Controller: Located inside or outside your home, the controller, as you may have guessed, controls the irrigation system. In fact, the controller can manipulate each water valve individually. When the controller activates a valve, the valve opens and the water rushes to the sprinklers. The controller can also be used to schedule waterings.

Water Valves: Several sprinklers head connect to a single water valve, forming a zone. The more water valves a system has, the more control one has over the irrigation system. Remember, different areas of your yard receive different amounts of light and require different amounts of water.

Sprinklers: Sprinklers come in many forms – some are above ground, some are underground, some spray in one direction, and others spray 360 degrees. Each sprinkler is designed to suit the unique needs of your lawn.

Pipes: Pipes are connected to fittings, which are screwed or slipped into the valves and sprinklers. Pipe materials range from copper and galvanized to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Before you move forward with major planning or purchases, check your local codes and give the irrigation experts at TLC Incorporated a call.

If you have any questions, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of Irrigation specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

A Summary of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Sprinklers may seem like a luxury, but they provide several real benefits for your landscape. So if you are looking for a home improvement project that will increase your property value, make landscaping easier and improve the curb appeal of your home, look no further. A professionally installed sprinkler system is the way to go!

Sprinkler System Functionality: Your landscape contractor will come to your home, assess your landscaping needs, and design a sprinkler system for your yard. Your contractor will take into account your soil condition, which parts of your yard gets sun or shade, your grass, etc. Your system will be tailored for your needs, for your yard, and to fit your budget.

Types of Sprinkler Systems: There are several different types of sprinklers, each designed for a specific purpose. These include:

• Spray Head Sprinkler: This type of sprinkler covers a relatively small area, but dispenses quite a bit of water. It pops up when used and then retracts back into the ground when the system is shut off.
• Drip Sprinkler: This type of sprinkler is perfect for small areas and greenhouses, utilizing drops of water instead of full sprays like traditional sprinklers. It is economical and environmentally friendly.
• Rotating Sprinkler: This type of sprinkler is ideal for large areas. Its head is able to move around in a full circle, allowing a single sprinkler head to cover a large area.

Benefits of a Sprinkler System: There are several benefits, including:

• A sprinkler system is a great investment in your home
• A lush green landscape will only increase your home’s value
• The convenience of your yard being automatically watered
• A sprinkler system saves water

So why don’t you have a sprinkler system?

If you have any questions, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Cost of Installing Sprinkler Systems

You have spent thousand of dollars landscaping your yard. But there is just one problem; your landscape looks amazing during the day, but it vanishes into obscurity at night. Well, you can fix all that with a few professionally installed landscape lights. After all, doesn’t it make sense to make the most of that investment?

Pathway Lighting: These lights not only illuminate your landscape, brining aesthetic appeal to your yard at night, but they also improve the safety of your property.

Moon Lighting: Are you looking for a more natural look and feel? Well, you can accomplish this with low-voltage fixtures placed high up in your trees. Then aim the lights down so that the beams filter through the tree’s branches and leaves, softly illuminating the ground below. This is called “moon lighting.”

Uplighting: This lighting technique is perfect if you are looking to give your landscape a more dramatic look. Place a light at the base of a tree, statue, or other landscape feature, point it upwards and watch as your landscape transforms.

Accent Lighting: Far less dramatic than uplighting, accent lighting aims to highlight specific focal points within your landscape design.

Light Your Home, Too: Don’t forget about your home! Consider flanking your front door with wall sconces or positioning lights on either side of your garage door. You can also consider installing motion-activated flood lights for security purposes.

LED String Lights: Wrap the rails of your deck or the pole of your umbrella with a string of LED bulbs to add a nice illuminating element to your next party.

Have fun with this and make the most of your landscape design.

If you have any questions, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Landscape Lighting Ideas

What You Need to Know About Outdoor Lighting

• There are two main types of outdoor lights: low voltage and high voltage.
• You don’t need to light your entire landscape, just features you wish to accent or highlight.
• Outdoor lighting doesn’t have to drastically increase your electric bills. LED lights provide a bright light while using a fraction of the electricity of a standard incandescent bulb.
• Having a professional install your outdoor lights may actually save you money. Do-it-yourself light installations leave room for errors that can cause shorts, electrical fires, electrocution and more.

