How do you keep landscape lights from tilting?

4 years ago

I see so many path lights tilting in people's yards...it looks hideous. How is this prevented? We're doing a new build and picking out quality lights, like from Kilcher: https://www.kichler.com/kichler/products/landscape-lighting/path-spread/two-arm-path-light-9788f744/).

Do people afix the path lights in concrete, packed gravel? Seems if they are put in concrete - how would you remove for repair or replacement?

Featured Answer

Bob Bray

2 years ago

Spray foam works great for keeping landscape lights from tilting. I had some high density spray foam left over from raising a concrete slab and used the leftover by digging ~5" wide x 8" deep holes and placing my landscape lights plumb in the holes, then filled the holes with the foam. It's been several years now through Minnesota winters and the lights are all still plumb. Not sure how regular foam in cans would work but it would be worth a try.

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Comments (7)

chiflipper
4 years ago
You need to "open" the spec sheet -

"Fixtures include an 8" in-ground slotted stake (Cast Brass fixtures and Textured Bollard include a 14" stake)"

If you're located in a climate with "true winter" (frost heaves) I suggest you install "sleeves / sockets" for the stakes. The sleeve is place in concrete below ground level...the stake fits into the sleeve. Any electrician / landscaper will know what I'm referring to.
Jeff Smith thanked chiflipper
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago
I t really depends on your climate what chiflipper suggests is a good plan . You could also look at commercial type lighting it might be worth a look at for sure.
Jeff Smith thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
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PRO
RL Relocation LLC
4 years ago
I hate to burst your bubble but cast aluminum is not quality, they will rust especially if you have seasons where you are at. Then if you really want durability you should use solid brass stakes.
Jeff Smith thanked RL Relocation LLC
gm3612
4 years ago
Aluminum does not rust...
Jeff Smith thanked gm3612
Jeff Smith
Original Author
4 years ago
Summary and picture...we had them install the long stakes, which took 2 months extra due to backorders. The whole project took months because of various delays. I used a level to check each stake for "plumb" before installers left for the last time. The bollards will shift a little but given the high cost for any installations in our region and time involved I guess we got near perfection. Would've preferred concrete sleeves like @cliflipper suggested but suppose we got 95% of what we wanted. Below is view showing front only at night.
Bob Bray
2 years ago
Oh, and not all of us have the means to buy $150+ each brass landscape lights with 14" brass steaks. Especially when you have "them" do the installation. Then the price is even more.
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