Landscape Lighting Techniques
 Uplighting:
This is a general term for lighting from
below. Because uplighting is not
a natural way of lighting, it tends to draw our attention to the object being
uplighted. To prevent direct glare, fixtures are aimed away from
observers. Place the accent lights behind shrubbery to keep a natural
looking landscape.
Types of lights typically used for this
technique: Bullytes, Wellytes
 Spotlighting:
Special objects such as statues, sculptures,
or specimen shrubs should be lighted with fixtures which provide good
shielding of the lamp. Mounted lights overhead on eaves or patio structures
eliminate glare and fixture distraction.
If ground-mounted fixtures most be used, conceal them with shrubbery.
Types of lights typically used for
this technique: Spotlights, Floodlights
 Moonlighting:
The effect of moonlight filtering through trees is another pleasing
and functional outdoor lighting technique. Both up and down lighting
is used to create this effect. The fixtures are mounted within
the branches of the tree, illuminating both the ground and the
tree itself. Ground lighting provides security and is accented
by shadows from leaves and branches.
Types of lights typically used for this technique: Spotlights, Floodlights
 Pathlighting:
Fully-shielded path lights produce the best visibility by eliminating glare that could
cause difficulty in recognizing obstacles or steps. Partially
shielded path lights create a useful effect when placed within
taller shrubs. This way, the surrounding shrubbery filters light
onto the pathway, reducing glare while also lighting the adjacent shrubs.
Types of lights typically used for
this technique: Mushrooms
 Silhouetting:
This effect is created when the shadow
of a distinctive plant or object is seen against a wall or other vertical
surface that is lit from below. The light
source should be concealed in ground or placed directly behind the object being
silhouetted. It creates a dramatic effect when silhouetting
plants with unusually shaped leaves or branches.
Types of lights typically used for this technique: Spotlights, Wellytes
 Shadowing:
This technique is similar to silhouetting. To create shadowing, the shadow
of the plant or object is projected on the wall or vertical surface by being lit
from the front. This effect can be even more dramatic than silhouetting
because the shadow of the object is often greatly magnified.
Types of lights typically used for this technique: Spotlights
 Security Lighting:
By combining strategically placed
low level lighting with accent lighting, you can create a secure
environment without blinding light. Accent fixtures can be
used to enhance the surroundings while securing it.
Types of lights typically used for
this technique: Spotlights, Floodlights
 Grazing:
This technique is accomplished
by placing the fixture near the subject and directing the beam
of light across the subject's surface. Grazing is particularly
dramatic way to highlight the texture of a stone or brick wall,
or a large tree trunk.
Types of lights typically used for this technique: Wellytes, Spotlights
 Step/Deck Lighting:
Step lighting is one of the most
important functions of landscape lighting. It is an essential
component in any lighting plan designed for safety and beautification.
Through deck or patio lighting, visitors are able to safely navigate from point
A to point B within your landscape. All obstacles a re made
visible with these small unobtrusive lights.
Types of lights typically used for this technique: Spreadlights, Pathlights
Spreadlighting:
Spread lights produce circular patterns of light for illuminating ground cover and low
shrubs. Fully-shielded fixtures produce the best glare-free landscape
lighting. Partially shielded fixtures can be installed in taller
shrubs where the additional up-light is useful in backlighting
translucent foliage while, at the same time, reducing glare.
Types of lights typically used for this technique: Mushrooms, Spreadlights
Downlighting:
For outdoor activity areas, fixtures placed above eye level provide efficient lighting
for recreation and security. Overlapping light patterns will soften
shadows and create a more uniform lighting effect. Mount fixtures
to patios, gazebos, facades, eaves, or trees.
Types of lights typically used for this technique: Spotlights, Floodlights
For more information on Landscape
Lighting, please call Nida Lighting at
800.761.6432 or
email us at
info@nidagroup.com.
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