Landscape Lighting for Trees | Best Ideas and Techniques

Landscape lighting for trees is more than just a way to brighten your yard; it’s an art form that enhances the natural beauty of your outdoor space. In an illuminated night landscape, trees are by far the most popular subjects in the garden, and they reign as the supreme focal points of the scene. The great thing about trees is that they come in different forms, sizes, and colors, which adds a tremendous amount of variety to the outdoor lighting palette.

Some trees are small and ornamental, making them perfect for areas where homeowners and their guests can interact and admire them more intimately. Very large sentinel trees generally grace the boundaries of garden spaces, creating unique outdoor living spaces. 

When it comes to illuminating trees and the best techniques to use, it might be challenging for you to narrow it down to the most ideal one. So, we’ve done the work for you! This guide covers some of our favorite types of trees and why we love lighting them so much.

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Why You Need a Landscape Lighting System

A thoughtfully designed landscape lighting system not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also greatly improves the safety and functionality of your outdoor space. 

Well-lit trees create focal points, add depth, and evoke a sense of drama, transforming your space into a magical retreat after sunset. Whether it’s for hosting gatherings, relaxing with family, or simply enjoying the view from indoors, landscape lighting adds value to your property and lifestyle. It also allows using patios, decks, and gardens well into the night. 

Our Favorite Trees to Light Up

Simply put, professionally done tree lighting is a form of artistic expression. But not all trees light up the same. So, here’s a list of some of our most preferred trees to illuminate and why.

Flowering Trees

Flowering trees such as Eastern redbuds, Ornamental pears, Cherries, and Crabapples sit high up on our list of favorites. This is because of the variety of colors and drama we get from these wonders of nature throughout the year.

In the winter, the leafless trees reveal an elegant and often symmetrical structure that begs to be seen in the starkness of the lifeless cold season. Fall brings vibrant foliage, and by spring, new life emerges in an explosion of flowers, ranging from pinks and reds to golds and whites and virtually every color in between.

Many of these flowering trees will experience leaf color changes throughout the seasons, adding more visual interest and a theatrical appeal to these garden beauties.

Topiary and Ornamental Trees

Topiaries and ornamentals are generally classified and known by their small size, unique growth habits, or interesting texture and color. This is a generally smaller tree that is placed closer to walkways or front doors, so it is seen and appreciated much more easily.

These ornamental trees are fun to illuminate because they become almost a piece of living art at night when they become the center of attention. For sculpted topiaries, we often consider backlighting to create a silhouette of the form of the tree. This technique can be very striking against a smooth, monochromatic wall such as stucco or light-colored brick.

Japanese Maple Trees

There is something so appealing about the unique character of a well-manicured Japanese maple tree. It is probably why they have become one of the most commercially propagated and hybridized trees on the planet today. You can’t pass by too many houses in America without seeing at least one or two forms of these trees elegantly gracing garden spaces.

Upright Japanese maples have beautiful, open branch structures within the middle of the tree, giving them an airy feeling. The leaves of these maples are often very delicate and colorful as well–combine these two assets, and you have one perfect specimen tree for taking center stage at night.

In spring, many of the emerging leaves are translucent, so when a light is shone through the branches from underneath, the visual is a tranquil green soft glow or shocking red highlight. These are wonderful trees all around and one of our constant favorites to showcase.

Palm Trees

Nothing says “resort” or “warm-season living” like the graceful palm tree. Some of our best memories are of stepping off a plane in the middle of a hard northern winter and being greeted by warm, southern temperatures and gently swaying palms far in the distance.

Palm trees come in a variety of shapes, heights, and colors. Their spiky form makes them perfect for placing an exclamation point in the middle of a garden bed of soft, colorful foliage. Within the garden, palm trees scream for attention and are generally situated where they will be displayed prominently. This makes them a natural candidate for landscape lighting. 

We use narrow beams on LED bulbs to send grazing light up the smooth trunks, bringing their fan-shaped fronds to life after dark. Whether lining a driveway or framing a pool, illuminated palm trees add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor setting.

Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees rarely get the respect they deserve. Throughout the spring and summer seasons, they tend to take a back seat to other garden stars that offer more flash. But, once winter sets in, the deciduous trees go dormant for the season, and these garden mainstays become the primary interest in garden spaces.

Evergreens vary from stiff-needled conifers in the north, such as spruce and fir, to soft-needled varieties in the southern states, such as Cypress, Pines, and Cedars. 

They come in various shapes, colors, and forms, presenting wonderful lighting opportunities to create stunning shapes and backbone garden features that persist year-round. Lighting evergreens brings out their rich textures, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Best Landscape Lighting Techniques for Trees

There are many ways to light up trees. Over the years, lighting trends and techniques have evolved, revolutionizing how homeowners decorate their outdoor living spaces. Let’s unpack some of the most prominent ways we can design landscape lighting perfect for your garden.

