighting is a transformative upgrade that leaves a lasting impression on your home and your lifestyle.

So, what’s driving the rise in popularity of landscape lighting? Let’s take a look at the key reasons why more and more homeowners are choosing to light up their outdoor spaces:

>>> Curb appeal that stands out

Professionally designed lighting highlights your home’s best features, from architectural details to trees and gardens, creating a polished, magazine-worthy look.

>>> Enhanced security
A well-lit property deters trespassers and improves visibility for both homeowners and security systems.

>>> Safety first

Pathway lighting, step lights, and driveway illumination reduce the risk of accidents when walking around your property at night.

>>> Increased home value
A thoughtfully lit home doesn’t just look good — it often appraises higher, making it a smart investment.

>>> Outdoor living, upgraded

Want to host evening get-togethers or enjoy your backyard after sunset? Strategic lighting extends the usability of patios, pools, and decks.

What to expect during a landscape lighting installation

Professional outdoor lighting isn’t a “plug-and-play” job. It’s a thoughtful process that balances design, durability, and performance. Here's what the installation process typically looks like:

1. Initial consultation & design planning

Every great lighting project starts with a conversation, and this is where the expertise of a professional lighting designer truly shines. During the initial consultation, your lighting designer will take the time to walk your property with you, carefully listening to your goals and what you want to achieve with this project.

This is more than just picking out a few lights; it’s about creating a customized lighting plan that brings your vision to life. The designer will consider everything, including:

• Fixture types and placements: Ensuring the right fixtures are chosen for the best effect and placed in the optimal locations.

• Lighting zones: Defining areas such as front yard, backyard, and pathways, each with its own lighting strategy.

• Transformer location: Selecting the perfect spot for the transformer to ensure efficient energy distribution.

• Smart control options: Offering features like timers and app controls to make your lighting system as convenient as it is stylish.

This is where the vision comes together with strategy, guided by a lighting designer who combines creativity with technical expertise to create a lighting design that works seamlessly with your home and your needs.

2. Product selection

Not all lights are created equal. We’ll help you select premium-grade fixtures designed for Long Island’s seasonal climate — especially important given our winters and coastal moisture.

Popular options include:

• Low-voltage LED lighting (energy-efficient & long-lasting)

• Uplights to highlight trees and architecture

• Path lights for walkways and driveways

• Step lights for safety

• Smart lighting systems for automation.

We stay far away from flimsy solar lights that flicker and fade. This is professional-grade only.

3. Site preparation

Before we install, we’ll prepare the worksite. This may include:

• Marking fixture locations

• Digging shallow trenches for wiring (we’re careful to protect landscaping).

We also coordinate around existing irrigation, landscaping, and hardscape features to ensure nothing gets damaged.

4. Installation & wiring

This is where everything comes together. Our team installs fixtures, lays out low-voltage wiring, and connects everything to a transformer (typically mounted near the house or garage).

We test as we go to ensure:

• Even light distribution

• All components work safely and efficiently.

Depending on the size of your property, installation can take anywhere from one day to a few days.

5. Final testing & walkthrough

Once the system is installed, we walk through the entire property with you:

• We test each fixture

• Adjust angles or brightness if needed

• Demonstrate how to use timers, apps, or smart features

• Answer any remaining questions.

You’ll see your home in a whole new light — literally.

How to prepare your property for installation

Here’s how you can make sure your installation goes as smoothly as possible:

• Trim overgrown plants or trees
  If shrubs or tree branches are covering key areas (like pathways or focal points), give them a quick trim so the lighting design remains effective.

• Turn off sprinklers
  It’s a good idea to pause your irrigation system the day before and the day of installation so the ground isn’t muddy where we’re working.

• Notify other contractors
  If you have landscaping, gardening, or pool service scheduled, consider rescheduling to avoid overlap or confusion.

• Provide access
  Ensure access to the transformer location, exterior outlets, and gates.

Frequently asked questions

Will this damage my lawn?
Nope! Our crew takes great care during trenching and installation. We use shallow cuts and clean up thoroughly afterward.

Can you use the lights I already have?
Sometimes. If your current fixtures are high quality, we can often integrate them into the new system. Otherwise, we’ll recommend upgrades that better match your goals.

How long does it take?
Most standard residential projects take 1–2 days. Larger estates may take up to a week, depending on complexity.

What if something doesn't work later?
All of our lighting systems come with a 2-year warranty, so you're covered in case anything stops working. We use high-quality, reliable fixtures, but if something does go wrong, we’re just a call or text away and happy to help troubleshoot or resolve the issue.

Will this increase my electric bill?
LED systems are extremely energy-efficient. On average, for a house with 20 fixtures, the yearly electricity bill can increase by ~$55/yearly. Read more on our blog post “Does landscape lighting use a lot of electricity” to further understand and see actual calculations.

Check out our FAQs page to find out answers to other common questions customers ask.

Why Long Island homeowners choose us for outdoor lighting

We’re not just installers; we’re lighting designers who specialize exclusively in residential outdoor lighting. That means every project is approached with a designer’s eye and a technician’s precision, ensuring your lighting isn’t just functional — it’s stunning.

Homeowners across Nassau County and Suffolk County trust us because we deliver more than just light. We deliver lasting impact.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• No shortcuts. Ever. Clean, professional installations with zero cutting corners.

• No cheap solar lights. We use only high-performance, weather-resistant fixtures built to withstand Long Island’s climate — and still look great years later.

• We treat your home like it’s ours. Respect, cleanliness, and attention to detail come standard in every job.

• We design around you. Every project is fully customized — no templates, no cookie-cutter, no guesswork. We take the time to listen and design lighting that reflects your home, your goals, and your lifestyle.

This isn’t an add-on service for us; it’s what we do. And it’s why so many Long Island homeowners turn to us when they want their property to shine.

Book your free consultation today, and let’s design a lighting plan that brings your vision to life.