Your evenings transform completely. That beautiful garden you invested in becomes a stunning nighttime showcase instead of disappearing into darkness. Your family actually uses the patio and deck after sunset because they feel safe and comfortable. Guests linger longer at outdoor gatherings because the ambiance draws them in.
The security concerns that kept you checking locks twice vanish when every pathway, entrance, and potential hiding spot is properly illuminated. Your home’s architectural details—those elements that made you fall in love with the property—finally get the attention they deserve with strategic accent lighting.
Energy bills stay reasonable because modern LED systems use a fraction of the power while delivering superior brightness. Most importantly, you stop worrying about the installation process because everything is handled professionally from permits to final walkthrough.
Since 1975, we’ve been transforming outdoor spaces throughout the Bay Area, completing over 5,000 projects for discerning homeowners who demand excellence. Our clients include executives from Apple, Yahoo, and the San Francisco 49ers—people who understand quality and expect results.
What sets us apart in Menlo Park isn’t just our experience, it’s our understanding of Silicon Valley’s unique architectural styles, microclimates, and the sophisticated tastes of tech industry professionals. We know which lighting techniques work best with Mediterranean villas, contemporary glass homes, and classic California ranch properties.
Our family-operated approach means you work directly with decision-makers, not sales representatives. When we commit to a timeline, we guarantee it—something virtually unheard of in the landscape industry. Every project receives daily updates and direct oversight from our experienced project manager.
We start with an in-person consultation at your property, taking time to understand your vision, security concerns, and how you use your outdoor spaces. This isn’t a quick sales pitch—we’re genuinely listening to create lighting that fits your lifestyle.
Next comes the 3D design phase where we use cutting-edge CAD technology to show you exactly what your lighting will look like before any work begins. You’ll see how pathway lights guide visitors safely to your entrance, how accent lighting showcases your favorite trees, and how ambient lighting creates the perfect mood for entertaining.
Installation happens with guaranteed start and completion dates. Our vetted, licensed contractors handle all electrical work, trenching, and fixture placement while maintaining a clean worksite. We coordinate permits, inspections, and any utility considerations so you don’t have to manage multiple vendors or worry about compliance issues. The final walkthrough ensures every light performs exactly as designed.
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Complete landscape lighting systems include low-voltage LED fixtures designed for Menlo Park’s climate, professional-grade transformers that ensure consistent power delivery, and buried wiring that protects your investment from weather and maintenance equipment. We handle pathway lighting for safe navigation, accent lighting for architectural features, and ambient lighting for outdoor living areas.
Menlo Park homeowners particularly appreciate our attention to the area’s strict HOA requirements and city permitting processes. We understand local regulations and work seamlessly with neighborhood architectural review boards. Our installations complement the Peninsula’s sophisticated aesthetic while providing the security and functionality busy professionals need.
Every system comes with smart controls that let you adjust lighting from your smartphone, timer functions that automatically illuminate your property at dusk, and energy-efficient LED technology that keeps operating costs minimal. We also include comprehensive warranties on both fixtures and installation work, plus ongoing maintenance support to keep your lighting performing perfectly year after year.
Professional landscape lighting in Menlo Park typically ranges from $4,000 to $12,000 depending on your property size, the number of fixtures, and the complexity of your design. Most homeowners invest around $6,000 to $8,000 for a comprehensive system that includes pathway lighting, accent lighting for key features, and ambient lighting for outdoor living areas.
The investment pays for itself through increased property value—landscape lighting adds an average of $2,500 to your home’s worth with a 50% return on investment according to the National Association of Realtors. When you factor in the enhanced security, extended usable hours of your outdoor spaces, and the energy efficiency of modern LED systems, the value becomes even more compelling.
We provide detailed estimates that break down fixture costs, installation labor, permits, and any electrical work needed. There are never hidden fees or surprise charges—you’ll know exactly what you’re investing before we begin.
Low voltage landscape lighting operates at 12 volts instead of your home’s standard 120 volts, making it significantly safer for outdoor use. The reduced voltage virtually eliminates the risk of serious electrical shock, which is crucial when lighting is installed near water features, irrigation systems, or areas where children and pets play.
Beyond safety, low voltage systems offer superior flexibility in design and installation. The smaller cables are easier to bury and route around existing landscaping, and fixtures can be repositioned more easily if you decide to change your garden layout. Low voltage LED fixtures also produce less heat, last longer, and consume dramatically less energy than traditional lighting.
The transformer that converts your home’s 120-volt power to 12 volts can be hidden in a garage or utility area, and modern systems include smart controls that let you adjust lighting remotely. Most Menlo Park installations use low voltage systems because they’re safer, more efficient, and offer better long-term value.
