How to Hire the Right Landscape Lighting Contractor
- Briana Johnson
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
When you’ve invested in creating a beautiful home and outdoor living environment, the details matter, especially after dark. The right landscape lighting doesn’t just illuminate your property; it creates ambiance, showcases architectural features, and enhances the luxury experience of your outdoor spaces.
But here’s the challenge: not all landscape lighting contractors are equipped to deliver the level of service, design, and precision your property deserves. Too often, lighting is treated as an afterthought—functional, but not refined.
This guide will explain how to choose a landscape lighting contractor who can meet the standards of a high-end project and why discerning homeowners and property managers throughout Sonoma and northern Napa Counties choose Gardenworks for their most sophisticated outdoor environments.
Table of Contents
Understand What a Landscape Lighting Contractor Does
Hiring a landscape lighting contractor is very different from hiring a general electrician. While both work with wiring and power, a landscape lighting designer brings a creative and architectural lens to the project. They consider aesthetics, atmosphere, and how your landscape is used after dark.
A great lighting contractor will:
Design thoughtful lighting zones for pathways, focal points, trees, water features, and outdoor living spaces.
Select fixtures that match the landscape’s style and function, from low-profile path lights to dramatic uplighting on trees.
Integrate lighting controls and automation, ensuring the system adapts to your needs and schedules.
Coordinate installation without disturbing irrigation systems, root zones, or existing plantings.
Lighting should feel natural and seamless, not like it was added as an afterthought.
Look for a Contractor Who Prioritizes Both Design and Durability
Good lighting is both beautiful and built to last.
An expert landscape lighting installer will take time to design a layered system, using different techniques:
Path lighting for navigation and safety.
Uplighting to highlight trees or structures.
Wash lighting to softly illuminate walls or garden beds.
On top of aesthetics, durability matters. Gardenworks uses only high-grade, corrosion-resistant fixtures and connectors, built to withstand heat, rain, and irrigation moisture. We also offer smart controls and can integrate lighting into your home automation or security systems.
And because we specialize in high-end residential and estate properties, our lighting integrates seamlessly with outdoor kitchens, water features, stonework, and custom plantings.
Ask About Experience with High-End Properties
If you're investing in your landscape, you don’t want someone learning on the job. Large properties come with complex site logistics, phasing plans, and often HOA requirements or county permitting.
At Gardenworks, we’ve worked with custom architects, estate managers, and design teams to:
Phase lighting with other construction elements (drainage, irrigation, hardscaping).
Match fixture finishes and light temperatures to blend with modern, traditional, or rustic landscapes.
Respect zoning regulations and manage power loads across expansive estates.
We’re used to managing both the technical and artistic aspects of lighting for distinctive homes, and we’re happy to share examples during your consultation.
Ask About Their Installation Process and Post-Install Support
Your lighting should work perfectly—not just on day one, but for years.
Here are 3 questions to ask a potential contractor:
How do you install lighting without damaging my landscape?
Look for an answer that prioritizes neat trenching, concealed wiring, and respect for existing plantings and hardscape.
How do you ensure consistency and quality?
A reputable contractor should follow a clear plan, use reliable components, and test every zone to ensure flawless results.
Do you offer seasonal adjustments or service?
Quality service continues after installation, with options for maintenance, troubleshooting, and adjustments as the landscape matures.
Good landscape lighting is an investment meant to last. Choose a contractor who treats both installation and follow-up with equal care.
Choose a Team That Can Handle Lighting as Part of a Full Landscape Plan
This is where Gardenworks really shines.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or retrofitting lighting into an existing property, we handle everything—design, permits, installation, and ongoing service. We’re a licensed landscape contractor, not just a lighting installer. That means we understand how lighting interacts with drainage, planting layouts, patios, and outdoor structures.
And most importantly, you won’t need to coordinate multiple contractors. We design lighting with the full picture in mind and execute it with award-winning craftsmanship. We manage everything from the first sketch to the final light test.
Let Gardenworks Inc. bring your property to life after dark with lighting that’s elegant, functional, and built to last.
Call Gardenworks Inc. at (707) 857-5020 to schedule your landscape lighting consultation to talk about how we can transform your outdoor spaces—beautifully and professionally.
