Choose the strongest features
Begin with one or two trees or landscape elements that matter from your usual viewpoint. The best choice may be a tree visible from the living room rather than the largest tree in the garden. Leaving some areas darker gives the highlighted features room to stand out.
Look at trunk, canopy and surroundings
A textured trunk, spreading canopy and fine branches create different lighting opportunities. Consider the relationship with neighbouring plants and walls. Ask what part of the feature each light is intended to reveal, rather than assuming a single position suits every tree.
Review aiming from inside and outside
A beam aimed towards a window can be distracting indoors even when the garden view looks appealing outside. Check the design from seating areas and rooms facing the garden. Adjustments should consider both the feature and the people looking towards it.
Allow for growth and maintenance
Trees and surrounding planting change. Keep fittings accessible and discuss how they can be repositioned or adjusted. Cable routes and installation methods should account for the tree and future gardening work; ask the installer how the proposed approach addresses this.
Combine features with practical lighting
Accent lighting complements routes and outdoor living spaces. It should not be the sole plan for moving around the garden. Build a hierarchy so the garden has usable paths, comfortable seating areas and a few focal points rather than uniform brightness everywhere.