- Choose the Trees for Lighting. Select the tree or trees you would like to light up. Start with one that creates a natural focal point in your landscape.
- Test the Light Strands. Test each strand of lights by plugging it in and making sure all of the lights are working. ...
- Lay Out the Cord. Extend an outdoor-rated extension cord to the base of the tree. ...
- Wind Up the Trunk. Begin wrapping the lights around the tree's trunk, moving upward with each winding. To ensure even spacing, check the distance between windings with your hand.
- Run Up and Down the Limbs. Wrap the lights up each limb or large branch, making sure you have several extra feet of string. ...
- Use a Ladder. Use a ladder to reach high areas. Never climb a tree to hang lights. ...
- Secure the String. Secure the end of the light string, as needed, to complete the installation. ...
How to string lights on an outdoor Tree?
- First, measure the distance from tree to tree where you want to hang the lights. ...
- Drill guide holes on the trees where you want to hang the lights. ...
- Install a hook into each tree at the marked spot. ...
- Thread the string lights onto the hooks. ...
- Connect your string lights using an extension cord if needed. ...
How to wrap trees with outdoor lights?
- Position one end of the rope light high up on the tree trunk, just below the tree canopy.
- Wrap a long zip tie around the tree trunk, about six inches from the end of the rope light.
- Clip the excess length from the zip ties about an inch away from the square locking channel head, using a pair of wire cutters.
How to put Christmas lights on a large outdoor Tree?
How to String Lights Outside on Big Trees
- Extend paint roller extension poles until they reach the top of the tree. ...
- Attach a plastic adhesive-backed hook, available in most home improvement stores, to the top of the pole.
- Plug the first strand of lights into an extension cord that is plugged into a power source as it will be easier to arrange lights while they are lit.
How to make a lighted outdoor Christmas tree?
Easy Lighted Christmas Tree Frames
- Materials List. Three galvanized garden-type stakes small enough in diameter to fit through the screw eyes (30 of these were $9 on Amazon.com).
- Paint. Paint both sides of your furring strips with spray paint and let dry. ...
- Install the Screw Eyes. Get your three wood strips and lay them flat. ...
- Connect the Eye Bolts. ...
- Outdoor Install. ...
How to light up a tree?
Choose the Trees for Lighting. Select the tree or trees you would like to light up. Start with one that creates a natural focal point in your landscape. Ideally, it will also have an interesting form and elegant branches that will look especially striking when illuminated.
How to wrap lights around a tree?
Begin wrapping the lights around the tree's trunk, moving upward with each winding. To ensure even spacing, check the distance between windings with your hand. Use about four fingers to get consistent spacing between each wrap around the tree trunk. Aim for uniform spacing to make the finished project look its best.
How to secure a tree trunk?
Walk to the curb or out to the street, and make a mental note as to where the trunk is visible. Position the cord end at this point. If desired, you can wrap the cord around the base of the tree to secure it.
What kind of lights do palm trees use?
The best outdoor lights to use are LED lights. LEDs are not only 75 percent more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, they also last many times longer.
How to test a strand of lights?
Test each strand of lights by plugging it in and making sure all of the lights are working. It's important to do this before hanging the lights, especially if you won't have the lights on while you work. You don't want to put up all of the lights only to discover that a strand in the middle is on the fritz.
How many lights can you put on a tree trunk?
Depending on the circumference of the trunk, each wrap can easily use up 20 or 30 lights. And a tree that is wrapped only partway up its trunk simply does not look festive or complete. Plan and budget for lights accordingly. You can always start small and add more lights each year.
What color lights are best for the holidays?
White is universal and is suitable for any time of the year. Colored lights usually are best for the holidays. In any case, it looks best if you choose the same lights in each color, such as all warm or all cool whites. 1:50.
How to light a tree with a light?
1. Position an in-ground, well light directly underneath a narrow tree. Small, spindly, or narrow trees will often appear more dramatic when up-lighted. Plant in-ground lights directly next to the tree's trunk, and face them upwards.
How to illuminate a large tree?
2. Use a floodlight for a large , open area. Place a floodlight far from the tree or area of lawn you wish to illuminate. Aim the light at the tree and its foliage, and towards a structure behind it. This technique is especially suited for trees with interesting shapes, as well as shrubs and topiary.
What does downlighting do to a tree?
Conversely, this type of downlighting can also cast an eerie glow on the ground around your trees, especially in the fall and winter when foliage is more sparse.
How to make a tree glow?
2. Position a swiveling spotlight within the tree's foliage. If you have a tree with lots of loose foliage, consider placing a spotlight facing downwards directly onto one of the tree's branches. This will cast enchanting shadows of the tree's foliage onto the surrounding ground, creating a dappled wash of light.
How to highlight a tree trunk?
Aim a spotlight directly up the trunk of a large, bushy tree. Position the spotlight (you can use one or several) close to the tree's trunk and aim it upwards, into the foliage. This technique will highlight the intricacy of its foliage, and illuminate the texture and form of the tree's trunk and branches.
How to make a tree look more shadowy?
Arrange a spotlight further away from a tree’s trunk for texture. This type of up-lighting will cast more shadows, and create a dramatic background surrounding your tree. Position the light at a 45 degree angle upwards to dramatize the tree’s trunk and foliage.
How to make a moonlight tree?
This will create a moon light effect within the tree’s foliage or against its root system, depending on which direction you angle the light. Try positioning multiple lights on a tree’s trunk. By pointing lights both upwards and downwards, you will create a fuller, more natural moonlight effect. ...
Why do we put lights on outdoor trees?
