What to expect during a landscape lighting installation

Well-designed landscape lighting does more than illuminate your yard—it enhances safety, increases curb appeal, and allows you to enjoy your outdoor space after dark. At White Oak Landscapes, we specialize in professional landscape lighting installations throughout Oregon City and nearby areas. Whether you’re upgrading an existing setup or starting from scratch, here’s what you can expect from the process.

Why invest in professional landscape lighting?

Adding outdoor lighting is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your landscape. It enhances both form and function—making your yard more attractive, more usable, and more secure. But there’s a big difference between store-bought solar lights and a thoughtfully designed, professionally installed system.

Unlike temporary lighting solutions that often provide inconsistent results, a low-voltage lighting system installed by experts is engineered for long-term performance. It’s designed to work reliably through Oregon’s rainy winters, resist corrosion and moisture, and highlight key features without over-lighting or harsh glare.

What professional lighting offers that DIY doesn’t:

• • Purposeful design
    Every fixture is chosen and placed with intention—whether it’s to cast a soft glow on a garden bed or draw attention to the texture of a stone wall. The result is balanced, layered lighting that enhances the character of your home.
  • Safety and security
    Illuminating pathways, stairs, driveways, and entrances reduces trip hazards and helps deter intruders. Strategically lit areas near windows and doors provide peace of mind without compromising aesthetics.
  • Extended outdoor living
    Lighting allows you to enjoy patios, decks, and garden spaces well into the evening. Whether you're hosting guests or relaxing with family, a well-lit yard expands your usable living space.
  • Increased home value
    A well-lit exterior adds visual interest and curb appeal, especially at night. It shows that your property is cared for and can make a strong first impression on potential buyers.
  • Energy efficiency and reliability
    Modern low-voltage LED systems use minimal power and are built to last for years with little maintenance. With options like timers, dimmers, and smart controls, your system can run automatically and efficiently.

At White Oak Landscapes, we design and install custom landscape lighting systems that enhance the natural beauty of your yard while providing practical benefits you’ll enjoy year-round. Every installation is tailored to your property’s architecture, terrain, and lighting goals—whether you're illuminating a front entry, adding warmth to a backyard, or lighting up a full garden pathway system.

Our step-by-step landscape lighting installation process

At White Oak Landscapes, we follow a clear, organized process that ensures your landscape lighting system is installed efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption to your yard. Our goal is to deliver a smooth experience and a final result that enhances your outdoor space for years to come.

1. On-site consultation and custom lighting design

Every successful installation begins with a thoughtful plan. We meet with you on-site to understand your vision, assess your property, and identify where lighting will add the most value.

During this visit, we:

• • • Walk the entire property to review pathways, patios, garden beds, and architectural elements
    • Discuss your goals—whether it's highlighting specific features, increasing nighttime safety, or improving ambiance
    • Talk through fixture options including path lights, uplights, spotlights, wall washers, and low-glare solutions
    • Determine access to power sources and plan transformer placement for optimal energy efficiency
    • Identify zones for separate lighting control (e.g. front yard vs. backyard, pathways vs. garden accents)

Once we understand your needs and preferences, we create a custom lighting layout tailored to your home’s design and your property’s layout.

2. Detailed proposal and project approval

After the design phase, we prepare a clear, detailed proposal so you know exactly what to expect. This includes:

• • • The number and types of fixtures to be installed
    • Fixture placement plan, wiring routes, and zoning
    • Transformer specifications (standard or smart-controlled)
    • Full project cost and installation timeline

We review everything with you and answer any questions before moving forward. Once you’re ready, we schedule your installation at a convenient time, working around weather and property access as needed.

3. Professional installation with care and precision

On installation day, our team arrives with everything needed to complete the job—from lighting equipment to trenching tools. We prioritize cleanliness, safety, and minimizing any impact on your landscaping.

Here’s what happens during installation:

• • • We carefully dig narrow trenches to run low-voltage wiring without disturbing existing plants or hardscapes
    • Fixtures are mounted securely in their designated locations with clean, professional wire routing
    • All connections are weather-protected and rated for long-term outdoor use
    • Transformers are installed and tested, whether connected to a timer, photocell, or smart controller
    • We verify that the layout matches your approved plan and make minor adjustments as needed

Our lighting systems are built to perform in the Pacific Northwest climate—rain, wind, and all—so you can count on long-lasting results.

4. System testing, final adjustments, and walkthrough

Before we leave, we make sure every component is working perfectly. That includes:

• • • Testing each fixture for power, proper aiming, and brightness
    • Programming timers or smart controls for automatic operation
    • Making real-time adjustments to beam angles and coverage areas
    • Checking for balanced lighting without glare or shadows

Finally, we walk you through your new lighting system so you know exactly how to operate it. We’ll explain:

• • • How to change schedules on a timer or smart controller
    • When to perform basic maintenance (like cleaning lenses)
    • How to spot potential issues before they become problems

You’ll also receive instructions for ongoing care and have the option to schedule seasonal inspections or maintenance with White Oak Landscapes.

How long does installation take?

Most residential landscape lighting projects take 1 to 2 days, depending on property size and system complexity. For larger properties or systems with multiple zones, installation may take a little longer, but we always aim to keep disruption to a minimum.

Caring for your new lighting system

Low-voltage systems are energy-efficient and require minimal upkeep. To keep your system performing at its best, we recommend:

• • Occasional cleaning of lens covers
  • Repositioning fixtures if plants grow or landscaping changes
  • Annual system checks to ensure connections and timers are working properly

White Oak Landscapes offers seasonal maintenance services to keep your lighting system in peak condition year after year.

Proudly serving Oregon City and surrounding communities

White Oak Landscapes provides expert landscape lighting and full-service landscaping in:

• • Oregon City
  • West Linn
  • Lake Oswego
  • Wilsonville
  • Happy Valley
  • Tualatin
  • Clackamas
  • Canby
  • Beavercreek

We understand the unique lighting needs of Pacific Northwest landscapes and are committed to delivering reliable, elegant solutions.

Ready to light up your landscape?

Illuminate your home with professional landscape lighting.
If you're ready to transform your outdoor space with a custom lighting system, contact White Oak Landscapes today. We’ll guide you through every step—from design to installation—and create a lighting solution that enhances your home’s beauty and functionality.

Request your estimate now and see why homeowners across Oregon City and surrounding areas trust White Oak Landscapes for expert landscape lighting and outdoor improvements.