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In winter, when many tree and shrub species are dormant, these twinkling lights also provide festive warmth to the long, dark nights. These little LED light fixtures do not get hot while they’re on, so they are neither a fire danger nor will they scorch the foliage.ĭownlights are especially effective when placed in trees with broad, spreading canopies or when strategically positioned to create inviting glimpses of light through branches. If you’d prefer not to use uplights, trees can be accentuated with downlights suspended from the branches. Uplights into trees can also extend the landscape, provide interest to the property after hours, and enhance your property’s curb appeal in the darker hours. Large shrubs will stand out in planting areas when their form and the texture of their foliage is enhanced with gentle uplighting. Generally positioned just above the soil surface, these lights often have a socket joint that allows you to position their light streams just where you want it.įor example, a few well-positioned uplights can accentuate the natural features of a windswept, gnarled, or beautifully pruned tree. Uplights are used to accentuate features in the landscape and to provide an additional layer of atmospheric light. Path lights that alternate sides of a walkway create a rhythm and an atmosphere that is enhanced when some fixtures are partially screened by foliage, their light emerging as you approach them. Instead, well-placed pathway lighting will illuminate the surface you’re walking on while also giving you glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Path lights can (and should) be staggered in a pattern along a walkway to avoid an airport runway appearance that draws your eye to the end of the walkway. They make pools of gentle light on paving and on foliage and flowers.
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Path lights are generally downward facing and are designed to eliminate glare while illuminating the path. They can both provide wayfinding and highlight the plants and trees that surround you, using a range of fixture types. These energy-efficient lights are softer and more appealing, eliminating harsh lights in your eyes while still lighting up key areas. Low voltage landscape lighting, especially commercial LED landscape lights, will save you money compared to the old halogen lights previously used on commercial properties. For example, the level of light at building entrances will be much higher than the lighting that accentuates the branches of a specimen tree. The same principle applies to commercial landscape lighting, with different purposes requiring different types of lighting. For example, when we work at a desk, a task light provides the kind of clear, sharp light that a distant ceiling fixture cannot. With recent advances in lighting technology, lights can now be used for accenting landscaping and special features, softly washing a building façade, and more.Įach type of light has a function and should be used appropriately. Outdoor lighting for your commercial property includes so much more than just large LED or halogen parking lot lights or bright lights on the building entrance. Types of Commercial Landscape Light Fixtures At the same time, a good lighting plan also ensures that there are no dark areas or over-lit, glare-filled spots that can disorient pedestrians or drivers. Lighting designers calculate light levels based on safety requirements and the level of light provided by each fixture to ensure that there are sufficient light levels throughout the property. To accomplish these things, commercial landscape lighting uses several types of light fixtures, each tailored to its location and purpose. Accentuation of architectural features and signage.Enhancement of landscape features and curb appeal.Improved ambiance, or a better “feel” to a property.Clearly visible entrances, exits, and pathways.Night-time safety for tenants and guests as they enter or exit the building and walk to or from vehicles.
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When designed correctly, exterior lighting in the landscape provides several benefits, including:
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