Landscaping: Lighting up the night

BY CHRISTOPHER J. JOYCE
Business owners have always used lighting to display their signage, but more and more are now investing in landscape night lighting to display the trees and shrubs and walkways around their property. The benefits of proper lighting at a business can add beauty, safety and security. In many cases this simple investment will enhance the overall appearance of the business and can attract more patrons in the daytime or nighttime.

In addition, homeowners are looking for ways to get more enjoyment out of their own backyard living spaces. One of the easiest, most economical (and least invasive) ways to make the fun last longer into the night is through quality outdoor lighting. With path lights, spotlights, step lights, deck lights, accent lights and a wide array of specialty lights available, a unique nighttime masterpiece can be designed for any yard or place of business.

For many home and business owners their landscape is both expensive and time-consuming to maintain. Why not extend your time outdoors to enjoy and protect what you have worked so hard to establish? In recent years the fixtures have become state of the art, with numerous styles and finishes to accent a diverse array of landscape applications.

The most popular application of low-voltage landscape lighting is the “up-light.” This technique aims light directly at an object that the home or business owner wishes to exhibit in the dark. In addition to up-lighting, down-lighting has become increasingly popular. Down-lighting is a practice by which a fixture is mounted in a tree and shines down onto a patio or parking court to simulate a moonlit sky. The effect is a soft light that subtly highlights areas for ambiance as well as safety.

Proper lighting can add both beauty and safety to any landscape. Whether the property is a second home, full-time residence or a business establishment, every property can benefit from additional security. Additionally, low-voltage landscape lighting is proven to add to property value exponentially. Realtors have now begun to add night lighting pictures into their sales packets to further showcase homes and businesses for sale.

For a small investment of both time and money, a home or business owner can make their property more beautiful, more secure and more desirable for themselves, their guests, as well as potential buyers or patrons. ■

Christopher J. Joyce is founder and president of Joyce Landscaping, Inc. in Marstons Mills. He can be reached at (508) 428-4772 or info@joycelandscaping.com.

Published in Cape & Plymouth Business December 2009