Short answer: most yards need lights that come on at dusk and go off at a set time, and a photocell or astronomical timer does that without any phone. A smart app is worth it if you want to change scenes, schedule special nights or control lights while away. New fixtures start from $195 each, and a service call starts at $95.
What smart control really means
“Smart” covers a range of things. At the simple end is a photocell, which senses dusk. Next is a timer with preset hours. Then an astronomical timer, which tracks sunrise and sunset by date. At the top are Wi-Fi controllers and apps that let you set zones, scenes and schedules from your phone.
More features mean more to set up and more to go wrong. A router change, a lost password or an app update can leave you with lights that will not obey. So the question is not “what is the smartest option?” It is what you need, and what will still work in years to come with no attention.
Options compared
| Control | What it does | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photocell | On at dusk, off at dawn | Set and forget | Dirt on the sensor |
| Clock timer | Fixed hours | Simple schedules | Seasonal resets |
| Astronomical timer | Follows sunset and sunrise by date | Hands-off all year | Setup of location |
| Smart plug or app | Remote on/off, schedules | Travel, changing routines | Wi-Fi range, app updates |
| Scenes and zones | Different groups on separate schedules | Parties, holidays | More to set up |
Questions that decide it
- Do you travel? If so, remote control makes a house look lived in.
- Do you want different lights at different times? Path lights all night, patio lights only until bedtime.
- Is the Wi-Fi strong at the transformer? Many are on a side wall far from the router.
- Who will set it up? A control nobody understands gets left on defaults.
- What happens if it fails? A good system falls back to a basic schedule.
What a good setup looks like
Keep the basic function simple and reliable: lights on at dusk, off at a set time. Add smart features on top, so if the Wi-Fi drops, the lights still come on. Group fixtures into zones that match how you use the yard. Paths and steps run the longest. Patio and feature lights run for a shorter time.
Smart sprinkler controls too
If you want one app for both, our irrigation work has smart controllers from $575, with a rain sensor from $425 that skips cycles when it rains. Standard controllers start from $425 and battery controllers from $475. See our irrigation overview.
Honest tradeoffs
A smart app will not fix bad aim, dim runs or dead fixtures. It controls the light you have. If your yard is poorly lit, spend on the lights first and the controls second. And if your yard has a good photocell and everything works, you may not need anything more.
What we do
We design lighting at dusk on your property, with a live demo before you commit. We set the controls to match how you live. Landscape lighting starts from $195 per fixture. If the timer is wrong or a photocell is dirty, a service call is $95. The estimate is free, and you get a firm number before any work begins.
Setting it up so it keeps working
Whatever you choose, write down the settings. Note the on and off times, which zones are on which timer and where the transformer is. Keep a copy of any app login with your household records. Label the timer. Check it twice a year, at the same time you check lenses and aim. A controller that only the previous owner understood is one of the most common calls we get, and it is easy to avoid with a short note taped inside the transformer cover.
When to call us
Call when lights come on at the wrong time, the app lost its connection, or you want control over zones. We offer same-day service, answer day and night and are family-owned, licensed and insured. See our landscape lighting design page and our lighting page.
FAQ
Do I need a phone app for landscape lighting? No. A photocell or astronomical timer handles most yards. An app helps if you travel or want scenes.
What is an astronomical timer? A timer that follows sunrise and sunset for your location by date.
Will smart controls still work if my Wi-Fi goes down? A good setup keeps a basic schedule. Ask about that before you buy.
How much does a service visit cost? Our minimum service call is $95.
Prices from our price list. Updated October 2026.