Looking the light up the underside of a small tree. Well light vs light like top dog. I already have two top dogs lights on it Ed Hammitt Cary NC
You can accomplish the same uplighting effect from either a spotlight or a well light. Well lights are preferred for a low profile installation but require more effort to install. A spotlight at the base of the tree aimed directly upwards would provide some illumination for the canopy. It would really be a matter of preference if you wanted to spend a bit more time installing an inground light for the sake of having the light source more hidden under that tree. Personally, I'd say a spotlight there could accomplish the same thing and be hidden by those smaller plants up front as well.
