You know that feeling when you drive through neighborhoods at night and certain homes just catch your eye? That’s what happens when landscape lighting is done right. Your pathways become safely illuminated guides. Your architectural features get the spotlight they deserve. Your garden transforms from invisible to incredible once the sun sets.
The difference isn’t just aesthetic—it’s practical. You’re not fumbling with keys in the dark anymore. Your family feels secure walking to the front door. Guests know exactly where to park and which entrance to use.
Your outdoor entertaining doesn’t end when daylight fades. Pool areas, patios, and outdoor kitchens become usable spaces that extend your living area well into the evening hours.
Since 1975, we’ve been the go-to choice for homeowners who understand that landscape lighting isn’t just about fixtures—it’s about creating experiences. We’re a family-operated business that’s watched Scotts Valley grow and change, and we’ve helped hundreds of properties become the ones neighbors talk about.
What sets us apart isn’t just our 50 years of experience. It’s our approach. We use 3D and CAD technology so you can see exactly how your lighting will look before we install a single fixture. We guarantee our start and completion dates—something rare in this industry. Every project gets daily updates and direct oversight from our experienced project manager.
We’re not the company that shows up, installs some lights, and disappears. We’re the team that listens to how you actually use your outdoor space, then designs lighting that makes those experiences better.
Our process starts with an in-person consultation right at your property. We walk your space with you, discussing how you use different areas and what you want to achieve. This isn’t a quick estimate visit—we take time to understand your vision and lifestyle needs.
Next comes the design phase where our 3D technology really shines. You’ll see exactly how your landscape path lights will illuminate walkways, how uplighting will showcase your trees, and where accent lighting will highlight architectural details. No guesswork, no surprises.
Installation begins with careful planning of low voltage outdoor lighting systems. We run wiring underground to keep everything clean and professional. Each fixture gets positioned precisely according to the design, then tested to ensure proper operation. We handle all electrical connections, transformer installation, and system programming.
The final walkthrough happens after dark so you can see your lighting system in action. We make any necessary adjustments and show you how to operate your new system. You get a complete overview of maintenance requirements and our warranty coverage.
Ready to get started?
Our landscape lighting installation covers every aspect of your outdoor space. Pathway lighting ensures safe navigation along walkways and driveways. Accent lighting highlights architectural features, mature trees, and landscape focal points. Security lighting illuminates entry points and dark corners without creating harsh glare.
We specialize in low voltage outdoor lighting systems that are both energy-efficient and safe to operate. LED fixtures provide brilliant illumination while using 80% less energy than traditional options. Smart controls let you adjust lighting levels, set timers, and even change colors for special occasions.
Scotts Valley’s unique location in the Santa Cruz Mountains means we understand the specific challenges your lighting system will face. Coastal moisture, temperature variations, and seasonal weather patterns all factor into our fixture selection and installation methods. We choose materials and techniques that perform reliably in your specific microclimate.
Every system includes professional-grade transformers, weather-resistant wiring, and fixtures designed for California’s outdoor conditions. We provide detailed system documentation and maintenance schedules to keep your investment performing at its best for years to come.
Landscape lighting costs vary significantly based on your property size, the number of fixtures, and the complexity of your design. Most Scotts Valley homeowners invest between $2,000 and $8,000 for a comprehensive lighting system.
Low voltage landscape lighting typically runs about $120 per fixture for installation, including the fixture itself and professional wiring. A basic six-fixture pathway lighting setup might cost around $1,000, while a complete property lighting design with accent lights, security features, and smart controls can reach $5,000 to $10,000.
The investment pays off quickly through increased property value, enhanced security, and extended outdoor living time. Many homeowners see a 50% return on investment, with landscape lighting adding an average of $2,500 to home value according to real estate professionals.
Low voltage landscape lighting operates at 12 volts instead of the standard 120 volts, making it much safer to install and operate around your home. The risk of electrical shock is virtually eliminated, which is especially important in areas where children and pets play.
Installation is simpler and less expensive because low voltage systems don’t require conduit or the same electrical permits as standard voltage systems. The transformer steps down your home’s 120-volt power to the safer 12-volt level, and all landscape wiring operates at this reduced voltage.
Energy efficiency is another major advantage. Low voltage LED systems use up to 80% less electricity than traditional lighting while providing the same illumination levels. This means lower monthly utility bills and reduced environmental impact. The fixtures also tend to last longer and require less maintenance than their high-voltage counterparts.
Most residential landscape lighting installations in Scotts Valley take between 2-5 days to complete, depending on the scope and complexity of your project. A basic pathway lighting system might be finished in one day, while a comprehensive whole-property design takes longer.
The timeline includes site preparation, underground wiring installation, fixture mounting, electrical connections, and system testing. Weather can occasionally extend the schedule, but we provide guaranteed start and completion dates so you can plan accordingly.
Our installation process is designed to minimize disruption to your daily routine. We keep work areas clean, protect existing landscaping, and restore any disturbed areas to their original condition. Most of the work happens during normal business hours, though final testing and adjustments occur after dark to ensure optimal lighting effects.
Professional landscape lighting systems require minimal but important ongoing maintenance to keep them performing optimally. LED fixtures can last 15-20 years with proper care, but regular attention helps prevent small issues from becoming expensive problems.
Basic maintenance includes cleaning fixtures quarterly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris that can reduce light output. Checking connections annually ensures all wiring remains secure and weather-tight. Trimming vegetation around fixtures prevents overgrowth from blocking light distribution or creating fire hazards.
Professional maintenance visits typically happen twice yearly and include system testing, fixture adjustment, transformer inspection, and timer programming updates. We also check for any landscape changes that might affect lighting performance and recommend adjustments to maintain your original design intent. Most maintenance tasks are straightforward, but having professional oversight ensures your system continues delivering the performance you expect.
Modern landscape lighting systems offer extensive smart control options that make operation convenient and energy-efficient. Smart controllers let you adjust your entire lighting system from your smartphone, tablet, or voice-controlled home devices like Alexa or Google Home.
Automation features include programmable timers, seasonal adjustments, and motion sensor integration. You can set different lighting scenes for various occasions—subtle pathway lighting for everyday use, full illumination for entertaining, or security lighting when you’re away from home.
Advanced systems even include astronomical timers that automatically adjust for changing sunrise and sunset times throughout the year. Some fixtures offer color-changing capabilities, allowing you to customize lighting for holidays or special events. Remote monitoring alerts you to any system issues, and many smart controllers provide energy usage tracking to help optimize efficiency and costs.
Scotts Valley’s location in the Santa Cruz Mountains creates unique lighting requirements due to coastal moisture, temperature variations, and seasonal weather patterns. LED fixtures with marine-grade finishes perform best in this environment, resisting corrosion from salt air and moisture.
Low voltage systems are particularly well-suited to the area because they’re less susceptible to weather-related electrical issues. Fixtures with proper drainage and sealed connections prevent moisture infiltration that can cause failures or safety hazards.
We recommend fixtures with adjustable mounting systems to accommodate ground movement from seasonal moisture changes. Copper and stainless steel fixtures age gracefully in coastal conditions, while powder-coated aluminum offers excellent durability at a lower cost. Proper installation techniques, including adequate drainage around transformers and junction boxes, ensure reliable operation through Scotts Valley’s wet winters and dry summers.
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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