Design, Installation and Maintenance of Landscape Lighting in The NY Metro Area by New York Plantings

Commercial Urban Outdoor Lighting combines the best of Garden Lighting and Architectural Lighting to add drama and ambiance, safety and extended use to any public area. Although planning for Commercial Urban Outdoor Lighting has similarities with the planning and design of residential garden lighting, there are many differences as well.

Goals for Our Client- The first difference between residential and commercial lighting addresses the goals of the commercial property owners and integrates the setting and visibility of the location where the lights will be installed. Are you, as the property owner, trying to draw people in from the outside, displaying the beauty and ambiance of your property? Is the goal of the lighting design a tangible, dramatic invitation to join in a trendy, upscale or classic urban experience? Or, is this a secluded space intended as an urban retreat for fortunate residents? The needs of the commercial property owner are always forefront in the mind of our Professional Lighting Designer, Todd Nappi, as he creates a striking plan for your public garden, terrace, building entrance, courtyard, dining or lounge area, fountain or other water feature. New York Planting Irrigation & Lighting’s ultimate objective is to meet our client’s goals for the property.

Defining the Space- Another difference we encounter is the need to understand all the possible uses for the area. Although a subtle feature, lighting helps define the use of outdoor public spaces. I say, “possible uses,” because as a public space you have to anticipate all the different ways people may use the space beyond what you envision. Just because your dream when planning the space is of a wide, well-lit garden walkway where people move through without stopping does not mean people will not want to stop in a serene space and enjoy the beauty of a well-lit garden or fountain, stop to rest or sit and chat with a colleague, make a phone call or text with a friend. A professionally designed lighting scheme, using light and shadow, illumination in otherwise darkened areas and the use of lighting to evoke emotion can all have an effect on how people experience and utilize Commercial Urban Outdoor spaces. We can help make the utilization of the space intuitive to your clients through our sophisticated and well thought-out lighting design techniques.

Goals for Your Clients- Of course one of the pleasures of designing lighting for a public space is knowing the enjoyment people will get when seeing and interacting in a creatively designed, artistically lit outdoor area created by New York Plantings Irrigation & Lighting. Of course, we consider the safety and security of nighttime guests by making the lighting functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. In order to achieve these goals, it’s important for us to understand who your clients or customers are, so we can further develop the aesthetic image you have for your company.

Earth Friendly- Finally, New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting is always concerned with the Environmental Impact of any project we undertake. Our goal of “Going Green” has us considering energy efficiency to ensure that light is not wasted by over-illumination or timer issues. Our increased use of Solar Power, Low Voltage Fixtures, Energy Efficient Lights, Superior Timers, Light Sensor Switches and Creative Lighting Design all play a part in protecting our environment.

New York Plantings Irrigation & Lighting offers the finest in Commercial Urban Outdoor Lighting. Our experienced Lighting Designer,Todd Nappi, Draftspersons and skilled Crew offer the best of the best when designing your one-of-a-kind lighting display. New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting currently accepts businenss in the New York tri-state area. If you want the best in irrigation and lighting design from an experienced and dedicated team call us today at (646) 434-8049 or visit our website.

We are also proud to offer services from our well-established New York PlantingsGarden Design Division, a full-service landscaping, garden design and building company. From Asian inspired gardens, to professional tree installation, elegant terrace gardens and expert landscape maintenance, New York Plantings Garden Design contracts from Manhattan to Montauk and beyond. For all your garden design needs contact New York Plantings Garden Design at (347) 558-7051.

Landscape Lighting Adds Beauty and Functionality to Any Outdoor Area

Outdoor lighting for both safety and elegance 

Landscape Lighting also referred to as Garden Lighting and sometimes combined with Architectural Lighting refers to the use of Outdoor Lighting of private gardens as well as commercial and public landscape and grounds. Lighting Design and Lighting Installation incorporate several factors including ambiance or aesthetic impact (a factor particularly important in the lighting of public spaces), safety and the extended, after dark, use of outdoor areas.

Pool area lighting

At New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting our process starts by determining our client’s intended use for the outdoor area. We first make sure that we design ample lighting for the intended purpose of the space, but just as important, we talk to our clients about the mood they want to set. “Is this area an attractive walkway with garden features or is the area meant for stopping and socializing? Is it a contained area or is it meant to be visible from a distance? Are there featured plants? A sitting area?” 

Extended night time use of outdoor areas 

We ask a lot of questions, but that is an important part of the process of defining and meeting the needs of our clients. The visual aspect of lighting includes the attractive scattering of light and shadow, the illumination of otherwise dark areas and the highlighting of both the figure and form of the plants which can create a captivating environment for all who visit your professionally designed Outdoor Garden.

Lights highlighting outdoor features

Outdoor Lighting often includes multiple lighting features in one garden area including Path Lighting, Area Lighting, Uplights, Wall Lighting, Building Lights, Tree-mount Lights (Down Lights), Deck Lighting, Well Lighting and Hardscape Lighting, Step Lights, Pond Lighting, Fountain Lights, Rail Lighting, Rope Lights, and Twinkle Lights.

Landscape lighting adds warmth and safety to homes

Several different types of lighting can be combined to create a beautiful accent to any outdoor garden. Outdoor lighting is especially effective in pool, pond and fountain areas, pergolas, courtyards, decks, rooftop terrace retreats, container gardens, walkways, trellises – really anywhere you want to set a mood by highlighting your garden, plants and hardscape!

Contemporary solar path lighting

Finally, New YorkPlantings Irrigation and Lighting is always concerned with the Environmental Impact of any project we undertake. Our goal of “Going Green” has us considering energy efficiency to ensure that light is not wasted by over-illumination or timer issues. Our increased use of Solar Power, Low Voltage Fixtures, Energy Efficient Lights, Superior Timers, Light Sensor Switches and Creative Lighting Design all play a part in protecting our planet.

