Lighting Techniques
Lighting Techniques and Combinations
Wholesale Landscape Lighting Products Serving the Greater Houston Area
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.
Silhouetting
Displays a dark image of the subject by lighting a vertical surface directly behind the subject. Effective to show shape but does not show the color or texture of subject. Choose a subject that is close to a wall and place the fixture out of sight behind the subject. Flood beam spreads work best.
Shadowing
Creates a shadow on a vertical surface by placing the fixture directly in front of the subject. The closer the light fixture to the subject, the larger the shadow. General-purpose lamps create a better effect.
Tree Uplighting
Up lighting from base of tree. If flowers are on the outside of the canopy or foliage is dense, fixtures must be placed outside of the drip line. If flowers are all over branches or foliage is light, fixtures can be placed under the tree close to the trunk.
Moonlighting
Downlighting from within the tree. Use with up to 60+ ft trees to cast light around the base or through the tree with the fixture. For a soft moonlight effect, use a cool white (5000K-5700K) LED lamp. Also add a pale green and/or diffused lens for best moonlight simulation.
Step and Deck
Lights high traffic areas. Run cables along or under the existing structure to reduce clutter. Consider placing fixtures under built-in benches for a clean look. All changes in elevation in the landscape such as steps or terraces should be illuminated for safety.
Pathlighting
Creates a symmetrical pattern of light for illuminating walkways & steps. Use in open area where plant growth will not interfere with light distribution. Avoid the runway look by staggering spacing. Usual rule of thumb is 10-12’ apart.
Grazing
Enhances texture of a vertical surface by placing a fixture directly against the surface and aiming the beam directly up or down. Try grazing on brick or stone walls. It is not effective on siding, due to the shadows caused by the siding not being a flat surface. Wide floods work best. Fixtures should be placed 6-8″ from wall, aimed straight up.