Landscape Lighting Design — Extending Your Outdoor Space Into the Evening


Robert J. Kleinberg, the dominant landscape designer in the Newtown Square SERP, lists "Landscape Lighting" first in his snippet. That's not an accident. Landscape lighting is one of the most high-value investments a property can make — it dramatically increases the usability of outdoor spaces, enhances architectural features after dark, and adds a layer of security without sacrificing aesthetics.

JHL Landscape Design offers complete landscape lighting design and installation — integrated with the landscape plan from day one, not added as an afterthought.


Landscape Lighting Services

Architectural Lighting Highlighting the home itself — washing the facade, illuminating entry columns, accenting architectural details that define the property at street level. The difference between a home that disappears into the dark and one that commands presence after sunset.

Hardscape Lighting Integrated lighting within and around hardscape elements — step lights built into riser faces, cap lights on seating walls, low-voltage lighting in patio borders, underwater lighting in water features. These elements create ambient illumination without obvious fixtures.

Tree & Accent Lighting Uplighting significant trees, specimen shrubs, and focal planting elements. Well-done tree uplighting reveals the branching structure of mature specimens and creates dramatic vertical interest that flat area lighting can't achieve.

Path & Driveway Lighting Functional lighting for safe circulation — path lights along walkways, driveway lighting at the entry, step lighting at grade changes. Designed to be adequate for safety without overwhelming the ambient lighting design.

Outdoor Living Area Lighting Task lighting for outdoor kitchens (above prep areas and grills), ambient lighting for dining and seating areas, and social lighting (string lights, under-rail lighting on pergolas) that creates the atmosphere for evening use.

Security Lighting Motion-activated or timer-controlled lighting at entry points, garage areas, and property perimeters — designed to feel integrated with the landscape design, not like floodlights bolted to the soffit.


Low-Voltage LED Landscape Lighting

All of our landscape lighting design uses low-voltage LED systems. The benefits:

  • Energy efficiency: LED landscape lighting consumes 75–80% less energy than traditional incandescent fixtures
  • Longevity: LED fixtures rated for 25,000–50,000 hours vs. 2,000–5,000 for incandescent
  • Color temperature control: LEDs offer a range from warm (2,700K — similar to incandescent, good for plant and architectural lighting) to neutral (4,000K — better for task lighting)
  • Dimming capability: Most LED systems can be dimmed through smart controllers
  • Safety: 12V systems are safe to install and maintain around water features, pool surrounds, and wet areas

Smart Lighting Control

We design landscape lighting systems compatible with smart control platforms — allowing you to:

  • Control zones independently (front yard, back patio, pool area)
  • Set schedules that adjust to seasonal daylight changes
  • Adjust intensity and color temperature
  • Control via phone or integrate with home automation systems

Lighting Design for Chester County & the Main Line

Chester County properties (West Chester territory) Chester County's estate properties and larger lots benefit from layered lighting design — zones that create depth across the property rather than a single bright focal point. Mature trees on Chester County properties are often spectacular subjects for uplighting.

Main Line properties (Newtown Square territory) Kleinberg's dominance in Newtown Square is partially built on landscape lighting expertise. Main Line clients expect it — homes in Gladwyne, Wayne, and Bryn Mawr are often photographed for design publications, and outdoor lighting is part of what makes those properties photograph well. We design lighting to the standard this market expects.


FAQs — Landscape Lighting

Q: Is landscape lighting worth the investment? A: Consistently, yes. It's one of the highest-ROI landscape investments — it extends outdoor usability, enhances curb appeal, improves security, and adds perceived value at resale. It's also one of the most visible upgrades to neighbors and visitors.

Q: How much does landscape lighting typically cost? A: A basic path lighting and accent lighting system: $3,000–$6,000 installed. A comprehensive system with architectural, accent, path, and outdoor living area zones: $8,000–$20,000+. Larger estate properties with extensive zones run higher.

Q: Can you add lighting to an existing landscape? A: Yes. Retrofit lighting additions are one of our most common requests. We assess the existing landscape and hardscape, identify lighting opportunities, and install without disrupting existing plantings.

Q: Do you use timer or smart controls? A: Both. Basic timer controls are economical and reliable. Smart controls add flexibility and seasonal adjustment. We recommend the control system that fits your property and usage patterns.

Q: How discreet are the fixtures? A: Very. Modern low-voltage LED fixtures are designed to disappear during the day — brass and copper fixtures that patina into the landscape, small heads that tuck under plant foliage, integrated hardscape fixtures that flush-mount into wall caps and step risers.

Q: Do you maintain lighting systems? A: We offer annual maintenance visits — bulb replacement (for fixture types that require it), transformer inspection, wire splice inspection, and adjustments to fixture aiming as plantings mature.


→ Outdoor Living Space Design | → Landscape Design | → West Chester, PA | → Newtown Square, PA


PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured | Member: HBA Chester & Delaware Counties


About JHL Landscape Design

JHL Landscape Design is a landscape design studio, not a general landscaping or maintenance company. Every project begins with a custom 3D rendering and a design you approve before any work is committed. We serve Chester County and the Main Line from two dedicated studio locations: West Chester (701 S Franklin St, Suite 101) and Newtown Square (12 Smedley Ln, Suite 101).

PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | HBA Member — Chester & Delaware Counties | BBB A+ | 20+ Years Chester County


JHL Landscape Design | PA HIC #PA035784 | ICPI Certified | Licensed & Insured West Chester: 701 S Franklin St, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19382 Newtown Square: 12 Smedley Ln, Suite 101, Newtown Square, PA 19073 HBA Member | BBB A+ Rating

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