DOWNLIGHTING RULES OF THUMB
To create spectacular moonlight effects
fixtures should be placed as high in the tree
as possible (generally ten feet higher than
anyone is willing to climb). Aiming down
through leaves and branches produces
soft subtle shadow patterns on the ground.
Placing fixtures higher in a tree lowers
the light level on the ground. However,
the coverage of each fixture is increased.
Lights located deeper in a tree, toward
its center produce softer effects (the light
travels through more foliage). Moving
fixtures to the outside of a tree creates
fewer shadows and higher light levels
(the light travels through less foliage).
Fixtures placed lower in tree cause higher
light levels ( the light travels through less
foliage). Fixtures placed lower in tree
have a smaller area of coverage. Aiming
down through holes in foliage increases
light levels and produces fewer shadows.
Some designers place fixtures in the top
of trees at the center and aim straight
down while others aim down at an angle.
Beams can be crisscrossed within trees
1. Fixtures placed higher and deeper
5 inside a tree increase shadows and
decrease light levels.
to bring out texture. Fixtures aimed down
out of tall trees onto shorter trees, shrubs,
and flowers create wonderful patterns and
simulate true “Moonlight”. Aiming a fixture
out the back of a tree will pull viewer’s eyes
past the tree and make the space seem
larger.
When using multiple fixtures in a tree,
placement is critical. Do no place fixtures
too close together. This is unattractive
during the day and is a source of unwanted
glare at night. Spread Fixtures out in the
canopy. Do not aim fixtures above 45° from
vertical or glare may result. In general,
shields should be placed between the
source and the viewer. LSI GREENLEE’s
long shields are designed for downlighting
and do an excellent job of hiding the lamp
from the viewing audience. Shields can be
rotated to achieve precise cut-off and light
control. It is always a good policy to check
the aim of each fixture. To save time on the
job fixtures can be energized and aimed
during the day. However, fine tuning should
always take place at night.
2. Fixtures placed lower and further
toward the outside of a tree decrease
shadows and increase light levels.
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3. Aiming straight down from the top of
7a tall tree produces a beautiful effect.
6. Pointing
fixtures behind a tree toward
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the edge of the viewing area will make
a space seem larger.
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OUTDOOR
5. Illuminating shorter trees and shrubs
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from taller trees and buildings creates
a true moonlighting effect.
Project Name
272
4. Crisscrossing beams adds texture and
drama.
Catalog #
Fixture Type
10/22/15
© 2015
LSI INDUSTRIES INC.
UPLIGHTING RULES OF THUMB
Uplighting creates very dramatic effects
and can be accomplished with bullets,
floods, well lights, or direct burial
fixtures. Although each fixture type can
be used to generate equivalent effects
there are advantages to each type.
CHOOSING FIXTURES:
• Bullets are the least expensive types of
uplights. Because they are mounted
above grade they offer more aiming
flexibility. Whenever dense ground
cover is planned, choose bullet
fixtures so that they will stick up
out of the foliage. On the down
side, bullets are more susceptible to
damage by mowers or vandals than
inground uplights.
• Floodlights can be used to uplight very
large trees. However, their large size
can be obtrusive. Barn doors or glare
shields should be use on floodlights
to prevent unwanted glare.
• Well lights offer the most unobtrusive
form of uplight. The source is
shielded from direct view because it
is recessed in the “well sleeve” and
shielded by the louvered grill. Well
lights are often used on the residential
projects where glare is the primary
concern. If soft and subtle uplight
is what you seek, pick well lights.
However, be prepared to follow a
formal maintenance program. Leaves,
insects, and debris have a habit of
falling into the opening of the fixture
and they must be removed and the
fixture cleaned regularly.
• Direct burial fixtures require less
upkeep than well lights and should
be used on commercial projects
where maintenance is a concern.
Choosing between the MDB, CDB,
RDS, RDB, won’t be confusing if you
know how harsh the environment is,
what wattage is required, as well as
beam spread requirements, and the
preferred fixture shape.
TECHNIQUES:
• Using two uplights per tree will
add depth and texture to the
scene. With a properly spaced
row of trees placing a fixture
between each tree and at both
ends of the row will create the
effect of having two lights per
tree.
• Fixtures located behind a tree will
cause a backlit effect if they are
aimed toward the tree and the
viewer.
• Fixtures placed behind a tree will
cause a silhouette effect if they
are aimed at a reflective surface
behind the tree.
The location of the primary viewing
area or direction of travel should be
considered when locating fixtures.
Uplights should be located 1/3 to
1/2 distance from the trunk of tree
to the outside edge of the canopy or
"drip-line”. Placing uplights less than
three feet from the trunk will cause a
hot spot at the base of the tree.
1. Using two uplights per
tree adds texture and
drama.
1
2
2. Placing lights at each end and between each tree in a row
creates the effect of having two lights per tree.
3. Fixtures placed behind
a tree and aimed
toward the tree create a
backlit effect.
4. Fixtures behind a tree
aimed at a wall or other
reflective surface will
produce a silhouette.
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2
4
OUTDOOR
Project Name
Catalog #
Fixture Type
10/22/15
© 2015
LSI INDUSTRIES INC.
273