Hotspotting & Uneven Light Distribution
Isolated bright circles of light surrounded by dark patches make a landscape look more like a stage prop than a cohesive nightscape. Hotspotting is almost always a fixable design or calibration problem.
What Hotspotting Looks Like
Hotspotting occurs when a fixture with too narrow a beam angle is placed too close to its subject, creating a small intense circle of light rather than an even wash. The center of the beam is dramatically brighter than the edges, and the subject appears unevenly lit — almost burned-out in the middle and dim at the perimeter.
Uneven distribution more broadly describes any system where some areas are bright and adjacent areas are noticeably dark — usually the result of inconsistent fixture spacing, voltage drop on long wire runs, or mismatched lumen output between fixture types.
Common Causes
- Too-narrow beam angle for the fixture-to-subject distance
- Fixture placed too close to the subject (common with uplights on trees)
- Voltage drop causing far-end fixtures to run dim compared to near-end
- Mismatched lumen output between zones of the same visual area
- No fixture overlap — each fixture lights only its immediate subject with no fill
How It Gets Worse Over Time
Hotspotting worsens as plants grow. A tree uplight with the right beam angle when the tree was young may hotspot badly once the trunk is 3 inches larger in diameter and the canopy has filled in. Voltage drop compounds when additional fixtures are added to a wire run without recalculating transformer tap settings. And DIY systems installed without voltage testing often have chronic dim-end problems from the first day.
How We Fix It
- 1Night Audit — We photograph the property at night under current conditions to document every hotspot and dark gap before touching anything.
- 2Voltage Testing — We measure voltage at every fixture. Readings below 10.8V indicate voltage drop causing dim output; we adjust transformer taps or re-route cable to correct it.
- 3Beam Angle Correction — Fixtures with too-narrow beams are replaced with wider-angle alternatives for their distance. Fixtures too close to subjects are relocated or re-aimed to use the edge of the beam rather than the center.
- 4Fill Fixture Addition — Dark gaps between existing fixtures are addressed by adding fill fixtures that bridge the coverage, creating seamless transitions rather than isolated pools.
Why Choose Bright Arbor
We know the local plant palette, climate quirks, and municipal codes — no learning curve at your expense.
Beam angles, lumen output, and transformer loads are calculated before installation begins — not guessed on-site.
Cast brass, copper, and UV-stable aluminum — rated for Florida humidity and heat. No plastic that yellows in two seasons.
We stand behind every installation with a written warranty and ongoing maintenance plans so your system performs for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dim fixtures are a voltage problem or a failing LED?
What beam angle should uplights use?
Can hotspotting be fixed without replacing fixtures?
Will hotspotting get worse as my plants grow?
How do I get started with Bright Arbor?
From the Blog
Smart vs. Traditional Landscape Lighting: Which Is Right for You?
Smart controllers add real convenience to a landscape lighting system. But they're not the right choice for everyone. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
Patio Lighting Ideas for Central Florida Outdoor Living
Florida patios are outdoor rooms, used year-round, not just in summer. The lighting that works for a seasonal deck in Ohio won't cut it here. Here's what does.
How Much Does Landscape Lighting Cost in Central Florida?
The honest answer is: it depends. But here's a real breakdown of what drives landscape lighting costs in the Orlando market, so you can plan with actual numbers.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Free estimate, no obligation. We design at dusk, when the light tells the truth.