Most residential landscape lighting installations in Menlo Park take 2-4 days to complete, depending on your property size and the complexity of your design. Simple pathway and accent lighting might be finished in two days, while comprehensive systems with multiple zones, smart controls, and extensive trenching could take up to a week.
We provide guaranteed start and completion dates—something rare in the landscape industry. You’ll receive a detailed timeline during the design phase that accounts for permit processing, weather considerations, and any coordination needed with other contractors. Our project manager provides daily updates so you always know exactly where things stand.
The installation process is carefully planned to minimize disruption to your daily routine. We protect existing landscaping, maintain clean worksites, and coordinate with your schedule for any times when power needs to be temporarily shut off. Most homeowners are surprised by how smoothly the process goes when it’s managed professionally.
Yes, most landscape lighting installations in Menlo Park require electrical permits, especially when new circuits are added or significant electrical work is involved. The city requires permits to ensure installations meet safety codes and don’t interfere with utilities or neighboring properties. Some HOA communities have additional architectural review requirements.
We handle all permitting as part of our service, working directly with Menlo Park’s building department to secure necessary approvals before installation begins. Our familiarity with local codes and inspector preferences helps avoid delays or revision requests that can slow down projects when handled by less experienced contractors.
The permit process typically adds 1-2 weeks to project timelines, but this time is used productively for design refinement and material ordering. We coordinate inspections at the appropriate stages and ensure everything passes on the first try. You’ll receive copies of all permits and inspection reports for your records.
Modern LED landscape lighting requires minimal maintenance when properly installed. Most homeowners spend just 2-3 hours per year on basic upkeep like cleaning fixtures, trimming vegetation that might block lights, and occasionally replacing bulbs (though quality LEDs last 15-25 years).
The main maintenance tasks include checking that fixtures remain properly aimed as plants grow, ensuring timer settings match seasonal changes in daylight hours, and keeping transformers clear of debris. We recommend an annual professional inspection to verify all connections remain secure and weatherproof.
Our installations include comprehensive warranties on both fixtures and workmanship, plus we offer ongoing maintenance contracts for homeowners who prefer completely hands-off lighting ownership. These service agreements include seasonal adjustments, fixture cleaning, bulb replacement, and priority response for any issues that arise.
Absolutely. Modern landscape lighting integrates seamlessly with popular smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. You can control your outdoor lighting through smartphone apps, voice commands, or automated schedules that adjust based on sunset times, occupancy sensors, or your daily routines.
Smart lighting systems let you create custom scenes for different occasions—bright security lighting when you’re away, subtle ambient lighting for dinner parties, or pathway-only lighting for late evening walks. Geofencing can automatically turn lights on when you arrive home and off when everyone leaves.
We install smart-compatible transformers and controls that work with your existing home automation setup or can serve as the foundation for future smart home expansion. The systems are designed to be user-friendly, so you don’t need technical expertise to enjoy the convenience and energy savings that smart lighting provides.
Our Client's Reviews
Posted on Josh RubioTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Larry was absolutely fantastic to work with and his design was incredible. He was very detailed, thorough and graciously interactive with our vision, and produced a masterpiece for us. Total dream come true for our project.Posted on Sam PetersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I hired Lakota Design Group to re-do my Front and Backyard landscaping. During the design process, Larry listened to all of my requirements & incorporated them. He showed me multiple options, and really worked with me to create an amazing design. We used one of his recommended contractors to install our project and Larry managed it all. They did great work, kept our property clean, and finished ahead of their estimated completion date. We are extremely happy with the final product. I strongly recommend Lakota Design Group for your landscape design and construction needs.Posted on Randy D. ThomasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently hired Lakota Design Group to redesign our front yard. We needed a complete removal and replacement of both our hardscape and plants. Larry did an excellent job on the design. He was very patient with us as we made revisions and provided guidance throughout the process to help us choose a design style that we loved. Larry also recommended a contractor who gave us a reasonable price compared to other bids we received. Larry managed the installation from start to finish, making it effortless on our part. Larry's team completed the installation in just eight days, and the final result is fantastic! I highly recommend Larry and Lakota Design Group for your landscaping needs.Posted on Laura FerranteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had our front and back yard done by Larry and his team. Larry is very meticulous and detail oriented. He was very patient in taking my landscape ideas and then creating my dream landscape. We used one of his suggested contractors and are extremely happy with the outcome. We really enjoyed having Larry manage the project as we didn’t have to do a thing. Larry always kept us in the loop, supervised the progress, ensuring our satisfaction and meeting the agreed timeline. I would highly recommend Lakota Design Group for their landscape design and contracting services.Posted on Peter CoprivizaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very happy with Larry’s design and creativity. His videos and graphics really helped the decision process. Jose and the team at Loya’s Landscaping are excellent craftsmen. They are hard workers who kept a clean worksite. I am very satisfied with the end product!
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