GRAZING is a very specialized lighting technique that finds an abundance of applications in the landscape. As it's name suggests, it involves aiming light almost in the same plane as a surface bringing out the interesting surface texture. This works most effectively on such materials as brick, stone, bark, stucco and lattice and trellis work . Unfortunately it does not look too attractive when applied to horizontal siding.

In the overall lighting design grazing is very useful as fill lighting. Fill lighting is introduced to tie together accented features. For instance, imagine a situation on a foundation planting with two ornamental trees at either end. If one were to up-light these trees they would be very striking. However, grazing the wall between them in a softer light than the up-light, would tie the scene together and soften the effect in a very pleasing manner.



If you chose down-lighting for this you would also gain the benefit of the useful light for this area and softly illuminate any shrubs below. Up-light grazing may offer the opportunity to "silhouette" interesting plants against the grazed surface.

It is very important in this situation to select light fixtures that will be shielded from view to avoid glare. For this reason, designers frequently specify buried or recessed fixtures for use in this application.