Where Should Tree Lights be Placed?

A famous saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago. The second best time is now.”

There are several benefits to having trees in your yard. For example, they provide shade on a sunny day; you can hang a swing on a branch; they fill the air with the oxygen we breathe; and their roots help prevent erosion.

By placing a few lights in and around your trees, you can enhance your outdoor living space and bring an added element of drama to your landscape.

So, where should you place tree lights?

That depends on the effect you want to create.

First, you will want to choose your trees wisely. Lighting every tree in your yard would pollute the area. Select a few key trees that will create the most visual impact, such as trees near your house or along your driveway, trees with a unique shape or feature, or trees that frame a specific view.

If you have large trees, consider using up-lighting. By placing lights at the base of the tree and pointing them upwards, you can create dramatic shadows and highlight the tree’s height and shape.

Use trees with a large canopy to give the illusion of a beautiful moonlit night. Place lights high in the branches and point them downward. This method can illuminate areas under the tree, such as a garden, small pond, or pathway.

You can transform your outdoor living space into an enchanting party venue. Hang LED fairy lights from the branches to create a stunning visual effect.

If your tree has unique features, such as distinctive bark, interesting branches, or blossoms, using spotlights can highlight these elements. Place the light a small distance from the tree, then angle it toward what you want to accentuate.

In addition to the proper placement of your tree lights, the color you choose can also significantly impact the look you are trying to create.

Warm lights are often used for outdoor landscaping to create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. They have a lower color temperature and emit a soft, yellowish glow similar to candlelight.

In addition to creating a relaxing and comfortable environment, they also tend to bring out the rich colors of your landscape, enhancing the reds, yellows, and oranges of plants and flowers.

While warm light is often preferred, cool lights can be effective in certain scenarios. Their higher color temperature is characterized by a bright, white light that closely resembles daylight.

They provide a more modern look and highlight the greens and blues in the vegetation, making them more vibrant. Cool lights can also enhance visibility in areas such as driveways or be used as security lighting.

Using cool lights alongside warm lights can provide a balanced and layered effect by creating depth.

Trees provide the perfect backdrop for your yard’s landscape. There are endless possibilities for creating a visually appealing outdoor living space. That’s where Houston Lightscapes can help. Our professional team will help you design just the right look. Our family business works with homeowners throughout the Houston area, helping them transform their landscapes and enhance their homes’ visual effect.

Contact us for a free consultation by calling (713) 461-3600.