Lighting evergreens is one of the most impactful ways to elevate your landscape—but it requires a different approach than lighting deciduous trees. With today’s advancements in LED technology and smart outdoor lighting, you have more control than ever.

There are four key concepts to guide your design:
Whether you’re working with a Blue Spruce, Eastern Hemlock, or Ponderosa Pine, mastering these fundamentals will help you create depth, drama, and year-round curb appeal.
Evergreens are dense. Their needle-covered branches block and scatter light, which means traditional uplighting often creates a harsh “hot spot” at the base instead of illuminating the full tree.
Modern approach (2026):
Use wider beam spreads (60–100°) and position fixtures farther away. This allows light to wash through the branches and evenly highlight the structure of the tree.
When to break the rule:
Large, mature trees—like towering pines or cedars—can still benefit from narrow-beam uplighting placed closer to the trunk. Their higher canopies and wider branch spacing allow light to travel upward effectively.

Pro tip: Adjustable beam fixtures (now common in newer systems) let you fine-tune spread without replacing bulbs.
Tree lighting isn’t a one-and-done installation—your landscape evolves, and your lighting should too.
If lights are installed too close, they’ll eventually get swallowed by the tree, reducing effectiveness and increasing maintenance.

2026 upgrade options:
Smart systems now also make it easier to monitor and maintain your setup over time.
Lighting isn’t just about the tree—it’s about the perspective.
Ask yourself:

Evergreens are wide and dimensional, so lighting only one side may leave the tree looking flat or incomplete from key viewpoints.
Modern design tip:
Layer your lighting. Use multiple fixtures at different angles to create depth and eliminate shadows—especially for large or focal trees.
Kelvin temperature dramatically affects how your trees look at night.

2026 trend: Tunable white lighting systems. These allow you to adjust color temperature seasonally or for special occasions—warmer in fall, cooler in winter, or brighter for entertaining.
Lighting evergreens well is about balance—distance, angle, color, and perspective all work together to bring out the tree’s natural beauty.

With today’s technology, you’re no longer limited to static lighting. Smart controls, adjustable optics, and high-efficiency LEDs give you the flexibility to refine your landscape over time and keep it looking its best year-round.
If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space with professional tree lighting, we can help.
Call us at (801) 440-7647 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out our contact form to get started.
Salt Lake City (Midvale)
801-440-7647
St. George
435-932-6627
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