Thinking about upgrading your yard with professional lighting? Great timing matters. While landscape lighting in Nashville can be installed year-round, some seasons offer clear advantages based on weather, project schedules, and availability.
Let’s explore the best times to install lighting—and what to consider during each season.
Spring and fall are the best times to install landscape lighting in Nashville due to mild temperatures, soft ground for wiring, and ideal project planning. However, installations can happen year-round depending on weather and scheduling needs.
Spring: The Most Popular Season
Why it’s ideal:
- Milder temperatures make outdoor work comfortable
- Soil is soft for trenching and wire placement
- Landscaping projects often begin now, allowing lighting to be installed alongside them
- Longer days allow for better design testing
Spring is also a high-demand season, so it’s smart to book early with your lighting contractor.
Fall: Great for Planning Ahead
Fall is another prime time to install lighting in Nashville, especially if you’re preparing for:
- Holiday entertaining
- Early sunsets
- Cooler outdoor gatherings
Benefits of fall lighting installs:
- Ground is still workable
- You’ll see how lighting works in darker conditions
- Contractor availability tends to increase after the summer rush
Plus, systems installed in fall are fully functional by the time winter arrives.
Summer: Bright Testing Conditions
Summer installations are common for:
- Backyard transformations
- Poolside lighting
- Nighttime entertaining
What to know:
- Hot temps may make installation less comfortable
- Longer days give your lighting designer more visibility for testing
- Plants are in full bloom—great for accenting gardens and foliage
If you’re building a new deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen, summer is a great time to add lighting to the plan.
Winter: Efficient Scheduling & Quick Installs
Yes—you can install landscape lighting in Nashville during winter. In fact, it may be a strategic choice.
Winter advantages:
- Easier contractor scheduling
- More focus on lighting since landscaping slows down
- Trees and shrubs are bare, making fixture placement clearer
- Ideal for early sunset demo and night aiming
Caveat: Frozen ground may cause minor delays in trenching. However, LightTN uses tools and methods that work in most winter conditions.
Not sure when to begin your outdoor lighting project? Contact LightTN for a seasonal consultation and custom timeline tailored to your Nashville property.
Lighting Before or After Landscaping?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Install before landscaping if:
- You’re building a new home
- Major grading or hardscaping is happening
- You want wires hidden under sod or mulch
Install after landscaping if:
- You’re retrofitting an existing yard
- You want to highlight mature trees or garden beds
- Your lighting contractor is coordinating with your landscaper
At LightTN, we work with your schedule and other contractors to make timing seamless—no matter the order.
How Long Does Landscape Lighting Take to Install?
Most standard lighting systems take:
- 1 day for small front yard projects
- 2–3 days for medium-sized homes with 12–20 fixtures
- 4–5 days for full-property installations with multiple zones and smart controls
Project timing may vary depending on access, wiring complexity, and fixture types.
Lighting Installation Timeline (Season by Season)
Season | Benefits | Considerations |
Spring | Soft ground, warm weather, aligns with landscaping | High demand, book early |
Summer | Good plant growth visibility, great for outdoor upgrades | Heat can delay labor or wiring work |
Fall | Long nights, moderate weather, flexible contractor time | Late fall may bring early frost |
Winter | Fast scheduling, ideal for night testing | Possible delays if ground is frozen |
Need help planning your project start date? We’ll walk you through every seasonal option ➝
Whether it’s spring planting season or winter preparation, there’s never a wrong time to add beauty and safety to your yard with professional lighting. LightTN installs systems all year and customizes designs based on weather, landscape, and your lifestyle. Let’s talk about your perfect install date.
Want to turn your backyard into a nighttime retreat? Discover how lighting enhances outdoor living next ➝
