What to Light Trees

Statues. Pools. Walkways. What features make up your landscape project? Which elements in an environment should be highlighted and which should be downplayed? The answers to those questions will determine the lighting fixtures and techniques you’ll ultimately use.

Accent lighting is lighting that focuses attention on a particular object or area. It commands the viewer to take note of a certain subject within the landscape. Examples of accent lighting are spotlighting a statue, pathlighting a walkway or highlighting a flower bed with spread lights.

Fill- in lighting is background lighting. It ties the overall landscape picture together, creating a comfortable transition from one accented area to another. Some examples may be backlighting a tree, washing a wall or fence, or flooding a row of evergreens with soft light.

Downlighting may seem more natural because we are accustomed to the light of the sun and moon. In fact, most of the lighting that occurs naturally in life is from above. Office lighting, warehouse lighting, sports lighting and home lighting are all examples of downlighting techniques. Downlighting is also very efficient in that you get to use all the light.

Uplighting tends to draw more attention and is often more dramatic. Therefore, it is used for accent lighting purposes more often than downlighting.

Backlighting is used to silhouette a plant, tree, or structure. Many times the shape of a plant is more interesting than the detail. By gently lighting a wall or fence behind the plant, you identify the shape.

Keep in Mind

Often, it is easier to re-lamp a fixture on the ground rather than one mounted in a tree or on the soffit of a building. However, fixtures placed high and aimed down are less likely to be disturbed to need re-aiming. They also do not get covered by leaves, snow, etc. The decision of which to use is determined by the characteristics and lighting goals of each individual job.

How to Light

There are a variety of lighting techniques that in combination create a beautiful and secure environment for anyone. For each technique there are fixtures that work better than others. Here are some techniques and the fixtures that best create the desired effects:

Accent Lighting

Silhouetting

Effect: Displays a dark image of the subject by lighting a vertical surface behind the subject. Effective technique to show shape, but does not show color or texture of the subject. Accomplishes wall washing at the same time.

Tip: Choose a subject that is close to a wall and place the fixture out of sight behind the subject. Flood beam spreads or wall washers work the best.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Wall Washers, Mini FloodLytes

Shadowing

Effect: Creates a shadow on a vertical surface by placing the fixture in front of the subject.

Tip: Best on open growth plant material. The closer the light fixture to the subject, the larger the shadow will be. General illumination lamps create a better effect. In other words, use a T-3 or bayonet base lamp instead of an MR or Par lamp.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Wall Washers, Mini FloodLytes

Spot Lighting

Effect: Focuses an intense beam of light on a particular subject. Showcases focal points.

Tip: It’s usually best not to light focal points uniformly or evenly. This gives the subject a washed out appearance and removes the detail. Statuary should be lit from overhead when possible. If you must light from the ground, try placing the fixtures further out and aim back at the subject. Two levels of light work well. For example, a spot on the facial features and a flood on the body creates a more dramatic presentation.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Ingrounds

Mirror Lighting

Effect: Lights a background scene to reflect it into a nearby body of water.

Tip: Place fixture between water and the scene behind the water. From the primary viewing area, observe what is reflected in the water in the daylight. Then uplight those items to achieve the same view at night. Avoid downlighting (including path lights) around water as the light source will be reflected in the water causing glare.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Ingrounds

Grazing

Effect: Enhances texture of a surface by positioning a fixture close to the surface and aiming the beam upward or downward.

Tip: Try grazing on brick, stone and stucco walls or any interesting masonry. Wide floods work best on walls or wide surfaces. Place fixtures 6" to 8" from the surface. When uplighting, put as much light as possible on the underside of the eave. This will reflect back a good amount of ambient light, many times sufficient to light sidewalks. Remember to aim the lamp with the horizontal beam pattern parallel to the wall. Don’t forget the texture of tree trunks.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Ingrounds, Mini FloodLytes

Wall Washing

Effect: Gently illuminates a wall or fence to create a backdrop for the main focal points.

Tip: Avoid bright spots by positioning the fixtures 18"– 24" away from the wall.

Suggested fixtures: Wall-washers, WelLytes, Mini FloodLytes

Moon Lighting (Large Trees)

Effect: Simulates the light of the full moon filtering through the foliage of a tree. Projects shadows on the ground. Also lights what is under the tree (paths, sidewalks, flower beds, etc.).

Tip: Mount with proper tree mount accessory. See section in this brochure for proper mounting methods. Always run wire or conduit up the non-viewing side of the trunk. Best mounting height is approximately 20’. Mount fixtures in open areas of the foliage to avoid hot spots. Aim straight down as much as possible to prevent glare. Consider composites because of their light weight.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Mini FloodLytes, DownLytes

Moon Lighting (Small Trees)

Effect: Downlighting from within the tree, casting shadows and lighting what is under the tree. Best mounting height no more than 10’.

Tip: For use with smaller ornamental trees to cast light around the base or through the tree.

Suggested fixtures: DownLytes, Micro BulLytes

Uplighting

Effect: An unnatural, therefore dramatic way of lighting trees and architectural structures. Highlights details on structures and can be used to repeat patterns to create interest.

