I’ve written a post on low maintenance, drought-tolerant Xeriscapes. I’ve written another post on the different types of irrigation systems. Yet even beyond that, there are many other ways to save energy (and money!) in your landscape.
Smart irrigation controllers & timers
In an earlier blog post I ran through some of the major types of irrigation systems out there. However, there’s more to irrigation than dispersing water — the controller used plays a major role in how efficiently your system uses the water.
I recommend smart irrigation controllers to all of our commercial clients. What are they? Well, in simplest terms, a smart irrigation controller is exactly what it sounds like: a smart way to control your water use. Basically, it’s a controller that can think for itself in a very rudimentary way. These controllers adjust water use based on local weather conditions. Is it raining? Less water will be used. Hot and humid? More water will be used. Ask us if you’d like to learn more!
Landscape lighting
Lighting is more than a landscape’s finishing touch. It completes each landscape. Lights also allow the landscape to be enjoyed well beyond the daylight hours by residents and guests alike. Pools become more usable, walkways become more trekkable and properties become safer.
- LED landscape lighting & energy efficient bulbs — LED stands for light-emitting diode, an alternative to incandescent and CFL bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lights). LED lights are drastically more energy-efficient and can last 50 times longer than incandescent lights and 8-10 times longer than CFLs. Even two years ago, LED lights were astronomically expensive. When they first came into the market they were upwards of $100 per bulb for some of the larger ones. But you can now buy them for competitive prices. In fact, at Maven, we only use LED lights!
- Low voltage — Installing a transformer can lower your landscape lighting voltage from 120 volts to 12 volts. This will decrease how much you’re paying for your electricity bills immediately. Plus, they’re much safer and easier to install.
- Timers & motion sensors — Every lighting system we install includes an automatic timer that can be programmed to set when and where your landscape lighting turns on and off! This way, you can ensure that your lights are only used when you want them to be used. Motion-sensing lights are another great way to save energy (while increasing security at the same time)!
In the end, professionally designed and installed lighting can save you money in the long run — while making your property safer and more beautiful! Maven offers one of Texas’s largest selections of landscape lighting designs, equipment and accessories. We have path lights, deck lights, accent tree lights, flood lights, tree-mounted lights, LED rope lights, and everything in between.
Whatever you can think of — we can implement it. Let us help you design a sustainable landscape that’s economically and environmentally friendly!
