Landscape Architect Articles

LCN August 2007 Landscape Lighting08-06-07 | News

The Ins-&-Outs of Holiday Lighting

By Michelle Ryan, regional editor

C9 incandescent lights line the roof of this home in Dallas, Texas. Light steaks used along the walkways hold the strings in position and mini-lights fill the canopy of the evergreen and juniper trees.

There are few things Americans enjoy more than decorating for the holidays with a string of lights. However, until recently standard incandescent lights or mini-lights were the only option and used a significant amount of energy, not to mention the added costs of replacing bulbs regularly.

There is a better way to decorate. Light Emitting Diode (LED) holiday lights have began a new trend in the world of holiday lighting. When they first hit the market, people were wary of the higher cost even for a seemingly better product. Often referred to as the lights of the future, LED lights provide many benefits over conventional lighting:

1. Energy efficiency- 0.04 watts per bulb; mini-lights use ten times more energy and standard (C-7) bulbs use 100 times more energy.

2. Long Life Span- Up to 100,000 hours and often come with a limited manufacturer?EUR??,,????'?????<

3. Safety- No chance of combustion from the cool temperature bulbs. Incandescent bulbs with a heating filament typically yield 80% heat and 20% light.

4. Sturdy Bulbs- The epoxy lenses are virtually indestructible. The wire will often deteriorate before the bulb will weather.

For the past 20-25 years, the holiday lighting industry has become used to the popularity of clear mini-lights. However, in years prior, during the 50s and 60s multi-color lights were popular. Photo: Holiday LiteSource, Inc.

5. Easily Strung - Up to 20 strings can be connected end-to-end without overloading a typical household?EUR??,,????'?????<

6. Lamp Replacement - If a bulb does burn out, the other bulbs will stay lit, so the bad bulb is easy to replace.

The walkway of this home, lit by lights mounted on light stakes that rest above the ground show the versatility of the stake itself, which is barely visible in the darkness.

LED lights use a solid-state semiconductor to convert electricity directly into light. The light?EUR??,,????'?????<

There are many options for exterior lighting, ranging from cost-effectiveness to energy efficiency, but it is important to exercise caution when selecting and installing it. Annually holiday lighting contributes to injuries caused by electrical shock, falls and fires, but can be avoided with the following considerations:

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To create this look of precision c9 incandescent lights were mounted on light stakes, which were then placed in the ground to hold the lights upright. These stakes are typically available wholesale for around 15 cents.

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It is important to first assemble the hardware on the ground before attempting to position it from a ladder. These shingle tabs connect to a string of lights before sliding under the shingles of a roof. Therefore, no nails or staples are necessary and the lights appear in a clean, straight line, which prevents sagging.

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Source: Seattle City Light

Illuminating Info

2.5: Miles, the length of light bulbs used on the Park Ave. Memorial Tree project in New York City. More than 2 million lights are installed on trees located on the avenue?EUR??,,????'?????<

1945: Year of the original tree lighting on Park Ave. The holiday tree lighting serves as a memorial to those who have died in the nation?EUR??,,????'?????<

Source: New York Times