Lighting accentuates courtyard spaces

At New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting our Lighting Designer, Todd Nappi, understands the importance of the utilitarian function of lighting, the importance of protecting our environment as well as the need for aesthetic appeal and he understands the emotions evoked by high-quality lighting when people enjoy your beautifully Illuminated Garden.

 Beautiful commerical landscaping enhanced by lighting

New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting currently contract in the New York tri-state area. If you want the best in irrigation and lighting design from an experienced and dedicated team call us today at (646) 434-8049 or visit our website.

Landscape Lighting Design by New York Plantings' Todd Nappi, Drafting by Ralph Xu

We are  also proud to offer services from our well-established New York PlantingsGarden Design Division, a full-service landscaping, garden design and building company. From Asian inspired gardens, to professional tree installation, elegant terrace gardens and expert landscape maintenance, New York Plantings Garden Design contracts from Manhattan to Montauk and beyond. For all your garden design needs contact New York Plantings Garden Design at (347) 558-7051.

Images Courtesy of ilovemyhome, LandscapeLightingWorld and Lighting Solars

New York Plantings Garden Design - Pergola Ideas for Backyards, Rooftop Gardens - Residential and Commerical

Pergola – In Garden Design, pergolas, sometimes called arbors, are garden features that form a shady walkway or sitting area. A creative landscaping idea used by garden companies like New York Plantings Garden Design, garden pergolas usually have vertical posts or pillars that have cross-beams that support a sturdy open lattice. They can be free standing like a type of gazebo or may be an extension of a house or building.

Figure 1: Outdoor Great Room by Backyard America

Pergolas are a great way to protect an open terrace and increase the attractiveness and usability of a sitting area. Used near a pool or as a cover over a patio, a climbing vine or fabric shades can be a striking addition that can increase the amount of shade these backyard pergolas can provide. Another professionally installed option is a retractable canopy that can protect from both sun and rain and can be fitted to existing pergolas, arbors and trellises.

Figure 2: Retractable Patio Cover by ShadeFX

There are many different types of pergolas including Tuscany pergola designs, classic pergolas, patio pergolas, pool pergolas, backyard pergolas, ultra modern pergola designs, Cape Cod pergolas and Al Fresco pergolas. They can also be arched or curved and include stonework, wood, fiberglass or vinyl. Pergolas can also be an attractive feature added to rooftop gardens and urban gardens. Custom designed pergolas and working with pergola installers are a popular option, but pergola kits and gazebo kits are also an option for the handy homeowner. Be advised, however, that building a pergola isn't an easy day project. Pergolas are a structural element that need sound construction to remain a safe and weather resistent feature for years to come.

If you live in the New York, New Jersey area, New York Plantings Garden Design would be happy to discuss the many options available for building the pergola that would be right for you. Please call us at 347 558-7051 for a free professional consultation.

Figure 3: Pergola Designs by DIY Network

Rooftop Retreat - Phase 2

Some people look at the city and see the problems, at New York Plantings we look at the city and see the possibilities. That is exactly what we have done with our latest rooftop project. Our garden design company is taking this area from a black tarred roof to a peaceful garden complete with blue stone pavers, a wooden deck and even an area of live grass. Custom planters, an eating area and bamboo screens are also being added to this well thought out city oasis.

As anyone who reads our blog knows, Todd Nappi and New York Plantings believe in helping Manhattan “Go green!” and that is exactly what he is doing with this rooftop transformation. Rooftop gardens can make buildings cooler, save on energy costs and adds beauty and much needed useable space.

hot black roof adding to ozone pollution

You may understand the cooling concept better if you think about what it feels like to walk from an asphalt parking lot to a park with shade-trees. You can feel the temperature drop almost immediately. The reason for this change in temperature is that dark surfaces absorb and radiate heat causing a temperature rise of as much as 6 to 10 degrees. That’s a big difference in a person’s comfort level on a hot day, but there are environmental consequences too.

"Going green" will help solve the pollution problem

This rise in temperature on a rooftop raises the temperature inside the building too. This means more air conditioning, more energy from our power plants and, therefore, more air pollution. The trapped heat from the dark surface also creates more smog because air pollution from other sources is magnified by increased heat. One of these pollutants, ozone, is particularly dangerous to humans causing eye irritation, asthma and can even cause permanent lung damage.

	Now, how much of this our customer is considering I’m not sure, but I do know they are considering the design, beauty and usability of this previously undeveloped rooftop space.
The blue stone pavers were the perfect choice for this peaceful sanctuary. The wood decking adds an air of understated sophistication that allows attention to be focused on the wonderful custom designed and fabricated planters provided by New York Plantings. I just have to mention here that our crew is top of the line when it comes to – well, everything! These custom planters are just another example of their skills and talent at providing exactly what our customers picture in their “dream garden.”

Of course, we can’t forget the importance of good irrigation, also provided by New York Plantings.

At this point in the project, we have brought the materials to the rooftop and have started the precision work of cutting and laying the pavers. We are also closely following the design as we lay the deck to make sure the homeowner gets exactly what we agreed upon. And, of course, protecting the homeowner’s investment is paramount in our minds as we cut drain mats to protect the roof, support the pavers and allow proper drainage for this project. 
This kind of attention to detail is one of the things our customers always complement us about. On this garden design project that means making sure all the planters are identical – the same height and perfectly level.

We’ll have an updated blog when the work is complete. I don’t know about you, but the homeowners are excited to see the end results and the crew at New York Plantings can’t wait for them to start enjoying their rooftop retreat!