Having professionals design and install outdoor lighting for your home or business not only creates a uniquely different look for your property at night, it’s also an added security feature.

Whether you are interested in lawn lighting, lighting for your pool or hot tub area, decorative lighting to spotlight unique property features, or holiday lighting, TLC Incorporated can help. Our lighting experts will show you how to take advantage of the many lenses, diffusers and mounts available to bring subtle beauty to your property.

Enhance your landscaping and protect your home and loved ones with customized landscape lighting and decorative lighting packages from TLC.

If you have any questions, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

YourNews: Outdoor lighting can provide safety, security at home

Wait, there is!

Outdoor Lighting is an easy and cost-effective way to dramatically improve your home’s landscape. Not only will the lighting allow others to enjoy your landscape after dark, but the right lighting can even accent and enhance the features of your property, completely transforming your landscape at night. Other benefits of landscape lighting include:

•      Great Return on Investment (ROI): Homeowners can recoup as much as 100-200% of their initial investment

•      Increase Home Value: Aesthetically appealing landscaping can increase your home’s value by as much as 15%.

•      Make Your Home Easier to Sell: It’s estimate that 95% of buyers will not consider a house that lacks curb appeal.

•      Increase Safety: Extra lights at night mean extra safety.

So what are you waiting for? Contact the landscape lighting experts at TLC Incorporated right away!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

But decorative lighting from TLC Incorporated isn’t just for the holidays!

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

If you have any questions, please contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Outdoor Lighting will Enahnce your Homes Curb Appeal

The right lighting can really add to the overall aesthetic value of your property, highlighting gardens, pathways, fountains, ponds, landscaping, and other outdoor features. The right lighting can change the entire character of a home.

Plus, additional outdoor lighting can really increase the safety of your property.

Here are some outdoor lighting idea:

Garden Lighting: Going the extra mile can really take your garden from ordinary to extraordinary. There are two basic systems to consider: a 240-volt system that runs straight from the mains or a 12-volt system that runs from a mains powered socket and through a transformer.

12 Volt Garden Lighting System: This can easily and safely add that little something extra to your garden. Plus, there are lights for every occasion. There are lights designed to specifically accent paths. There are lights designed to specifically accent plants. And there are lights specifically designed for almost anything you can think of!

Professionally Designed Lighting: If you are interested in a professionally designed light display, give the lighting specialists at TLC Incorporated a call!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

But decorative lighting from TLC Incorporated isn’t just for the holidays!

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

If you have any questions, please contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Garden Lighting For Autumn & Winter

There are four types of lighting categories you can choose to light up your outdoors. They are as followed:

Ø Security Lighting. This type of lighting is very bright and can be motion activated. This can improve the safety of your property.

Ø Task Lighting. This type of lighting is used to help you safely move around while doing tasks such as grilling or walking safely around your property. Task lighting should be installed eyes length to object. This purpose is to help guide you visually through tasks.

Ø Accent Lighting. This type of lighting adds an artsy feature to a display. This is great to install near gardens, trees, and bushes.

Ø Ambient Lighting. This type of lighting can be used to increase the comfort of occupants and to make your landscape look more attractive.

The following types of power can light up your outdoors:

Ø Solar-Powered lights. Solar powered lighting is easy and portable. It can absorb sun energy even on cloudy days.

Ø Battery Operated and Rechargeable. This type of power is wireless and portable.

Ø Line-Powered. This type of power is connected to your home’s electricity. You can plug them in an outdoor socket. It is the most expensive type of lighting and must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Ø      Low-Voltage Powered Lights. This type of power is connected to your home but uses less electricity than a line powered lighting system (goes from 120 volts to 12 volts).

Tips to Keep in mind are as followed:

Ø Make sure you keep your lighting simple. Less is often better than more lighting when it comes to an attractive outdoor lighting. Use low watt bulbs to keep your lighting simple, attractive and useful.

Ø Never install lights in a straight line on pathways, driveways and patios.

Ø Do not use yellow lights. They are not appealing to guests or plants. Blue-white bulbs are a better choice.

Ø Make sure you position your outdoor lighting in a way that is easy to access because eventually you will need to change light bulbs.

If you have any questions or need installments, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

But decorative lighting from TLC Incorporated isn’t just for the holidays!

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Light Up the Night! Quick Facts About Outdoor Lighting.

