OK, so you want to light up your property like downtown Tokyo. You figure the best way to start is by finding some great outdoor tree lighting that will really accentuate what you’ve got. But where the heck do you start?
Well, to begin with, you’ll need to assess the size shapes of the trees you want to light up. Position and textures will also be important.
Choosing Your Trees
This is an aesthetic process. You will want to find the trees that look the best in your eyes, and then light them up colorfully. Find trees that have good structure, that cast great silhouettes, and that are unobstructed from view at a distance.
Choosing Your Light Fixtures
Recessed fixtures, or stake mounted fixtures are the most common for outdoor tree lighting. Recessed lights have very little flexibility, and limited beam angles to choose from, but are stable and difficult to disturb. The stake mounted lights are easier to install, and have greater flexibility, yet they’re subject to being knocked out of position rather easily.
Choosing Your Viewing Distance
Ok, you’ve chosen some trees, and chosen some lights. Now you need to figure out at what distance your trees will be viewed at most of the time. Distance and viewing angle are important because those trees farther away will need brighter illumination than those closer up. It’s all a balancing act, and you’ll need to make some adjustments in the beginning to get things looking right.
Also keep in mind that the brighter the color of the tree canopy, the less light is needed to get the effect you want.
Choosing Your Fixture Positioning
Finally, there’s on
e more thing about outdoor tree lighting you’ll need to consider: and that’s choosing the best way to light your trees. See, you can light your trees either from underneath, or from further away on the outside of the canopy. Trees with s sparse canopy are idea for lighting from underneath. The tree lighting will be able to flow all the way up the tree for great effect. On the other hand, trees with very dense canopy will benefit more from being lit from farther away, outside their canopy. Front or side-lit trees with dense canopy will reflect lighting very nicely.
With some careful thought, and some trial-and-error placements, you will have a gorgeous display in no time that compliments your outdoor deck lighting! But remember, there’s a whole lot more to consider when designing your outdoor space. So be sure to check out some of our other featured articles!
Related posts:
[...] you’ve found this article to be helpful, you really must check these other great ideas in our outdoor tree lighting [...]