Lights on outdoor trees give a warm and cozy feeling! Whether it's for outdoor Christmas decorations or simply to give an outdoor space better ambience. Check out my 6 easy steps to wrap lights on an outdoor tree to decorate for Christmas or to dress up an outdoor patio!
Why do you wrap lights around trees?
It would be best to start with your lights wrapped in a ball shape to help you navigate around the tree trunk and branches more easily.
Why do you want to grab Christmas printables?
With Christmas sneaking up on us, you'll want to grab my Christmas printables. They will help keep you organized so you can enjoy time with your family and avoid the last minute stress!
Do you need an extension cord for a light strand?
With the first strand of lights, ensure you have the male end of the light strand accessible to plug into an outlet. My outlet is not super close, so I needed to use an outdoor extension cord to reach.
Can you leave lights on while wrapping them?
You could also just leave the lights while you wrap them to give you a good idea of how they look.
Do you space lights closer?
The closer you space the lights, the more dramatic the end result will be! However, keep in mind this will mean using more lights!
Do lights add ambiance?
We love them and use them every chance we get. Lights add so much ambiance for outdoor dining or just hanging out on the patio without a big price tag. As does fire!
How to wrap a tree with lights?
Steps for Wrapping a Tree With String Lights 1 Create a ball with the lights to make passing them around the trunk and in between branches easier. 2 Connect the male plug with a power source at the base of the tree. 3 Wrap up the base of the tree and around the branches connecting the female end of the last light string to the male end of each new light string as you go. The internal glow we created within the green canopy of our tree can be acheived by leaving extra space between each wrap along the branches instead of keeping the light strings close together as you might when wrapping a tree for Christmas. This method of leaving space between light wraps provides better coverage from the trunk to each branch while still resulting in the desired lighting effect. 4 Plug your light strings in and enjoy the ambiance!
How many lights are needed for wrapping a tree?
In our light wrapped tree shown above, 25 sets of 70-count warm white string lights were used. This equated to one set for the main trunk and then 24 sets to dress the major limbs.
Where to connect male plug to tree?
Connect the male plug with a power source at the base of the tree.
How many lights per string?
String light lengths can vary widely depending on light count and bulb spacing but as a general rule of thumb string lights with 50 to 70 lights per string range from 25-35 ft. depending on their light spacing.
How to light a Christmas tree outside?
When it comes to the best Christmas light ideas for outdoor trees, the trick is to add light on lots of different levels and trees are great for giving you plenty of options. Wind fairy lights around tree trunks and through branches, dangle lanterns and candles, and place solar uplighters at ground level to illuminate them.
How to catch the light on a Christmas tree?
Try using flameless candles for an easy option. Hang ornaments like Christmas stars from branches too that will catch the light as they turn in the tree.
What are some good outdoor lights to use for wrapping round branches?
If you like a cool and contemporary look try taking the vintage lighting trend outdoors with rows of simple filament style bulbs filled with warm white LEDs. Minimalist with their stripped back appearance, festoon light ideas add a touch of style to an outdoor space and are perfect for wrapping round branches.
What color lights are used for a fairytale?
Ice white lights look modern, while softer yellow-toned lights feel more traditional. Multi-coloured lights offer a full-on party approach, while candles and lanterns in trees look extra special for a fairytale feel.
What is Moroccan outdoor lighting?
Vintage-style metal Moroccan outdoor lamps introduce an exotic touch to any outdoor lighting ideas, with the intricate filigree designs casting enchanting patterns to add special ambience to any festive occasion.
What kind of lights are best for a garden?
At this time of year, mains or battery-operated lights will give a brighter and more intense glow than solar lights. The combined effect will give your garden a sense of enchantment that's perfect for parties.
How to make a fairytale Christmas tree look lit?
Alternatively go for the draped look with a cascade of lights to create a perfectly lit tree with ease. Simply position at the top of your tree and let the light strings fall, leaving a glowing trail in their wake. Reposition as necessary, then step back to enjoy the ethereal glow of your fairy tale Christmas look.
How to make a tree with lights?
Step 2. Pass the ball of lights around the tree trunk, leaving space to wrap back down if desired. Step 3. When you reach the end of the first string, plug the next string in and continue wrapping up the trunk and into the branches as high as you'd like to go. Step 4.
How to keep lights from slipping down tree trunk?
Keep the lights pulled tight as you go to create tension and prevent the string from slipping down the tree trunk. When you reach the end of the first string, plug the next string in and continue wrapping up the trunk and into the branches as high as you'd like to go.
How to wrap bushes with lights?
If you prefer to wrap your bushes and hedges with outdoor tree lights: Use random patterns throughout. For long sections of hedges, bring the source of power to the center of the hedges and string lights to the left and right.
How to wind light strings?
Plug all of the light strings in to make sure they are working and then wind each string into a ball shape. This step is important. It takes just a few seconds but it will save you tons of time by not having to deal with loose or tangled strings during your install.
What bulbs are used on evergreen trees?
C7 and C9 bulbs are the most popular on larger Evergreen and pine trees. Wrapping the canopy of larger trees allows for bright lighting without the need to wrap to the top of the tree. Utilize extending poles to reach highest parts of the tree. Evergreen Trees Wrapped with Lights. Wrap Bushes and Hedges with Lights.
What colors are used for Christmas tree lights?
Some mini light strings even have multiple bulb colors on one string to easy accomplish the perfect look for a variety of holidays! Popular color combinatons include orange and purple or purple and green lights for Halloween; red, white and blue lights for patriotic displays; and red and green, blue and white or red and white lights for Christmas. In addition to playing with tree light colors, have some fun with hanging a variety of decorations from tree branches too!
Why wrap a tree with lights?
Wrapping one or several trees with lights is an easy way to elevate the atmosphere in your outdoor spaces during any season.
