I am seeking a recommendation for lighting for three trees, specifically light fixtures, bulb type, wattage and beam angle (I believe 2700 Kelvin temp is best for this location). This is a hacienda style house, built around a central courtyard. The primary bedroom has windows onto the courtyard. I want to use as low-wattage as possible, so that light does not bleed into the bedroom at night (this is a rural area). The current wiring is for 110V, but I will likely install a transformer to reduce to 12V (and add a timer), unless you recommend otherwise. The first tree is a 12' palm. I want to emphasize the trunk, rather than the canopy, although some canopy lighting is okay. This tree is closest to the primary bedroom (located to the left of the palm), so I want to keep the beam narrow in order to direct the beam away from the bedroom. However, to the right of this palm there will be a 6'-8' hibiscus and I would like the surface of the hibiscus to have minimal lighting. The second tree is a 5' palm. I want to emphasize the canopy, rather than the trunk. Currently, the canopy is in bad shape due to the major freeze in Texas in 2021. Imagine the canopy being 5 X to 10 X fuller, and double its current diameter. The third tree is a live oak. I am not certain whether to emphasize the trunk or canopy. I do know that I do not want a lot of light because of the proximity to the primary bedroom. The area around the oak will be an outdoor kitchen and outdoor dining area. One final consideration, I am planting additional shrubs and ground plants. I would prefer the light fixtures be very adjustable, so that as various plants grow I can redirect the beam to avoid new growth from blocking the beam, but not having to dig-up and replant the light fixtures.
Hey James, Beautiful hacienda! I'd be happy to help with some general recommendations: Tree #1: Spotlights would be ideal for adjustability and keeping the illumination focused on/up the trunk. Depending on the main viewing angles, I'd likely recommend considering adding at least (2) spotlights to this tree. Potentially (3) spotlights placed in a triangle pattern around the base/trunk. We have MR11 and MR16 models of lamp-ready spotlights (fixtures that use interchangeable bulbs). If it were my tree, taking into account that you want to keep the brightness minimal for now, I'd probably consider using an MR16 model and starting with a low wattage (likely 2W; no higher than a 3W). Narrow beam spreads (15-degrees) would help keep the illumination focused on the trunk and can slightly highlight the canopy. Using MR16 models from the start would also allow for upgrading the wattage more overtime if you expect the tree to grow substantially. Tree #2: The same approach applies to this tree. This tree is noticeable smaller than the other tree, so MR11 spotlights could be more ideal as this point, but using MR16 models would allow for more adjustments overtime if needed as the trees grows. Overtime, as shrubs/plants grow around the base of these trees, you can add extension risers to the spotlights to elevate them above any blockage and keep the illumination focused on the intended features. Tree #3: Given the expansive of the live oak, I'd likely consider using a PAR36 fixture(s) that naturally offers brighter and wider illumination; the G2 Big PAR36 Cast Brass Flood Light or the PAR36 In-Ground Well Light. With a large range of customizable bulb options, you can easily adjust as needed overtime. The 5W LED PAR36 60º 2700K Bulb could be ideal given you desire lower illumination - I'd likely go no higher than the 6W version. The PAR36 floodlight offers adjustability and can also be placed on an extension riser if needed. Another unique option to consider, given you will have a kitchen and dining area near the oak tree, you could consider adding downlights to the oak tree for a natural moonlight and shadowing effect on the ground below.
