Tree uplighting is something many homeowners should consider. The right lighting will help you light up your outdoors and turn your yard into a spectacular space that will impress neighbors and visitors alike.
This article will discuss the fundamentals of effective tree uplighting. You will learn how the different techniques people use for lighting up trees and the type of fixtures used for this type of landscape lighting.
Why consider tree uplighting
Trees are naturally a prominent feature of your front yard, which is why it makes sense to illuminate them at night. By carefully positioning outdoor lights near the base of a tree facing upward, you can make your yard look more aesthetically pleasing.
Illuminating your trees at night generally creates natural focal points in your yard. It can also add to the depth of the landscape. On top of the aesthetic value, tree uplighting has safety benefits. After all, it’s harder for trespassers to access an illuminated yard.
Finally, you can strategically use your landscape lighting to make seating and other areas more appealing. It’s certainly something you’ll appreciate when sitting out in the evening having drinks with friends.
The fundamentals of tree uplighting
There are a couple of variables to play with when uplighting a tree in your yard. They include the light fixture, the angle of the beam, the position relative to the tree’s base, and the strength of the light. Adjusting these variables will alter the impact you create with your lighting.
Of course, the size and shape of the tree are something you need to think about as well. You’ll learn a bit more about best lighting practices for trees of different heights later in this guide.
Finally, there are some common-sense considerations to keep in mind when uplighting a tree. For example, you want the trees rather than your lighting fixtures to be the main focus. The wiring for the lighting should be inconspicuous and safely out of the way as well.
Effective tree uplighting techniques
There is no one size fits all approach to landscape lighting. Every front and back yard is unique. The lighting fixtures you choose and how you position them should bring out the best features of the available space.
However, there are some general good practices that you should follow.
With coniferous trees or trees with dense foliage, you should always place your fixtures outside of the plant’s drip line. You will generally need more lights to illuminate these types of trees. Less dense trees require fewer light fixtures to illuminate them properly.
For large trees, you can vary the angle of your lights to create a layered effect. For example, you could install our Bronze Craftsman Series Spot Light close to the trunk. That can provide nice lower-level illumination. You could then place additional lights a bit further away to illuminate the branches.
The lighting you choose needs to enhance the beauty of the tree. It’s often a good idea to opt for lighting that generates a subtle and warm glow. The lighting shouldn’t be overpowering.
When selecting your lighting, consider the overall aesthetics of your yard as well. For example, you could use tree uplighting in combination with light fixtures attached to your tree, like our CAST Classic Tree Light. Varying the position of lights can make the overall appearance of your yard more inviting.
Experiment with the placements of the lights and try different options. Professional landscape lighting experts can provide you with advice on how to make the most of your outdoor area.
What lights can you choose from?
There are two main types of lights to choose from for tree uplighting. The first is ground lights, like our CAST Craftsman Series Bronze Ground Lights, which blend in with the landscape because they are either entirely flush or nearly flush to the mounting surface. That ensures that the lighting fixtures are not easily noticed.
The other type of lighting fixtures commonly used for tree uplighting includes various types of spotlights. For example, the Bronze Series Spot Light we mentioned earlier or our CAST Classic MR-16 Bullet Light are both used for uplighting.
The type of light fixtures you choose, and the number of lights you need, will depend on the impact you want to create. Factors that will affect your decision include the size of the tree, how visible you want your lights to be, and the kind of lighting you want.
In closing
The trees on your property are a natural highlight of your yard during the day. The right lighting will make them a centerpiece of your yard after the sun has set.
This concise guide discussed important considerations when uplighting trees. You learned about the different types of lighting fixtures commonly used for uplighting. In addition, you should better understand the primary variables you can play with to create your desired lighting effect. Now it’s time to apply these insights to your yard—best of luck.
View Products
