Which of the following looks best when illuminated at night?

The Japanese maple is a popular choice for night illumination due to its unique and ornamental branching structure, as well as its vibrant foliage, which can produce stunning silhouettes and colors when lit. The delicate leaves provide a beautiful contrast against the night sky and can create dramatic visual effects through strategic lighting techniques.

Additionally, Japanese maples have a more compact and graceful form compared to other trees, making them ideal for spotlighting and enhancing their natural beauty after sunset. The light can bring out the intricate details of the leaf shape and texture, as well as highlight the tree's elegant shape. This can create a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment in landscapes and gardens.

While other trees like the maple, oak, and pine have their merits, they tend to have bulkier forms or less delicate foliage that may not produce the same captivating night effects as the Japanese maple. Their shapes and colors might not be as pronounced or visually stunning under artificial lighting, making the Japanese maple the standout choice for nighttime illumination.