I hope all of you had a productive 2025. From my conversations with contractors across the country, it was somewhat of a roller coaster.
It seems like the last part of the year was much busier than the first. Hopefully, in 2026, we will see a surge in the landscape lighting market. Of course, there will always be challenges, but most of the contractors I have had conversations with are pretty optimistic about the future.
Black finish on many fixtures has become very popular. It’s kind of funny how history repeats itself. Original fixtures were in black or avocado green to allow them to be hidden in the landscape.
Many landscape lighting manufacturers have also leaned into smaller fixtures. Although the majority of these are for hardscape applications, we see them also being used on roof lines, potted trees and signature areas of the landscape. As we have discussed before, higher-end contractors have been utilizing smaller fixtures for the past several years to pinpoint different facets of the properties they are illuminating.
Strip and tape lighting were on the rise in 2025. Many manufacturers are now creating strip lighting products. Some manufacturers are utilizing a DC strip light with a driver to convert to AC, while other manufacturers are going directly to an AC/DC strip light.
These strip lights can come in a variety of different Kelvin temperatures to suit the needs of the job. RGBW strip lights have also been becoming very popular; this type of strip light is also used with a driver or a specific controller that is attached to a transformer.
Both of these products can provide an incredible effect with linear lighting. Most strip light is utilized in hardscape applications, but I have seen a lot of contractors become very creative with it.
If you haven’t tried strip lighting products yet, that might be something to learn how to install this year. Manufacturers are willing and able to help you understand the best practices for strip light applications.
“Most manufacturers will bend over backward to help you solve a problem.”
Several manufacturers have introduced new transformers that allow you to zone out a lighting system. Other manufacturers have made control units that will do the same and will work on any transformer.
I have seen many contractors utilize both transformers and controllers to level-up their lighting systems.
Contractors are also utilizing more Wi-Fi-enabled socket technology and really diving in and understanding how it works. As with any new products, it takes time to understand and embrace new technology.
I applaud all those contractors who are delving into new technology and truly understanding its capabilities.
There are many new landscape lighting pages on social media; many provide very useful information to the new contractor.
Contractors have been showing off their jobs and requesting feedback from other contractors, which is both a good and bad thing.
We must remember, when we do comment on a fellow contractor’s work, to give constructive criticism and not rant. It’s much better to build up our industry than to tear it down.
Some of these contractors have just done their first job and are looking for constructive criticism. I give special commendations to all contractors who have built up our industry by encouraging new contractors to do a better job. This not only makes them look good, but it makes you look good as well.
On the topic of constructive criticism: Instead of dealing with manufacturers’ product problems in a post, I encourage you all to reach out to the manufacturer before you put something online.
Trashing a manufacturer for a problem does not do anything for anyone. All manufacturers have had issues with their products. I’m sure that most of them would appreciate it if you spoke to them about it first before trashing them online. Most manufacturers will bend over backward to help you solve a problem.
We all know we’re living in frustrating times right now. Things are getting more expensive, and the workforce is not that stable.
I encourage you all to be kind to one another, whether you are working with your distributor, your manufacturer’s representative or your favorite manufacturer. Just remember, we’re all in this together.
