Garden Lighting Help sheet  No. 9: - Low voltage uplighting of trees

Uplighting of trees adds drama and vertical emphasis in a garden lighting scheme. Smaller trees can be effectively lit with low voltage outdoor spotlights and recessed lights. The principal beam angles of low voltage halogen reflector lamps are 12, 24, 36 and 60 degrees. If you are uplighting a slender tree the coverage of a 60° beam will be wasted in the night sky; a narrower beam will “fit” the shape of the tree more closely. The diameter of the beam can be matched to the tree’s shape as indicated in the graphic and table below. If a 60° (wide flood beam) lamp in a garden uplight will not provide both height and breadth of coverage, try using two lights with overlapping narrower 38° degree beams to give the required coverage. In walkover areas use recessed uplights with grills to protect against contact with a hot lens or consider a 35w metal halide uplight.

These suggestions are for guidance only; lighting effect will be affected by colour/darkness/density of foliage.  

For larger trees refer to Help sheet No 10 -  Metal halide uplighting for larger trees