Recommended Practice: Landscape Lighting

CONTENTS

• 1.0 Introduction and Scope
• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Scope
• 2.0 Definition of Landscape Lighting
• 2.1 General
• 2.2 Landscape Lighting Design Professionals
• 2.2.1 Landscape Lighting Designer
• 2.2.2 Landscape Architect
• 2.2.3 Landscape Contractor
• 3.0 Landscape Lighting Design Process
• 3.1 The Landscape Lighting Design Process
• 3.1.1 Design
• 3.1.2 Installation
• 3.1.3 Maintenance and Future Services
• 3.2 Site Analysis
• 3.2.1 Client Interview and Design Intent
• 3.2.2 Existing Site Conditions and Safety Concerns
• 3.2.3 Job Site Visits and Site Access
• 3.2.4 Weather, Air and Temperature
• 3.2.5 Other Trades and Activities
• 3.2.6 Codes, Regulations, and Ordinances
• 3.2.7 Lighting Zones
• 3.2.8 Inspections
• 3.3 Conceptual Design Plans
• 3.4 Design Documentation
• 3.4.1 Power Distribution (Cable And Wiring)
• 3.4.2 Luminaire Quantities, Specifications, and Transformer Schedules
• 3.5 Locations for Luminaires and Other Equipment
• 3.6 Post-installation Design Review
• 3.6.1 Aiming of Luminaires
• 3.6.2 Verification That the Installation Is as Designed (Quality Assurance)
• 3.7 Record Documents (As-Built Plans)
• 3.8 Management and Administration
• 3.9 Future Visits for Plant Growth and Changes
• 3.9.1 Site Conditions, Landscape Changes, and Additions to the Lighting System
• 3.10 Maintenance
• 4.0 Understanding Nature and Human Interactions With Landscape Lighting
• 4.1 Effects of Light in the Landscape
• 4.1.1 Low Light and Vision
• 4.1.2 Light and Plans
• 4.1.3 Aesthetics of Light and Nature
• 4.2 Understanding Plant Growth, Forms, Density, and Seasonal Changes
• 4.3 Pruning and Effects With Landscape Lighting
• 4.4 Animals and Pedestrian Traffic
• 4.5 Human Health and Well Being
• 5.0 Lighting Design Considerations
• 5.1 Purpose
• 5.1.1 Safety, Wayfinding, and Navigation
• 5.1.2 Security
• 5.1.3 Tasks
• 5.1.4 Aesthetics and Mood Enhancement
• 5.2 Contrast Ratios
• 5.3 Composition
• 5.4 Indoor vs. Outdoor Lighting
• 5.5 Glare of Light Trespass
• 5.5.1 Obstrusive Lighting
• 5.5.2 Over-Use and Under-Use of Light
• 5.5.3 Balancing Aesthetics With the Maintenance of a Natural Environment
• 6.0 Lighting Techniques
• 6.1 Accent Lighting
• 6.2 Downlighting
• 6.2.1 Tree Mounted Lighting
• 6.2.2 Moonlighting
• 6.3 Uplighting
• 6.4 Cross-Lighting
• 6.5 Grazing and Side-Lighting
• 6.6 Wash Lighting
• 6.7 Shadowing
• 6.8 Backlighting
• 6.9 Silhouette Lighting
• 6.10 Considerations for Using White Light of Various CCTs
• 6.10.1 Spectral Considerations
• 6.10.2 Color Tuning
• 6.11 Considerations for Using Colored Light
• 6.11.1 Static Color
• 6.11.2 RGB
• 6.11.3 RGBW
• 6.11.4 RGBA
• 6.11.5 Other RGB Configurations
• 7.0 Lighting Methods for Landscape Elements
• 7.1 Trees
• 7.1.1 Deciduous Trees
• 7.1.2 Evergreen Trees
• 7.1.3 Palm Trees
• 7.1.4 Groups of Trees
• 7.1.5 Aesthetic Concessions
• 7.2 Shrubs and Vines
• 7.3 Lawns and Ground Cover
• 7.4 Walls, Fences, and Barriers
• 7.5 Paths, Walkways, and Bridges
• 7.6 Stairs and Steps
• 7.7 Open Patios and Decks
• 7.8 Sculpture, Statues, and Other Works of Art
• 7.9 Structures and Structural Features
• 7.9.1 Residential Structures
• 7.9.2 Commercial Facades
• 7.10 Water Feature Lighting
• 7.11 Signage
• 7.12 Flags
• 8.0 Landscape Lighting Equipment
• 8.1 Light Sources
• 8.1.1 LED
• 8.1.2 Incandescent, Including Tungsten-Halogen and Xenon
• 8.1.3 HID (Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium, and Mercury Vapor)
• 8.2 Luminaire Design and Function
• 8.2.1 Accent Lights
• 8.2.2 Area and Site Lighting
• 8.2.3 Inground Lights
• 8.2.4 Path Lights
• 8.2.5 Bollard Lights
• 8.2.6 Step Lights
• 8.2.7 Deck Lights
• 8.2.8 Underwater Luminaires
• 8.3 Luminaire Construction
• 8.3.1 Materials
• 8.3.2 Waterproofing and IP Ratings
• 8.3.3 Quality, Manufacturer Reputation, and Warranties
• 8.4 Optics and Filters (Accessories)
• 8.5 Mounting Devices
• 8.5.1 Stake Mount
• 8.5.2 Tree Mount
• 8.5.3 Wall Mounts
• 8.5.4 Custom Mounts
• 8.6 Transformers
• 8.7 Lighting Controls
• 8.7.1 Manual Control
• 8.7.2 Automated Controls
• 8.8 System Warranties
• 9.0 Lighting System Maintenance
• 9.1 Scheduled Maintenance Agreements
• 9.2 Maintenance of Equipment – General
• 9.3 Maintenance of Tree Mounted Luminaires
• 10.0 Summary
• Annex A – Illuminance Recommendations
• Annex B – AOLP Outdoor Lighting Guidelines
• Annex C – Additional Resources
• References