There are two ways to illuminate trees. You can either use uplighting, where you shine the light up, or downlighting, which is the opposite. The approach you take will depend on the result you want to generate.
This article covers fundamental principles of uplighting and downlighting trees. We’ll discuss the different techniques and the types of trees you can uplight or downlight.
With downlighting, the lighting fixtures shine downward. You use downlighting to create a dappled effect on the ground. Think of how moonlight casts attractive shadows, and you’ll understand the idea behind downlighting.
Downlighting works best for deciduous trees. It would be best to have a wide canopy to create those dappled shadows. Downlighting doesn’t work for conifers that have a tight canopy. Ideally, the lighting fixture should be at least 25 feet from the ground. This way, you illuminate a large area.
Downlights are best placed on tree trunks and large tree limbs since. Those locations make it easy to hide the lighting fixtures. Low-voltage LED lights work best for downlighting since they’re energy efficient.
Downlights can also add to the safety and security of your yard. This is important since large trees can cause shadows and dark spaces. These can create hiding spots for intruders.
The number of downlights you need for a tree depends on the tree’s size, shape, and desired effect. We find two fixtures per tree works typically. Try to project light through some branches to create those beautiful shadows on the ground.
Uplighting fixtures focus light upwards. For illuminating trees, uplights are usually placed at ground level. The best placement is around the tree's base, aiming the lights toward the trunk and lower branches. This will create a dramatic effect emphasizing the tree's height and texture.
The placement of the lighting fixtures depends on the height and width of the tree, as well as the type of tree. The image above provides some examples of lighting placements.
You must ensure your uplights offer the right amount of light depending on where they’ll be placed. Here are some lumen output tips to help you make the most of your tree uplighting:
Since the main objective here is to uplight your trees, you’ll need a different lumen output depending on the height of your trees.
You need the correct lumen output. You want to illuminate the tree softly. This will create a nice ambiance. With too much light, you lose this ambiance. With too little, it can feel spooky.
The perfect output eliminates the possibility of blown-out subjects or fatiguing the eye caused by high output. It also prevents leaving a feature unnoticed due to using a light level that is too low.
Here are some general guidelines to achieve the perfect balance:
Read this guide to learn more about lumens and landscape lighting.
Finally, you may want to consider cross-lighting your trees, depending on the size and density of the tree canopy. Cross-lighting a tree can help reduce harsh shadows.
In addition, cross-lighting creates a three-dimensional effect that highlights a tree’s texture, shape, and color. So, for instance, you may use one lower-level light on the tree trunk and multiple fixtures on the canopy if your trees can be viewed from various angles.
You may have the best uplighting fixtures on the market, but if you don’t aim those beams of light in the right areas, you won’t get the lighting, security, and safety effect you’re going for.
The beam angle determines the light’s width and spread, affecting how the tree looks and feels in the surrounding space.
Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:
The perfect beam angle for illuminating a tree will depend on the size and shape of the tree and the desired effect. You can experiment with different light placements and beam angles till you find the right balance.
You’ve figured out your perfect design, beam angles, and light levels, and now you’re thinking, should I go with Halogen or LED lights? The answer is a big yes to LED. Here’s why:
Read this guide to learn more about LED vs. halogen lights.
Ready to illuminate the beautiful trees in your landscape or anything else landscape-related? Contact us—we’re happy to share our knowledge and expertise to help you create the landscape lighting plan of your dreams.
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