LLC Landscape Lighting Design & Placement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When uplighting a tree with a narrow canopy, where should the fixture typically be positioned?
- Directly at the base of the trunk
- 3–5 feet away from the trunk angled inward (Correct answer)
- Pointing downward from a branch
- Flush with the ground at the drip line
Correct answer: 3–5 feet away from the trunk angled inward
Positioning fixtures 3–5 feet from the trunk and angling them inward illuminates the canopy without creating a harsh 'flashlight' effect at the base.
Question 2: Which lighting technique is most appropriate for emphasizing the texture of a brick or stone wall?
- Downlighting
- Grazing (Correct answer)
- Silhouetting
- Moonlighting
Correct answer: Grazing
Grazing places a fixture very close to the surface at a steep angle, casting shadows that accentuate texture and surface relief.
Question 3: A client wants to highlight a focal plant at the end of a long garden path. What spacing principle best guides path light placement along the way?
- Place fixtures at every 3 feet regardless of path length
- Space fixtures so pools of light slightly overlap (Correct answer)
- Leave dark gaps between fixtures for drama
- Use only one fixture at the entry point
Correct answer: Space fixtures so pools of light slightly overlap
Slightly overlapping light pools prevent dark spots and create a safe, continuous visual guide along the path.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of 'cross-lighting' a sculpture or specimen plant?
- To reduce the total number of fixtures needed
- To eliminate shadows entirely
- To reveal three-dimensional form by lighting from two angles (Correct answer)
- To increase color temperature contrast
Correct answer: To reveal three-dimensional form by lighting from two angles
Cross-lighting from two opposing angles creates depth and dimensionality by balancing shadows on either side of the object.
Question 5: When designing a lighting plan for a sloped property, which factor most affects fixture aiming angles?
- Soil pH along the slope
- Grade change and viewing elevation (Correct answer)
- Irrigation zone boundaries
- Local ordinance color temperature limits
Correct answer: Grade change and viewing elevation
Grade changes alter the relationship between fixture height and target, requiring aiming angle adjustments to avoid over- or under-illumination.
Question 6: Which mounting method is best for a path light that must remain adjustable as plantings mature?
- Permanent concrete-set stake
- Surface-mount deck fitting
- Adjustable-angle stake with slip fitter (Correct answer)
- Hard-wired junction box buried 12 inches deep
Correct answer: Adjustable-angle stake with slip fitter
An adjustable-angle stake with a slip fitter allows repositioning and re-aiming without digging or rewiring as plants grow.
Question 7: A designer wants to create a 'moonlighting' effect over a seating area. Which placement strategy achieves this?
- Ground-level uplights aimed at 45°
- Fixtures mounted high in trees aimed downward through branches (Correct answer)
- Low bollard lights spaced 6 feet apart
- Recessed in-ground fixtures under furniture
Correct answer: Fixtures mounted high in trees aimed downward through branches
Mounting downlight fixtures high in trees mimics natural moonlight, casting gentle dappled shadows through foliage.
LLC Landscape Lighting Design & Placement 2
When uplighting a tree with a narrow canopy, where should the fixture typically be positioned?