Two centuries ago, Christmas trees were lit with candles pinned to the branches. It was a risky decoration!
The reason we’re not doing that anymore, thankfully, is due to the invention of the lightbulb.
Thomas Edison invented incandescent light bulbs and in 1880, was looking for a good way to show them off. So he hung them outside the office so anyone walking past would see them.
One of Edison’s staff realized that the light bulbs would be a safer alternative to the candles in Christmas trees. So he strung colorful lights around a Christmas tree and notified the press to capture his brilliant idea. His idea spread quickly and was further accelerated as several Presidents used them to light the White House.
General Electric brought the string lights to the market after purchasing the patent from Thomas Edison. These lights were cost prohibitive, though, and the average family would not be able to afford them or practically use them because electricity wasn’t fully available, nor was wiring standard inside of homes. Electricians were required to hook up these lights, so they were initially a luxury item.
Now, with advancements in technology and amazing LED light bulbs, Christmas lighting is a common, widespread decorative element for interior and exterior decorating.
Where am I going with all this? Let us turn our attention to landscape lighting.
Advances in Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting has followed a similar path. Once it was reserved just for the upper classes, expensive to install and expensive to use. The advancement in bulb technology seeped over into interior lighting and exterior lighting.
Now it’s a very affordable feature that makes a massive difference in the ambiance, safety and security around your home.
These advanced LED bulbs use about only ten percent of the electricity the old incandescent bulbs used. So you won’t feel much of an impact on your electric bill.
And if you have neat botanical features or architectural details on your home, you can highlight them for a completely different look in the evening.
But I think one of the most persuasive benefits is the added safety element. When you have to navigate a dark sidewalk and a locked door with an armload of groceries, you’re in a vulnerable spot. And think of how much more difficult it may be for senior visitors or your guests unfamiliar with your yard.
If you love coming home at night to a lit home and walkway on these very short, dark winter days, consider landscape lighting!
Landscape Lighting Design & Installation
Our experienced, capable team will create a custom design to fit the goals you have for your yard, factoring in the existing features and utility. We serve Harford County, Baltimore County and Cecil County with full-service landscape lighting design and installation. We use only well-tested, manufacturer-backed equipment that will give you the longevity and reliability you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our landscape designers to explore your options and pricing. Schedule an appointment with a designer here!
