Landscape Lighting Case Study
This Mount Lebanon Township project focused on improving nighttime safety while showcasing the property’s strongest features. The driveway was extremely dark, creating a visibility issue for the homeowners and guests. At the same time, the client had recently invested in new landscaping and wanted it properly highlighted.
We installed a total of 32 fixtures, including path lights, uplights, flood lights, and down lights, to create balanced coverage throughout the property.
Design Priorities
The homeowner’s goals were clear:
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- Improve safety along the dark brick driveway
- Add security-focused illumination around the home
- Highlight new garden bed landscaping
- Showcase the mature oak trees on the property
Mature trees are always a gift on a lighting project. In this case, the large oaks became the anchor of the entire design. Properly illuminating established trees adds depth, scale, and a sense of permanence to the property at night.
The brick driveway was another key feature. Instead of flooding it with harsh light, we layered fixtures to create even illumination that improves visibility without glare.
Fixture Selection & Technique
We used professional-grade Universal fixtures throughout the project to ensure long-term durability and consistent output.
One of the standout elements of this installation is the moonlighting effect. We mounted fixtures approximately 25 feet up within the oak canopy and aimed them downward at about a 35-degree angle. This technique mimics natural moonlight filtering through branches, casting soft shadows across the driveway and landscape beds.
Moonlighting creates a subtle, elegant glow that enhances security while maintaining a natural feel. It is especially effective in properties with mature tree cover like this one.
The Result
The finished system provides:
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- Safer nighttime navigation along the driveway
- Increased security visibility around the home
- Highlighted architectural and landscape features
- A layered, natural lighting effect through tree-mounted fixtures
This Mount Lebanon Township project is a strong example of how thoughtful landscape lighting can solve practical problems while dramatically improving curb appeal. Mature trees, brick hardscapes, and new plantings all deserve intentional illumination, and when designed correctly, the result feels balanced and refined rather than overpowering.
