Landscape Lighting Guide
Shadowing A play on light and darkness Shadowing is a dramatic play of light and darkness. This technique is frequently used with statues or large trees, showing off their unique structural patterns. If you have a large mature tree on your lot, casting a shadow of the striking shapes created by its asymmetrical branches on a nearby fence is a stunning way to give your yard some evening character. Shadowing draws attention to the striking shapes of a landscape, creating drama and depth. Painting Your Landscape with Dramatic Darks View your landscape features during daylight, and think about what would have the best shadow effect. Look for unique shapes that would project interesting shadows. Also view your landscape in the evening. Do interesting shadows already exist? You can enhance subtle shadows created by moon and street lights and make them a more dramatic focal point. Remember: Don t shadow any spaces that compromise safety. Beware of accidentally concealing water, steps, or unsure footing.
Washing Gentle illumination for interesting surfaces Washing bathes an entire surface in a soft glow. It is the opposite of spotlighting a feature- a wash aims to diffuse roughly the same amount of glow across a complete surface When you position the source at the base of a flat surface, the light gently pours over the surface. The subtle light still allows the surface to maintain its texture. Washing accentuates structural elements of your landscaping or architecture Where to Use Washing Flat hedges Retaining walls Steps Patio or deck surfaces
Crosslighting Emphasize Texture A landscape feature that is cross lit sits between two light fixtures that are angled in a similar way, bringing forward texture while at the same time softening and avoiding an extreme effect. Do not overdo this effect with intensity. Too much will lead to washing a feature out! Where to Use Crosslighting Shrubs and bushes Trees Large features like gazebos Statues
Downlighting Artfully Natural Illumination Downlighting is one of the most common landscape lighting techniques. A light that directs a downward beam of light from above onto a focal point or feature creates the downlighting effect. The results appear very natural if used correctly, as we are most accustomed to seeing objects lit by the sun. Most homes will have a downlighting fixture to light up the area around the back door- but this is usually too harsh to do your outdoor space justice. This technique should be executed in a much subtler way than the traditional patio light fixture (that is typically so harsh that it can be blinding to patio-goers). Where to Use Downlighting Over doors and entrances Under stair or balcony handrails Over a bench or outdoor furniture To light a path or patio
Silhouetting Creates a wow-factor Silhouetting is a technique that creates contrast between a landscape feature, most commonly a tree or shrub, and an adjacent wall or structure that is lit.. The plant life appears dark or black, and stands out against a bright background. This technique is not commonly used. If your landscape suits it, creating a silhouette will make a dramatic impact on onlookers.
Uplighting Enhances Form & Texture Using a low voltage fixture placed on the ground and angled upwards, trees, shrubs, man-made structures or pieces of art can be vividly showcased during the evening hours. Beams from this angle enhance shape and texture of whatever they are projected on. Depending on your desired look and feel, this effect can be tailored from intense to subdued by varying the distance between the fixture and the object of interest. The eye is not used to experiencing objects lit from below, so this technique brings out texture and shape that is otherwise unnoticed. Where to Use Uplighting Trees Tall shrubs Gazebos The outside of your home
Moonlighting Enchanting effect borrowed from nature Moonlighting is similar to downlighting, but using softer light sources with much higher positioning. This technique provides with you an effect borrowed from nature. When a fixture shines a wide beam downward from a high point, the beam diffuses as it filters through branches and other landscape features, casting a gentle shadow that gives you a calming ambience. Where to Use Moonlighting Tree tops High points on homes/buildings Enhance the natural effect of moonlight filtering down through branches by moonlighting your favourite tree.
What s Next? Maximize Your Landscape Investment Illuminating your landscape after sundown means that you will get more enjoyment from your investment. You will enhance your property for outdoor entertaining into the evening. You will even find yourself appreciating your gorgeous landscape through windows from inside your home. Request a Consultation for Landscape Lighting For over 10 years, the found ers of Moon Glow Lightsc apes have spec ialized in illuminating gorgeous landsc apes for year-round enjoyment. Let us show you how we c an bring your evening land sc ape to life.