Q: I have some prized plants in my backyard that I am interested in highlighting with landscape lighting, but I am worried about the appearance of the fixtures in the daytime. Is there something that will accomplish the task without having big floodlight bulbs visible?
A: Dakotah Services has a wide range of fixtures available for highlighting or accenting specific plants. Most are very small in size, and some even will mount below ground for complete invisibility.
Q: How are landscape lighting systems controlled? Do I have to be at home to turn it on? Is there a timer?
A: Landscape lighting systems can be controlled in several different ways. Photocells detect when the sun has set and turn the system on, and then turn it off when the sun rises. (On at dusk, off at dawn). Timers allow you to program when you want the lights to come on and when you want them to go off. There is even a version of timer that varies the on and off times slightly to make it look like the system is being activated by a person, even when you're away. Photocells and timers can also be used together, for example to turn the system on at dusk and to turn it off at a prescribed hour.
Q: What is the cost to operate landscape lighting?
A: The typical landscape lighting system costs just pennies a night to operate. If you are currently using a porch light or spotlights, you will be able to turn them off and enjoy the beauty and savings of low-voltage lighting.
Q: My landscape plants were just installed. Will I have to put in new landscape lighting when the plants mature?
A: 12 volt lighting is very flexible in its design allows easy movement or re-adjustment of fixtures as a landscape matures without significant labor or expense.
Q: I am a Do-it-yourself consumer, may I buy landscape lights or other products directly from Dakotah Services?
A: Yes, We offer full support and can help in configuration of your system. Unique Lighting fixtures are compatible with all existing low voltage systems.
Q: Do you have a printed catalog?
A: Yes, the printed catalog may be obtained by using our contact info. CLICK HERE
Q: Do you have a retail showroom?
A: We do not have a retail showroom, however, if you are in the local area and would like to view our fixtures please call and we will make arrangements to stop by and show you our samples.
Q: Do you have fixtures which can withstand harsh environmental conditions?
A: We utilize high quality, long lasting fixture hardware in all our lighting installations. Our lighting designs often include copper, brass, and composite fixture components.
Q: My home in the city has a small garden that has very nice landscaped details; can it be illuminated?
A: Yes.. too often small garden settings are too bright. A few carefully positioned fixtures highlighting select landscape or architectural fixtures can create a beautiful effect while maintaining the charm of a small garden setting.
Q: My home is currently under construction; when is the proper time to get you involved with landscape illumination?
A: It is a good time to begin discussing distribution of electrical power during the planning and construction of your home. As landscape designs are developed, we can develop our lighting design.
Q: My home is on a narrow lot and I don't want the lighting spilling onto my neighbor's property. Do you have a solution?
A: Our fixtures are fully adjustable and include glare control shields. These features allow our installation crews to be very precise in directing fixtures to illuminate specific areas.
Q: I am interested in lighting my home and also making changes to the landscape; can you help me with both?
A: We would be happy to design and install a custom illumination system for your residence/business. Regarding your interest in enhancing your landscape, we can provide names of several landscape architects and designers whom we work closely with.
Q: Will you be available to maintain my illumination system after you install it?
A: We have highly trained maintenance crews available to keep your illumination system in excellent condition.
Q: I had a bad experience once when a company used subcontractors to perform work at my home. Do you use subcontractors to install your lighting fixtures?
A: We do not use subcontractors to install our lighting fixtures. Our lighting designs are installed by employees of Dakotah Services.
Q: I am interested in replacing my current landscape lighting system because the lamps are always burning out. Will your lighting system be different?
A: The lamps we use in our illumination systems are long life and energy efficient. Many of the lamps we use have an average life of five years or more. In some cases you may not have to replace your system, it may just be poorly designed and/or installed in which only may take a few adjustments.
Q: My landscape architect recommended your company for landscape illumination. Can you work directly with them in developing my lighting design?
A: Over the past few years, we have had the privilege to work closely with many landscape architects and designers and often are referred to projects by them. Our approach is very flexible as we can work directly with the homeowner, designer, or all together as a team.
Q: I have seen landscape lighting systems where the fixtures are quite visible during the day, and I feel they detract from the beauty of the landscape. Do you take this into account with your lighting designs?
A: Our fixtures are elegantly designed and concealed in the landscape and in trees. Our goal is to provide our customers with a beautiful evening setting that is quite natural and replicates the feeling of a moonlit evening.
Q: Why hire a Landscape Lighting Company?
A: Our focus is the Design and Installation of Landscape Lighting Systems. We are properly trained in low voltage lighting components, techniques, lamp capabilities, and wire placement. With outdoor lighting being our business, it goes to say that it benefits us and especially you that is installed professionally and is without a doubt the best system possible.
Q: How much do one of your Landscape Lighting systems cost?
A: Since each location is unique, its hard to put a "true" price tag unless there is an estimate involved to where we are able to view the situation but in a general rule depending on your property features, smaller systems start at about $2,000 and take 1-2 days to complete. Medium size projects are about $4,000-$6,000 taking 3-5 days. Larger size projects are $6000 and up.
Q: What kind of service is provided after the installation?
A: Our maintenance contracts that we provide include: Checking bulbs, Cleaning lenses, Making minor adjustments to fixtures if foliage has grown around, Adjusting timing clocks,Checking wire runs for malfunction due to animals or accidental abrasion from lawn care equipment.
Q: Do I need to plan ahead for a Landscape Lighting System?
A: Most of our jobs are installed to existing Landscaping. If you are having any landscaping or hardscaping done first, have 1" Schedule 40 conduits run under any patio, walkway, or driveway hardscaping if possible. If your home is new construction, ask that a dedicated GFCI outlet be placed outside in a convenient location to areas of your property.
Q: What damage will occur to my landscaping?
A: We use mostly hand tools to run wire and place fixtures. In some cases a small trenching blade is used. Usually, the only evidence we were there are the wonderful lighting effects.
Q: How does a Unique Landscape Lighting System compare to a big Home Store Lighting kit?
A :There is no comparison. A professionally designed and installed lighting system uses components and techniques that are far superior to these home store kits. We use only copper, brass and bronze fixtures along with Unique's transformers with lifetime warranties (unless the client specifies other product) . Home store fixtures will usually not work or look very good after a year. When you feel one of our fixtures in your hands at the consultation you will see the difference!
Q: How is my new system controlled?
A: Most of our systems use a hassle free design, utilizing a photocell and timer combination. This turns your system on automatically at dark and turn off at a desired time. We also offer remote control and motion controlled systems if you desire.
Dakotah Services
& Irrigation Inc.
( 605 ) 351-1181 or (605) 310-2200
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions that we receive about lighting, if there is a question that you may have that is not listed below please CLICK HERE to contact us so that we may further assist you in any question/help that you may have.