Tip: For dense foliage trees, place the fixtures outside of the drip line and aim back approximately 45°. Open growth trees can be lit by placing fixtures closer to the trunk. In all cases, get light to the top of the tree. Since a lot of light can be lost with uplighting, take care to aim fixtures so you can recapture the lost light. (Large trees in the background, peaks of structures, eaves to reflect light back). Look for interesting details to highlight on architecture.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Mini FloodLytes, Ingrounds

Tree Lighting (Up and Down)

Effect: Combines simulated full moon light filtering through the tree and uplighting from within to illuminate the canopy. Creates a softer light on the trunk and keeps all fixtures off the ground.

Tip: Mount downlights on tree mount accessory 15–25’ and use shrouds and/or louvers to reduce glare. Also consider using spread lens to widen the beam of the lamp. Mount uplights in the lowest forks of tree on tree mount accessory. Shrouds and louvers not necessary on uplights. Use wide beam lamps for all fixtures. Run wire up non-viewing side of trunk.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes

Sign Lighting

Effect: Identifies signage after dark: entrances to sub-divisions, country clubs, office complexes, and small shopping centers.

Tip: Choose optics that complement the orientation of the sign. Wide floods for horizontal signs and bulLytes or ingrounds for vertical signs.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Mini FloodLytes, Ingrounds

Pond Lighting

Effect: Illuminates and identifies water in ponds and water features.

Tip: Water should "look" clean enough to drink. Avoid lighting still, stagnant water with white light. Use colored lenses if water is not clean, or to create different atmospheric effects. Place light fixtures under objects or plant material in the water for interesting effects (lily pads, boulders, art, etc.). For a different approach, light material behind the pond to create the mirror effect and leave the pond dark.

Suggested fixtures: Underwater

Fountain Lighting

Effect: Creates dramatic effects of water movement in fountains and water features while enhancing the structure of the fountain.

Tip: Water must be clean or moving. In most cases it is better to light "through" water than "at" water. Allow the water to fall directly on the fixture. If possible, try lighting tiered bowl fountains from overhead. Otherwise, each bowl should have a fixture in it. Avoid overlighting and lighting evenly around the structure as this tends to wash out the detail.

Suggested fixtures: Underwater, BulLytes

Area Lighting

Walkway Lighting

Effect: Creates symmetrical patterns of light for illuminating walkways, steps, etc. Used primarily for navigation purposes.

Tip: By lighting only the entrance to a walkway, any turns and all changes in elevation, you may avoid the runway look and still accomplish the task. Placing fixtures near plant material can create shadows and interest rather than just lighting the hard surface.

Suggested fixtures: PathLytes, SpreadLytes, Beacons

Spread Lighting

Effect: Low-level, evenly dispersed illumination to highlight plants, flowers, low shrubs, and ground cover.

Tip: Place shielded fixtures over low plant material, boulders and plant beds. Partially shielded fixtures may be used in deeper foliage and the additional light will backlight greenery.

Suggested fixtures: PathLytes, SpreadLytes, Beacons, Underwater

Downlighting

Effect: Technique of mounting fixtures in trees or on structures. Floods will broadcast light over a wide area creating general ambient light. Spots will dramatically identify focal points. Extremely efficient method of lighting – which means you can often use fewer fixtures. Very natural looking.

Tip: Look for items of interest on the ground that you want to light, then look up for places to mount and conceal fixtures. Select proper beam spreads for what you want to accomplish. Use accessories like spread lenses, louvers, and shrouds to maximize effects and reduce glare.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Mini FloodLytes, DownLytes

Safety & Security Lighting

Security Lighting

Effect: Fills in areas of darkness where intruders could hide. The right combination of low-level lighting in the landscape will improve both security and appearance.

Tip: Effective residential security lighting is not prison yard lighting. The goal is to be able to see movement on the property. This can be accomplished best with lower levels and more sources rather than one or two bright sources. Avoid glare.

Suggested fixtures: BulLytes, Mini FloodLytes, Ingrounds, DeckLytes, StepLytes, PathLytes, SpreadLytes, Beacons

Step Lighting

Effect: Lights traffic areas for safety while adding beauty to the steps.

Tip: Every step must be illuminated and visible. Mount fixtures in step risers, underneath railings, or on vertical posts. All changes in elevation and terraces should be lit for safety.

Suggested fixtures: DeckLytes, Deck Post, StepLytes

Deck Lighting

Effect: Illuminates deck floors and steps while enhancing design.

Tip: Consider placing fixtures under built-in benches for a clean, inconspicuous look. When placing fixtures under handrails, mount fixtures high enough for good light distribution but be careful not to see the source when seated. Run cables under the deck to reduce clutter.

Suggested fixtures – DownLytes, DeckLytes, Deck Post

Technique Selection

Achieving Desired Effects

• An ice blue lens enhances the colors of evergreen foliage and also "cools off" a halogen lamp like the MR16, giving it the appearance of moonlight.

