Landscape lighting has changed a lot in the last decade. Halogen fixtures on a simple timer have given way to efficient LED systems that can be grouped into zones, dimmed, scheduled around sunset and controlled from your phone. For homeowners in San Mateo County, from Hillsborough estates to Los Altos Hills hillsides, smart landscape lighting makes it easier to enjoy the garden at night, keep the property secure and avoid wasting energy.

Here is how smart landscape lighting works and what to consider when planning a system for your home.

How a smart landscape lighting system works

Most residential landscape lighting runs on low voltage. A transformer steps household power down to a safe voltage, and direct-burial cable runs out to fixtures throughout the garden. In a smart system, the transformer or a separate controller connects to your home Wi-Fi or automation platform. That lets you:

• Turn lights on automatically at sunset and off at a set time or at sunrise
• Split the property into zones, such as the front entry, driveway, back patio and garden paths
• Dim individual zones to set the mood for dinner outside or a quiet evening
• Create scenes for entertaining, holidays or everyday use
• Control everything from a phone app, voice assistant or whole-home automation system

Design comes first

Smart controls only help if the lighting itself is well designed. A good plan starts with how you use the property at night: the walk from the car to the front door, steps and grade changes that need to be safe, the patio where you entertain, and the trees, walls and architectural features worth highlighting. From there, a designer chooses the right techniques, including path lights, step lights, uplighting on trees, wall washing, downlighting from trees and pergolas, and accent lights on water features or sculpture.

We design lighting as part of the full landscape design, so wiring is planned before patios, walls and planting go in. That avoids trenching through a finished landscape later.

Choosing the right light

LED fixtures use a fraction of the energy of halogen and last far longer, but quality varies. We look for solid brass or copper fixtures that hold up to Peninsula weather, good glare control and consistent color. Warm white light, roughly 2700K to 3000K, is the best fit for most gardens because it flatters plants, stone and wood without feeling harsh.

Respecting neighbors and the night sky

Peninsula neighborhoods value dark, quiet evenings, and some hillside communities have outdoor lighting rules that limit glare and light spilling onto neighboring properties. Shielded fixtures, careful aiming and dimming help a landscape glow without lighting up the whole street. Smart scheduling also means lights are not left on all night when no one is outside.

Upgrading an existing system

If your home already has low-voltage lighting, you may not need to start over. Many systems can be upgraded with a smart transformer or controller, new LED lamps or fixtures and additional zones. We check the existing cable, transformer capacity and fixture condition, then recommend whether to upgrade, extend or replace the system.

Keeping the system working

Landscape lighting needs regular attention as plants grow over fixtures, lenses get dirty and connections age. Our residential maintenance program includes irrigation and lighting audits three times a year, so your system keeps performing the way it was designed.

Landscape lighting across the Peninsula

Del Conte’s M&H Landscape Construction designs and installs landscape lighting for high-end homes throughout the Peninsula, including Hillsborough, San Mateo, Burlingame, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is smart landscape lighting?

Smart landscape lighting is a low-voltage LED system controlled by a smart transformer or controller, so you can set schedules, create zones and scenes, and turn lights on, off or dim them from a phone app or a home automation system.

Can I add smart controls to my existing landscape lighting?

Often, yes. Many existing low-voltage systems can be upgraded with a smart transformer or controller and LED fixtures or lamps. We check the existing wiring, transformer capacity and fixtures before recommending an upgrade.

What color temperature works best for landscape lighting?

Warm white light, typically around 2700K to 3000K, flatters plants, stone and wood and feels comfortable at night. Cooler light can look harsh in a garden.

How often does landscape lighting need maintenance?

Fixtures should be checked and adjusted regularly as plants grow, lenses get dirty and connections are exposed to weather. Our residential maintenance clients receive irrigation and lighting audits three times a year.

Ready to light up your landscape? Call Del Conte’s M&H Landscape Construction at 650-870-1550 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.