Tree lighting is the anchor of any landscape lighting design. A well-lit mature tree changes the entire character of a property after dark. But not every tree responds the same way to uplighting, and Florida's native and adapted species have their own characteristics that affect how we approach each one.
1. Live Oak
The live oak (Quercus virginiana) is the crown jewel of Central Florida landscape lighting. Mature specimens develop a wide, spreading canopy with dramatic branching structure that takes uplighting exceptionally well.
The approach: two to four narrow-beam uplights positioned outside the drip line, angled at 30–45 degrees toward the trunk and major limbs. The goal is to create the impression of light emanating from within the tree, not a floodlit effect from below.
Color temperature: 2700K (warm white) renders the gray bark and deep green canopy at its best. Avoid cool white LEDs on oaks, they look clinical against warm-toned bark.
2. Royal Palm
The tall, columnar silhouette of the royal palm (Roystonea regia) is made for accent lighting. A single well-aimed uplight at the base creates a vertical column of light that reads clearly from a distance, excellent for driveways, entry approaches, and pool areas.
Because the canopy is high and sparse, you don't need much light to make an impact. One fixture per palm is usually right. More creates an overlit look that loses the drama.
3. Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia) offer two seasons of lighting interest: spring and summer blooming, when color lighting creates a remarkable effect, and winter, when the bare branching structure is sculptural and architectural.
Multi-trunk specimens respond especially well to uplighting from multiple angles, the crossing branches create layered shadow patterns on walls and ceilings. For color, 2700K is warm and flattering; some homeowners prefer 3000K neutral for a slightly crisper look during bloom season.
4. Bald Cypress
Central Florida's bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a species many homeowners overlook for lighting purposes. They shouldn't. The feathery foliage and straight, fluted trunk create some of the most interesting shadow play of any tree in the region.
A grazed uplight, positioned close to the trunk and aimed upward at a steep angle, brings out the bark texture dramatically. Best near water features or at garden boundaries where the vertical form is a deliberate compositional element.
5. Southern Magnolia
The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) presents a different challenge: the dense, glossy canopy reflects light in ways that can look bright and artificial if you're not careful. The solution is low-placement, wide-beam fixtures that wash the lower canopy and trunk without trying to penetrate to the top.
This creates a warm, glowing effect at the base, less dramatic than an oak uplight, but lush and substantial. Magnolias are best lit conservatively.
A note on aiming
Every tree listed here needs to be aimed after dark. The angle, distance, and beam spread that look correct on paper often need significant adjustment once you see them in actual conditions. This is why we schedule a nighttime aiming session for every installation, it's not an extra step, it's the most important step. We cover Winter Park, Orlando, and all of Central Florida.