Service Introduction
Trees and significant landscape features are often the most defining elements of a property. This service utilizes specialized lighting techniques to ensure these primary assets remain visible and striking at night. Whether highlighting the intricate branch structure of a deciduous tree in winter or washing the dense canopy of an evergreen, this approach brings vertical depth to the landscape.
What the Service Involves
The service requires assessing the height, canopy width, and trunk structure of the tree or the dimensions of the specific feature. It involves selecting appropriate fixtures such as powerful well lights for uplighting trunks, or directional bullet lights mounted high in the branches to cast dappled downlight (moonlighting) onto the ground below.
Suitable Applications
- Large, mature specimen trees.
- Ornamental trees with distinct structures (e.g., Japanese Maples).
- Tall hedges or distinct boundary lines.
- Significant landscape structures or pergolas.
Planning Considerations
The placement of fixtures must consider the viewing angle. Trees should generally be illuminated from the direction they are most frequently viewed to avoid casting large, unintended shadows towards the viewer. For larger trees, multiple fixtures are often required to capture the full dimension and prevent a flat appearance.
Lighting Considerations
Beam spread is critical depending on the tree type. A narrow beam might be used to highlight a tall, straight trunk, while a wide wash is necessary for a broad canopy. Adjusting the lumen output based on the foliage density is also important to ensure light penetrates appropriately.
Installation Considerations
When uplighting trees, ground fixtures must be placed securely and positioned to avoid damage from lawnmowers or root growth. If mounting fixtures directly in the tree for downlighting, specialized tree-friendly mounting hardware must be used that accommodates future trunk expansion without harming the tree.
Maintenance Considerations
Trees are living, growing subjects. Maintenance involves regularly adjusting the angle and position of fixtures to accommodate new growth. Lenses on uplights must be kept clear of fallen leaves and debris to maintain effective light output.
FAQ
Moonlighting is a technique where fixtures are mounted high up in a tree canopy and pointed downwards, creating soft, dappled shadows on the ground through the leaves, mimicking natural moonlight.