• When installing low voltage spread lights in a bed of annual flowers, use the S6 adjustable stake so the fixture can be raised as the flowers grow.

• To help conceal the light source, use a cutoff louver such as the ML1 for the BL616 or the ICG16 for the IL116.

• To reduce glare, adjust the shroud on bulLytes.

• To avoid poisoning trees, use only stainless steel or cadmium-plated steel fasteners when mounting fixtures.

• When attaching low voltage cable to a tree, use a wire tie with a grommet end. This allows the cable to flex slightly off the tree, preventing damage to both.

Effects

• Spot Lighting
• Tree Lighting
• Silhouetting
• Path Lighting
• Shadowing
• Spread Lighting
• Grazing
• Step & Deck Lighting
• Moon Lighting
• Security Lighting

See finishes and material at the bottom of the page.

See Hadco Photometric Data >
(PDF will open in a new window.)
Photometrics for MR11, MR16, PAR36, PAR20, R40 and R20
Learn how Wide the beam from each bulb can spread.

Line Voltage Accent Lighting

For ultimate flexibility in large-scale or commercial projects, count on Philips Hadco accent products to give you all the options. They engineer fixtures to create possibilities, not to limit them. Hadco's accent lights can accommodate incandescent, Fluorescent or HID lamping. You can also rely on Philips Hadco to offer the control you need, from integral stepdown transformers to a variety of shroud styles. And the selection of remote ballasts gives you the freedom to place fixtures virtually anywhere in your design.

Low Voltage Accent Lighting

Tree lighting. Moon lighting. Spot lighting. Grazing. You’ve created the scene. Now it’s time to light it up. Downplay. Accentuate. Soften. Enrich. BulLytes, floodLytes, wall washers, downLytes... the right size, the right combination, the right finish. For every effect you can imagine, the keys are here to unlock the beauty of your landscape with light.

Line Voltage Flood Lighting

With floodLytes as small as 20 watts, as large as 300 watts and everything in between, Philips Hadco gives you the flexibility to install just the right illumination in any application. Whether your goal is sign lighting or security, Hadco gives you the lamping options and accessories you’ll need to get the job done.

Line Voltage Inground Lighting

Whether used to graze walls or uplight features, inground fixtures are powerful, versatile tools for expressing your design vision. They’ll deliver the illumination you need; yet blend seamlessly with their surroundings. And Hadco's flush mount fixtures integrate so completely, people can even walk on them. With a generous selection of trim rings, rock guards, lenses and louvers, ingrounds will harmonize with almost any terrain. And properly installed, they’ll provide years of light to your landscape.

Low Voltage Inground Lighting

Inground lighting provides a low profile light source, creating a dramatic effect that brings the subject alive. Hadco's inground products do exactly that, and do it well. Designed to blend into a variety of settings and terrain, ingrounds are available with your choice of trim rings, rock guards and accessories. Properly installed, they’ll guild your landscape for years.

Line Voltage Step Lighting

Hadco's line voltage stepLytes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and lampings for a variety of applications. Put strong emphasis on exterior features, such as the architectural detail of a grand entryway. Or, for low-light environments such as theatres, LED stepLytes allow you to design for safety while preserving atmosphere.

Low Voltage Step and Deck Lighting

Shining beauty. Radiant safety. Glowing ambiance. From decorative to utilitarian and everything in between, Hadco's step and deck fixtures give you the power to create outdoor living spaces people will treasure. Broaden the boundaries and make the outdoors outstanding.

Line Voltage Walkway Lighting

Hadco's line voltage pathLytes, bollards and beacons unlock the options for all types of residential and commercial applications.Forms and functions finely suited for all types of environments: from public courtyard and university campus to secluded backyard promenade in a variety of finishes and materials to ensure that walkway fixtures will blend into your environment or stand out and make a statement.

Low Voltage Walkway Lighting

Perhaps as important as the destination: the lights that show the way. From spun solid copper that patinas with age to minimalist cast bronze, from Art Nouveau to Arts and Crafts, Hadco's pathLytes harmonize with a broad range of architectural styles. If you’re not sure about the ideal placement, easy-to-understand recommended spacing diagrams make it easy to decide.

Line Voltage Underwater Lighting

Add brilliance to your large-scale fountain or water feature with line voltage underwater fixtures. Made of nickel bronze, they’re practically indestructible – designed to last, not leak.

Low Voltage Underwater Lighting

Liquid luminescence. Enchanting dimension. Water features bring elemental beauty to almost any environment. Our underwater lights illuminate water features safely and strikingly. And our selection of colored lenses gives you the freedom to explore even more dramatic effects. From pond to fountain to waterfall, the glow of underwater lighting makes every breeze – every ripple – a detail remembered.

Line Voltage & Low Voltage Accessories and Photometrics

Just as important as a vast selection of fixtures, Philips Hadco accessories give you all the options you need to finish the job with safety and confidence. With a vast array of stakes, junction boxes and other mounting accessories. Low Voltage Accessories include transformers and wide variety of stakes, connectors and mounting canopies. Hadco has the right accessories to implement almost any Installation: you can imagine.