More Landscape Lighting Techniques

I covered a few of the most common landscape lighting techniques in the previous post. I'll talk about a few more commonly know techniques in this post along with one or two lesser know techniques.

Uplighting

Uplighting is a technique that uses a spot light, well light or similar fixture to provide direct vertical light to a target object. A common example of this technique is using a high power well light or spot point almost entirely vertical but directed at a slight angle towards a building wall. This technique can be used to highlight architectural patterns in a building, illuminate windows or highlight other aspects of a building.

Walkway Lighting

Walkway lighting is used primarily to illuminate sidewalks, or walkways for way-finding. This technique commonly employs a fixture with a fully shielded lamp which are position symmetrically along the path utilizing landscape cut outs and other attractive locations for positioning. The walkway or path lighting provides safety, security and add enjoyment for the users of the path or walkway. The shielded lamp is used to provide a diffuse and wide light distribution. Try position the path lights behind taller greenery which will allow the light to shine through the vegetation, deflecting the light and creating a broader field of illumination along the path.

Grazing

Grazing is a landscape lighting technique that is utilized to highlight the textural aspects of a vertical surface. The best example of this lighting technique is the use of a spot light positioned approximately 6 to 8 inches from a wall or facade and aimed at a 90 degree vertical angle. This technique can be used to highlight decorative brick or stone walls.