Summer's over and it's time for many of us here in the United States to think about fall cleanup.
If you have solar lighting, or any landscape lights for that matter, it's easy to damage or even ruin lights once rakes and leaf blowers come out. Luckily, there are some very easy and quick things you can to make sure your solar lights, fountain and other garden items survive fall cleanup!
Solar Accent Lights and Water Fountains
Most solar lights have a huge advantage over low voltage electrical lighting: they're easy to install and they're easy to remove and re-install.
Whether you rake or blow leaves yourself or hire others to do the job, whenever possible you should temporarily put away solar lights, solar fountains, pest control devices and solar lawn and garden products.
Even if rakes don't strike lights, raking or blowing alone can turn harmless rocks, sticks, acorns and other debris into high-powered missiles. Along with the lighting fixture itself, solar panels can be damaged.
If you hire someone to do your clean-up, we strongly recommend taking extra time to protect your solar lights, fountains and pest-control devices.
Here's why. Many landscapers tend to "overbook" during busy seasons and often, the person with whom you arranged the job won't do the actual work.
Since time is money, most workers are told to go in, get the job done as quickly as possible, and move on to the next customer. Unless you have it in writing, it's not their responsibility to take care of any lights or garden ornaments. Make sure you ask the contractor when the workers will arrive and prepare in advance. Like your mother said, "Better safe than sorry."
Protecting Solar Fixtures that Aren't Easily Removed
Many people who really appreciate solar lighting have solar lamps, lamp posts and security lights in addition to accent lighting.
While accent lights are relatively inexpensive, quality solar lamps and security lights cost quite a bit more, though not necessarily more than traditional lights. Protecting your investments in cost-effective lighting is important, particularly fixtures at the higher end of the cost spectrum.
Your solar spotlights or floodlights probably are located high enough to be safe without any action if a rake is used. But, if a leaf blower will be anywhere near your security lights, you should temporarily remove them whenever possible.
If removal isn't an option, definitely cover both lighting fixtures and solar panels.
Solar lamps are a bit trickier, since they are permanently attached to fences posts, walls, buildings or mounted on posts set in concrete.
Make Your Own "Hoodies"
Whether your lamps have polycarbonate or glass panes or covers, all have solar panels integrated into the lamp. Our recommendation: cover them up!
Here's what we came up with when a pane in an old electric lamp post was broken by an acorn or rock during lawn mowing. It looks ridiculous, but our technique is highly effective.
We took old comforters and cut out pieces large enough to completely cover each lamp. During yard work, we secure the covers with large rubber bands, tape or string. The result: a cushioned hood that covers the lamp and solar panel, protecting both from flying debris.
Because comforters have some padding in them, they provide great protection.
Towels also work, but add extra padding like rags, crumpled newspapers or old bubble wrap. We keep our "hoodies" in the garage and reuse them regularly.
When the work is done, we just remove them and tuck them away until we need them again. With these tips, all of our solar lights are standing up well to fall and spring cleanups, as well as routine yard work.
This fall, take the time to make sure your investment in solar lights is protected!
Buying LED Tape - Some Advice Choosing the Perfect Light Fixture for Your Victorian-Style Bedroom
0 comments:
Post a Comment