Low voltage lighting technology is a very popular outdoor lighting. It is very cost-effective when compared to high voltage lighting for installation and maintenance. Low voltage is not only cost effective but also safer than high voltage lighting. Unlike high voltage lighting, low voltage is not capable of lethal shock or serious injury towards small children and pets.

The Benefits of Low Voltage Lighting

Low Voltage Lighting can illuminate your landscape with only 12 volts. This is an excellent marginal power cost. The low voltage lighting is not complicated when it comes to installation. The wires of low voltage lighting are buried underground and do not have a covering. Be sure to notify those tending your lawn and garden to be aware of the wires. You do not want anything to cut or damage your wires.

The best location to install your low voltage landscape lights is around your garden or an intimate gathering area on your landscape. The low voltage lights go great with outdoor kitchens and outdoor fireplaces.

Tungsten filament lamps were the standard materials used for low voltage lighting because the colors the lamps gave off really enhanced the tones of wood, stucco and masonry. Now, there are selections of low voltage lighting you can choose.

If you have any questions or need installments, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

But decorative lighting from TLC Incorporated isn’t just for the holidays!

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Tips

The Benefits of High Quality Landscape Lighting

High quality landscape lighting can increase the appeal of any home or business, if done the right way. It can bring color and the innovative design of your landscape to the attention of guest and neighbors.

Winter Landscape Lighting

When lighting is used in your landscape it accentuates plants and ornaments alike. The visual effect can be very attractive. A Landscape lighting professional will optimize the best qualities of both landscape and lighting to provide the best lighting effect to your home or business. For example, during the winter months a landscape can look dark and unwelcoming. You can change this by adding landscape lighting that will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Summer Landscape Lighting

During the summer months your landscape is in its full bloom. Landscape lighting can enhance the beauty of your landscaping by creating a festive look to an already stunning landscape. This works very well in business atmospheres because consumers and clients alike are more inclined to support businesses that install landscape lighting.

Landscape Lighting Can Help You Sell a Home

Are you selling a home? If yes, landscape lighting can help you increase the value of a home and help you sell a home.  A home with good lighting is seen as more welcoming and comfortable.

If you have any questions or need installments, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

But decorative lighting from TLC Incorporated isn’t just for the holidays!

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources: Landscape Lighting Increases Your Curb Appeal

Christmas Light Placement: Where you are going to place your lights is a crucial piece of information when you set out to buy your lights. Net lights are great for windows and roofs, string lights or strands of lights are great for trees and bushes, and LED lights are perfect for the homeowner concerned with energy efficiency.

So you can see why planning in advance is so important.

Buying the Right Christmas Lights: Where are your outdoor electric sockets located? Will you need extension cords? Do you want to use unsightly extension cords? Probably not. If that is the case, you should consider battery operated lights.

Christmas Lights come in different Styles and Colors: Colored lights, white lights, blue lights, icicle lights, frosted lights, net lights, strands of lights, blinking lights, and so much more!  With so many options, one can easily get overwhelmed. The best thing to do is to sit down and plan out your Christmas lighting display. What colors make sense? What style of lights makes sense?

Outdoor Safety for Christmas Lights: Certain lights are rated for outdoor use and certain lights are not. Be sure to check the specifications of your lights before decorating the exterior of your home.

For a few design ideas, checkout some of the best Washington D.C. area light displays of 2011!

Don’t be a Grinch! Call TLC Incorporated to find out how we can help you with your holiday lighting display!

TLC has been providing professional landscape lighting and holiday lighting services for more than 25 years, and have brought the beauty and wonder of the holiday season to satisfied customers across a four-state area.

If you have any questions, contact TLC Incorporated by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

For more than 20 years, TLC, Inc has specialized in the planning, installation and maintenance of high-quality commercial and residential Lawn Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems, Lawn Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, and Holiday Lighting.

But decorative lighting from TLC Incorporated isn’t just for the holidays!

TLC also designs and installs outdoor, decorative and security lighting for lawns, gardens, pools, hot tubs, decks, and walkways – you name it and they’ll make it a feature that will add beauty (and value) to any home or business.

TLC Inc.: A dedicated team of lighting specialists for the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Maryland, Washington D.C. Northern Virginia, and Delaware.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

How To Choose The Right Outdoor Christmas Lights For Your Home And Garden