Uplighting Trees

Tree uplighting involves placing lights at ground level and angling them upward to highlight the tree’s structure, leaves, and canopy. This technique works well for tall trees, creating a dramatic effect and glow that draws the eye upward. It’s perfect for showcasing the height and grandeur of trees or emphasizing their intricate branches at the right beam angle.

LEDs are often cited as the best lights for uplighting trees due to their energy efficiency and durability. However, halogen bulbs, though less energy-efficient, emit a warm, inviting light.

Downlighting Trees

Tree downlighting entails light fixtures typically mounted high in the tree canopy and angled downward to accentuate its branches and leaves or to create a cozy mood. This technique creates gentle illumination that highlights landscape features like flowers, walkways, or even patios or decks beneath the tree. 

When downlighting, focus on positioning the lights correctly to avoid harsh glares or overly bright spots. Cool-toned LED bulbs work best to achieve a subtle, natural effect.

Next Read: Differences Between Down Lighting and Moonlighting.

Combination of Uplighting and Downlighting Trees

Sometimes, you’ll have to use more than one landscape light design to achieve the desired look. A combination of uplighting and downlighting offers a balanced solution that highlights the tree’s structure from every angle. Uplighting emphasizes the height and canopy, while downlighting adds ambient light to the surrounding area, creating depth and dimension.

This technique is quite effective for large trees, where the interplay of light and dramatic shadows enhances their visual impact, giving your garden a layered, multi-dimensional look.

Spotlighting Trees

Spotlighting directs a narrow, focused beam at a specific part of the tree, such as the trunk, canopy, or unique features like flowers or knots. This technique is excellent for drawing attention to standout aspects of a tree, like its textured bark or a prominent branch. 

It’s essentially a form of uplighting for trees, as it directs a light source upward to a focal point. However, spotlighting works best with adjustable fixtures, allowing you to fine-tune the beam angle and intensity for maximum impact. 

Flood Lighting

Flood lighting uses broad, wide-angle beams to wash the tree in even, consistent light. This technique is ideal for illuminating large trees with dense foliage or creating a backdrop effect in your landscape lighting design. For the best results, use flood lighting to enhance trees like evergreens, ensuring their lush greenery stands out against the dark night sky.

Moonlighting Trees

Moonlighting takes downlighting a step further by placing warm lights high in the tree canopy. The tree-mounted lights filter through the branches, creating intricate, dappled shadows on the ground below. 

This creates a serene, magical effect that mimics the glow of natural moonlight. It’s particularly effective for wide-spreading trees with open canopies, such as oaks or maples. Use low voltage power LED bulbs with frosted lenses to further soften the brightness.

Things to Consider for Your Outdoor Lighting Project

From picking the right fixtures to creating the ideal landscape design to achieve maximum effect, here are a few important elements to consider when lighting up your trees:

• Tree Size and Shape: Assess the dimensions and structure of each tree to choose the most suitable lighting technique.
• Tree Location: Consider the tree’s position in your yard and its role within your overall landscape design.
• Lighting Fixtures: Install fixtures that complement the tree’s natural features and produce the desired lighting effect.
• Energy Efficiency: Opt for LED lights to reduce maintenance costs and environmental impact.
• Overall Design: Ensure your lighting system blends seamlessly with your garden’s aesthetic and serves both functional and decorative purposes.
• Budget and Maintenance: Factor in initial installation costs and ongoing maintenance to keep your lighting system in top condition.

FAQs About the Best Lighting for Trees

If you’re still on the fence about which landscape lights for trees you should go with, here are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions.

What Light Is Best to Light a Tree?

Warm LED bulbs are the best choice for lighting trees due to their energy efficiency, durability, and customizable color temperatures. Aim for color temperature around 2700 – 3000 Kelvin. You can use a 4000 – 5000 Kelvin light source for a flood lighting effect.

How Far Should Landscape Light Be From a Tree?

The distance depends on the size and the desired effect. Generally, place lights 2 to 4 feet away from smaller trees and, at a greater distance, about 5 to 10 feet away from larger ones.

Are LED Lights Better for Trees?

Absolutely! LED bulbs are better accent lights for trees as they produce less heat, consume less energy, and offer a wide range of color and brightness options.

Can You Overdo Landscape Lighting?

Yes, over-illumination by using bright or multiple lights can create glare and detract from the aesthetic of your landscape. Aim for a balanced, subtle approach to enhance your garden’s features without overwhelming them.

Ready to Lighten Up Your Garden Space?

Transform your outdoor space with stunning landscape lighting for trees. From uplighting to moonlighting, the right techniques can showcase your trees’ natural beauty and create a magical ambiance. Whether it’s for curb appeal or cozy evenings, let your garden shine.