When spring rolls around in North Georgia, so do the afternoon storms. High winds, heavy rain, and sudden power surges can hit without much warning. While we often think about protecting our roofs or fences, outdoor landscape lighting is one part of the yard that usually gets overlooked. A few weeks before the weather starts to shift, it’s a good idea to check on any fixtures that spent the winter exposed to the elements.
Getting ahead of the storms can make all the difference. A quick scan now helps keep the lights working, pathways visible, and your yard just as inviting once the longer evenings return. Clean, working lights don’t just make the space look better, they help everyone stay safe when the clouds roll in earlier than expected. We provide professional landscape lighting services that enhance both the beauty and security of properties in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, and nearby communities. Let’s walk through a few steps that help protect your lighting system before the next downpour hits.
Check for Damaged or Loose Fixtures
Winter weather isn’t always harsh in North Georgia, but it still takes a toll. Cold snaps, gusty wind, and debris from nearby trees can crack lenses, shift fixtures, or expose wires. These small issues often go unnoticed until the lights fail completely.
Start by walking the yard and looking closely at each light. Check for damage like:
• Cracked covers or fogged lenses
• Rust or corrosion on metal parts
• Wires sticking up around the base
After checking for damage, give each fixture a gentle nudge. If something wobbles or shifts, see if it needs to be tightened or repositioned. Tilted or loose lights often point in the wrong direction or can get worse with the next big gust. Fixing these now helps protect the system when stronger spring winds sweep through in March and April.
Clear Away Debris and Trim Nearby Plants
Leaves, pine straw, and twigs have a way of piling up all around landscape fixtures, especially close to fences or under shrubs. This kind of buildup can trap moisture against the lights and cause early wear or electrical issues.
Clearing these areas doesn’t take long, and it keeps everything ready for the shift in seasons. Focus on:
• Raking out old leaves and debris that may be covering lights
• Brushing off dirt or mud that might block light output
• Checking the base of each fixture for standing moisture
Once things are clean, take a look at the plants too. Tree limbs that droop over fixture heads or shrubs nudging up against lights can be trouble during spring storms. The extra movement from wind and rain might knock branches into lights or pull wiring loose. A quick trim now could save you from repairs when everything’s already wet and messy.
Test the System and Inspect Connections
Just because a light turned on in December doesn’t mean it’s still ready for spring. Bulbs might flicker, sensors may need adjusting, or connections could have shifted in frozen ground. Test the whole system on a dry evening and don’t rush through it.
Here’s how to check that everything’s working right:
• Turn on the lights while it’s still light out, and stay in the yard until dusk to watch them in action
• Walk each path to make sure dark corners are still getting enough coverage
• Check timers and sensors to match longer daylight as spring approaches
If things don’t come on at the right time or a section stays dim, take a look at the wiring and transformer boxes. These are usually low to the ground, which makes them easy targets for moisture and pest damage. Any loose connections, buzzing sounds, or burned smells should be checked by someone who knows outdoor lighting systems well.
Consider Upgrades for Safer, Smarter Lighting
If the lighting system has been in place for several years, spring is a good time to think about upgrades. Systems can wear down quietly, and older fixtures may not hold up well against repeated storms year after year.
With newer lighting options on the market, some updates may help your yard handle weather changes more easily. These might include:
• Switching to LED lights that are built for longer outdoor use
• Upgrading to lower voltage systems that are safer during a power surge
• Adding surge protection near the transformer to shield against lightning-related issues
Each yard is a little different, and lighting that once made sense might need to shift as trees grow or foot traffic patterns change. If something about the system feels off or outdated, we always suggest walking the site with someone who can point out ways to better match your space with your needs. We design and install custom, energy-efficient lighting layouts that highlight your yard’s best features while keeping outdoor areas more visible after dark.
Keeping Your Yard Bright and Storm-Ready
Getting lights ready now helps keep the yard looking good and working well through the messier weeks of early spring. Prepping isn’t about major changes, just a bit of cleanup, some careful checks, and maybe a few smart upgrades.
A well-lit yard is always more welcoming. When the weather starts to turn, it’s easier to enjoy those longer evenings if the lights are doing their job. And it’s a lot less stressful knowing they’re built to handle the season ahead.
At All Star Landscaping, we take pride in helping properties around North Georgia stay safe, polished, and prepared for shifting weather. If you’ve noticed flickering lights, outdated fixtures, or spots in the yard that just don’t feel as safe after dark, it may be time to take a closer look at your system. Upgrading or adjusting your outdoor landscape lighting can make a big difference before spring storms arrive. Let us help you keep things working the way they should. Contact us today to schedule a walkthrough or ask any questions.
