Best Tree Lighting Positions

If you want to know the best way to light your tree, you have come to the right place. The answer to the best tree lighting positions is a resounding “It depends.”

It depends on the type of tree you have, the features you want to highlight, and the ambiance you want to create. So, while we may not have all the answers to those questions, we have several methods and strategies to help you along.

What Kind of Tree Do You Have?

You’ve probably never stopped to consider the various varieties of trees. But they all bring their own unique features. Consider the different leaf shapes between oak, maple, ginkgo, and magnolia trees. Or the smooth bark of a beech tree next to the rough bark of a cottonwood.

When lighting a tree, focus on its unique features to create a visually striking effect.

Different Positions, Endless Possibilities

The right lighting can bring out various attributes of a particular tree. Various illumination techniques can turn your trees into a nighttime visual treat. Experimenting with different positions allows you to appreciate a tree’s full beauty.

Uplighting

Trees with intricate or large leaves, such as maples and palms, stand out when the uplighting technique is used. By placing the light at the tree’s base and angling it upward, you can create dramatic shadows and showcase the textures of the leaves.

Uplighting also works well on trees with deeply-textured bark. The light casts shadows on the bark’s grooves and ridges to create depth and drama. The upward beam also emphasizes the tree’s height and grandeur.

Downlighting

Enjoying the beauty of a full moon peering between the leaves of a tree doesn’t have to be limited to just a few nights each month. By mounting a light high in the tree and pointing it downwards, you can recreate the look of natural moonlight.

Trees with dense foliage, such as magnolias, provide the perfect canopy for the downlighting technique.

Silhouetting and Shadowing

By placing the light behind the tree and aiming it towards a wall, you can create a dramatic silhouette of the tree’s shape and leaves. This technique is perfect for trees with bold shapes, such as Japanese maples.

If your tree has lacy or intricate leaves, like acacias, place the light in front to create a shadow.

Other Lighting Tips

• Opt for warm lighting to create a more organic look.
• Combine different techniques for a layered, multidimensional effect.
• Experiment with varying angles of lighting until you find one that highlights the tree’s features.
• Balance out your landscaping by placing additional lights where needed, but be careful not to add too many lights. Subtlety provides a look that’s natural and elegant.

The Outdoor Lighting Experts

Landscape lighting design is easy when you’re working with Houston Lightscapes. The team at our family-owned business has over 30 years of experience, and we know the best lighting positions to bring out the beautiful features of your trees.
Contact us for a free consultation by calling (713) 461-3600.