Happy Thanksgiving . . .

Wow . . . It's hard to believe I just typed that. It's not even Halloween yet, but by the time this issue is delivered it will be two months into Autumn and back to standard time. For many of you, the time of landscaping will be transitioning into the time of removal . . . Like leaves, debris, snow, water from the pipes, your tools from the last major installation of the year . . .

Others will be transitioning less, but still wrapping up the summer builds and winding down the extra work of the busy season. Virtually everyone though, will be thinking about the holiday at the end of November.

Now is the time when the daylight fades and the night begins to dominate the day. So, what better time to have an issue on lighting than when the lights are on almost all the time? That's why this November we are featuring the projects, products and processes of getting the most out of the nighttime landscape.

LEDs have absolutely changed the landscape, so to speak, of the lighting industry. The power savings are undeniable and the versatility is still being expanded. The low voltage means that it's easy to work with, making it a great offering for any landscape business. There are tens of thousands of landscape contractors offering lighting services across the nation. The best are taking classes and gaining familiarity with spread and coloration while developing an eye for identifying hot spots and security issues.

Land Escaper's first Marlin

If you don't offer lighting services but are thinking of expanding, there are many classes set up by manufacturers, schools and associations to help you design and/or install the lights. You can use low voltage LEDs around decks and smaller structures, add them to retaining walls and steps, place them in and around (if you use the waterproof variety) water features, and use them in many areas that would have required outside labor and consulting in the past. Best of all, in addition to being a solid profit center, it provides the client with enjoyment, security and resale value. It's like catching a marlin on an 80 degree day in late October off the Southern California coast wearing shorts and a t-shirt . . . Sorry but I had to work that in . . . But really . . . It's all good and doable!

On the maintenance side, while LEDs may always look like they are on, they need to be on a replacement schedule. Unlike with traditional lamps that burn out randomly, the schedule can be set for a specific date that could very easily coincide with the time change. 20,000 hours is about 4.5 years of use, so changing 20,000-hour bulbs every four years is prudent. That's a long time for non-LC/DBM readers. But for LC/DBM readers, once you start rotating your clients, it will generate a revolving late season revenue stream.

Another nice niche for landscape contractors in almost every region of the country is the holiday lighting business. It may not be for everyone, but small business owners can gain some holiday spending cash and larger firms can offer the service to malls, apartment complexes and many commercial clients that you already provide landscape services for . . .

So . . . Do you see the light? Are you having a great Thanksgiving? Has it been a great year? I certainly hope so . . .

God Bless . . .

George Schmok, Publisher