DRAMATIC CLEARWATER & TAMPA BAY TREE LIGHTING
The Clearwater & Tampa Bay areas have many architectural and landscape features that are unique to our little corner of the world. This includes the Mediterranean-inspired architecture that is prevalent throughout home design and of course palm trees and other tropical climate ornamental trees. In many of our featured blog articles, we have talked about lighting your home’s façade to show off the intricate architectural details and make it look larger. But, to really showcase your property to its full potential, you should illuminate the trees in your outdoor spaces as well.
Palm tree lighting used within a patio setting
Outdoor lighting for trees can be tricky because of the nature of the object being lit. Professional outdoor lighting designers know the right type of light to use at the best angle to illuminate the tree properly. At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Clearwater & Tampa Bay, we also know the proper distance the fixture needs to be installed to light the full canopy and the best place to mount the fixtures depending on the desired effect.
Up Lighting on trees can make a dramatic statement
Good outdoor lighting should always look natural and illuminate the best features of the area or object being lit — this includes tree lighting applications. The trunk size and canopy need to be considered when deciding on the type of lighting technique and the appropriate fixture to use. There are two types of lighting we can design for your trees, depending on the effect that appeals to you. The most common type of tree lighting is uplighting. Uplighting trees, especially palm and oak trees with their graceful canopies can make a very dramatic statement. In uplighting applications, we install a well or floodlight very close to the tree to direct the light up the trunk, underneath the canopy, illuminating the entire conifer. Placing fixtures on the ground directed upward reveals the tree’s magnificent natural beauty, shape and elements making the entire surround more stunning.
Down Lighting, aka moonlighting, in trees casts soothing and comforting shadows
The second type of tree lighting we also implement is called down lighting or “moonlighting.” Downlighting is a look that is not as commonly used but is still quite impressive. With this type of lighting, floodlights are actually mounted in the tree at different levels to cast light down through the leaves and branches of the tree. This replicates the look and shadowing created naturally by the moon which is soothing and comforting to the eye. In addition, the shadows cast below from the natural branching of the tree being lit are hauntingly beautiful.
If you want to learn which trees would make the most impact and serve as the right candidates for tree lighting in your landscape, give us a call. We can show you the differences with a free nighttime demonstration to help get the most natural look for your property. Call us at (727) 513-3420 or email us at clearwater.outdoorlights.com.
