Audio clip
Frank Reid
Outdoor lighting brightens a home, adds design drama and contributes to after-dark security, experts say.
New solar-powered units offer a cost-efficient alternative to power cords. Solar lights sit dormant by day, absorbing energy from the sun's rays. At dusk, the dance begins.
If you lament the fact that you can't see your hummingbirds at night, you can now buy an electronic hummingbird roosting on a solar-powered stem. At dusk, it lights up, changing colors through the night from white to red to blue.
LIGHT TIPS
1. After purchasing solar lights, remove them from the packaging and set them upright in bright sunlight. Choose a day with clear skies and no threat of rain.
2. Charge for 12 to 14 hours (over two days) to ensure batteries are ready for installation. Decide on layout and measure the area. Space lights evenly for uniformity.
3. Choose a location that gets several hours of full sun daily. Check soil to make sure it is loose enough to push light bases into the ground.
4. Dampen dry soil several times and wait a few hours before installing lights to avoid stress to the light's support post. Use a small spade to loosen clay-dense soil.
5. Use hanging solar-powered lights around pools, on the deck or on posts. Secure hangers to prevent lights from being blown down in high winds.
Source: www.ehow.com>
Attractive outdoor accent lighting is now available with floral filigreed side panels. The lights, which cast a very soft bluish-gray hue, can be planted in the ground or attached to an exterior wall.
Solar lights have come a long way in the past few years -- not only in design but in functionality.
"When they first came out, they had to be in the full sun all day long," said Brandon Hogue, assistant manager of Lowe's in Hixson. "Now, the solar cells will capture light even in semi-shaded areas."
Mr. Hogue said they are perfect for people who want to add light and drama to their landscaping but don't want the hassle of wiring.
"But there are pros and cons," he said. "With wired lights, you'll have light any time of day. With solar, if the day is cloudy with little or no light, the solar lights may not be as bright or last all night."
For the electrically challenged, solar lights are the way to go. They're perfect for do-it-yourselfers.
Frank Reid, owner of local landscape construction company The Reid Group, uses mostly low-voltage wired lights or LED lights in his construction designs because of their consistency. He said all three can help provide safety and security on walkways at night, and all have their pros and cons.
* Solar lights are made of plastic and aren't as durable but do get you off the electric grid.
* LED and low-voltage lights are consistent and durable. Also, LED lights can last up to 20 years. But you'll pay for electricity.
"Outdoor lighting can also be used to accent trees, like Japanese maples, river birches and crepe myrtles," he said. "Also, they can accent architectural features on a house."
"Nightscaping" is the term used for adding drama after dark with lights. "It provides interest during the night and gives you a different element to look at," Mr. Reid said.
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