LIGHTING | FIRE | WATER | AUDIO
How to Uplight a Tree
No two trees are the same, and how the tree is situated within the landscape design will affect how you illuminate it. To assist you with planning, we have outlined some basic rules you can refer to when uplighting trees. ACCENT LIGHTING DESIGN TIPS
SMALL DECIDUOUS
MEDIUM DECIDUOUS
• Single accent 35°: Most small, deciduous trees only need one accent light, but it’s important to take the viewing angle into account. If viewed from two angles, the tree may benefit from two accent lights. • Canopy-aimed: The fixture should graze the trunk and point up into the canopy for maximum effect.
• Cross-lighting: While it is possible to use one 60° accent, it is better in most cases to use two 35° lights because they will direct more concentrated light into the canopy. • Position the accent lights so they graze the trunk but are focused on the canopy.
Recommended fixtures: One VLO 12V LED Small 60° (16017) or two VLO 12V LED Small 35° (16016).
Recommended fixture: VLO 12V LED Small 35° (16016)
ADDITIONAL UPLIGHTING TIPS
Think About Distance When choosing beam angle, keep in mind that the angle will open up with distance. A 15° beam angle's spread will increase in diameter the further the light travels. On the other hand, a narrow beam width that hits a thick branch close to the ground may get blocked and go no further.
Don't be Afraid to Make Contact Most smaller trees will look best when the beam grazes the trunk on its way up to the canopy. Bring Out the Contrast Narrow beam widths throw more concentrated light on the trunk, creating contrasts and drawing out shadows, variations, bark texture, knots, and other features. By contrast, wide beam spreads soften details. Less is More Don't overpower your landscape features. Instead, aim to create contrast between light and shadows. An overlit tree can distract from an otherwise balanced landscape lighting design. Plan Your Viewing Angles Think about who will be viewing the lighting effects and at what angles. How will the tree appear from the street and from inside the home? More viewing angles may require more accent lights. LARGE DECIDUOUS LARGE DECIDUOUS • Different angles: A large tree (60-100 feet) will require a combination of accent lights with different angles. • Different angles: A large tree (60-100 feet) will require a combination of accent lights with different angles. • If the canopy starts at 25' place one 15° accent light at the base of the tree highlighting the trunk, and if the tree shape resembles the one above, use a 35° accent light to highlight the trunk. • Place 2-3 accent lights (35° or 60°) away from the trunk pointing into the canopy* and 1-2 accent lights in the canopy, pointing up. • Place 2-3 accent lights (35° or 60°) away from the trunk pointing into the canopy* and 1-2 accent lights in the canopy, pointing up. Recommended fixtures: VLO 12V LED Large 15° (16018) for the trunk, VLO 12V LED Large 35° (16019) or 60° (16020) for the canopy. Add 16091FRO beam expander to 16020 to go wider than 60°. Recommended fixtures: VLO 12V LED Large 15° (16018) for the trunk, VLO 12V LED Large 35° (16019) or 60° (16020) for the canopy. Add 16091FRO beam expander to 16020 to go wider than 60°. • If the canopy starts at 25' place one 15° accent light at the base of the tree highlighting the trunk, and if the tree shape resembles the one above, use a 35° accent light to highlight the trunk.
15° Beam 35° Beam 60° Beam
Distance (in feet)
Diameter of Beam Spread (in feet)
10'
2.63' 5.27'
6.31'
11.55'
20' 30' 40' 50'
12.61' 18.92' 25.22'
23.09' 34.64' 46.19' 57.74' 69.28' 84.02' 100.69'
7.9' LARGE CONIFER
10.53'
13.17' • Total capture: Two accent lights with 60° beam spread to light up the tree on two sides, creating 360° of visual interest. • Greater distance: With firs, the fixtures should be • Total capture: Two accent lights with 60° beam spread to light up the tree on two sides, creating 360° of visual interest. • Greater distance: With firs, the fixtures should be 31.53' 37.84' 60' 70' 15.8' 18.43' 21.06' 44.14' 50.45' 80' placed farther away from the base and should shine directly onto the tree (rather than aiming up into the canopy). Recommended fixture: 25' tall or less: VLO 12V LED Small (16016, 16017) or 30' tall: Large 35° or 60° (16019, 16020). Recommended fixture: 25' tall or less: VLO 12V LED Small (16016, 16017) or 30' tall: Large 35° or 60° (16019, 16020). placed farther away from the base and should shine directly onto the tree (rather than aiming up into the canopy).
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*Tree-mount junction box required: For each light in the canopy, use a tree-mount junction box with stand-off screws, so the tree has room to grow. Each junction box will provide a mounting location for one accent light. Connections and wire nuts go inside the box. Run the wire up the non-visible or least-visible *Tree-mount junction box required: For each light in the canopy, use a tree-mount junction box with stand-off screws, so the tree has room to grow. Each junction box will provide a mounting location for one accent light. Connections and wire nuts go inside
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