There is no question your landscape lighting offers security and aesthetic appeal for your
property throughout the year. However, if it is not properly cared for, especially during the harsh
winter months, serious issues can arise. The good news is, there are a number of ways you can
ensure your landscape lighting remains bright and working properly throughout the winter
months.
Keep the Lenses Clean
It is important to keep all the lenses on your landscape lighting fixtures clean. Dirt, mineral
deposits, and other debris can dim or completely block the light from your fixtures. This is
especially true for lighting fixtures that sit close to the ground. Easily clean the lenses by using a
CLR type of cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth. In some cases (especially if it has been a while
since they were cleaned) it can take a bit of scrubbing to get them completely clear. It may also
be necessary to clear your fixtures off after a snowstorm if there are drifts. While halogen bulbs
can melt most of the snow away, LED bulbs don’t put out the same amount of heat, which
means they can’t melt the accumulated snow.
Check for Exposed Wires
During the winter, it is not uncommon for the ground to freeze and thaw. When this happens,
over and over again, it can cause a wire to move to the surface. It is important that the wires are
reburied before the ground freezes again; however, it is also essential to inspect the wire before
re-burying it. If there is any copper wire showing, it is going to need to be replaced before it is
buried. At this point, it is best to contact the professionals for help since working with wiring and
electricity can be dangerous.
Adjust the Fixtures
As time passes, the fixtures may be moved out of proper alignment, or even damaged from
snow removal or landscaping services. This is why it is a good idea to walk through your
property from time to time and re-align any crooked fixtures. When you are removing snow,
make sure to take care around landscape lights. If you are using a professional snow removal
service, make sure they know where the fixtures are located so they can avoid causing serious
damage.
Check for Moisture Related Issues
Snow and ice can also create issues with the outlets for your landscape lighting. Specifically, as
snow melts, you may find that the GFCI outlet is tripped. If this occurs, you will have to use the
“reset” button to restore power to the lights. You should never stick anything into the outlets and
if there is too much damage present, call the professionals for help.
Keeping your landscape lighting working properly over the winter months is not extremely
difficult, but it will take some effort. If you don’t have the time to ensure your landscape lighting
is winter-ready, call the professionals for an inspection and maintenance toda
