- 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 many lights should I put on my Tree?
“A good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every foot-and-a-half of tree,” according to Lowe’s. But Better Homes & Gardens recommends using three 100-light sets for every foot of a tree’s height. And Real Simple suggests 100 lights for every foot.
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 light up a tree using outdoor lighting?
- Plug all of the light strings in to make sure they are working and then wind each string into a ball shape. ...
- Now begin passing the ball of lights around the trunk of the tree. ...
- 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 ...
How do you put Christmas lights on outside trees?
Hanging Lights on Your Outside TreeSet up your ladder. Always make sure you can climb down easily.Mark your tree. ... Attach your power source. ... Start wrapping the light strand. ... Plan spacing for branches. ... Secure the end of your light strand with a simple knot or twist tie.Plug your lights in and admire!
How do you I attach lights to a tree without hurting the tree?
To make sure you are being safe with your electricity, do not use more than three strands of lights per extension cord. While wrapping the lights around or on the tree, make sure not to do it too tightly. This could damage the bark on the tree or even prevent growth from happening if wrapped tightly enough.
How do you attach string lights to a tree?
If you have trees, it's easy to hang lights. Just drill a hole into a tree, install a cup hook, wrap the light around it and secure it with a zip tie. Or you can thread them through the branches and not anchor them. But, make sure you are close enough to a power outlet.
What is the best way to put lights on a tree?
0:454:08How To Put Lights On A Christmas Tree Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs a general rule of thumb for Christmas trees most people say to add about 100 lights per foot ofMoreAs a general rule of thumb for Christmas trees most people say to add about 100 lights per foot of tree. So that's something to keep in mind when you're picking out lights also.
How do you wrap an outside tree with lights?
1:322:22How To Wrap Trees With Lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow begin passing the ball of lights around the trunk of the tree. Keep the lights pulled tight asMoreNow begin passing the ball of lights around the trunk of the tree. Keep the lights pulled tight as you go to create tension. And prevent the string from slipping down the tree.
Is it OK to screw into a tree?
Putting In Nails Or Screws Will Create A Wound Putting a nail or screw into a tree will create a small wound, but nothing a strong, healthy tree can't handle. The tree should compartmentalize and heal the wound around the object.
How do you put lights on a big outdoor tree?
For especially tall trees, grab a ladder and a friend to help. Wrap the light string into a ball and begin unraveling as you move up the trunk. Be sure the prongs that you need to plug in are on the bottom. Plug another string of lights into the first, secure both with electrical tape and start wrapping the branches.
How do you string lights on a patio tree?
How to Hang Outdoor String Lights from TreesFirst, 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.More items...
How do you hang outdoor string lights without nails?
The best ways you can hang patio lights without nails is using gutter hooks, adhesive hooks, clear tape with a strong and reliable hold, using a hot glue gun, or staples to hang the lights. Other methods include zip ties, wrapping the lights around pot plants, or attaching them to the trees.
How do you put lights on a Christmas tree like a professional?
Starting at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights on top of and under branches. Work your way down and around the tree, hanging lights in the back as well. When you reach the bottom, hide any extra lights behind the tree.
How many feet of lights do I need for a 7ft tree?
“A good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every foot-and-a-half of tree,” according to Lowe's. But Better Homes & Gardens recommends using three 100-light sets for every foot of a tree's height. And Real Simple suggests 100 lights for every foot.
How many feet of lights do I need for a 6 foot tree?
"The average person usually has a 6-foot tree," says prop stylist and crafter Karin Lidbeck-Brent. "So an easy, general rule to remember is that for each foot of your tree, you'd want to use one strand of lights.
Will putting nails in a tree harm it?
Your tree's bark is designed to protect the inner rings of your tree from damage. When you insert a nail, screw or staple into your tree, it damages the bark and punctures the inside of the tree. This can cause stress that inhibits growth and increases the tree's vulnerability to disease.
Can you nail something to a tree?
Generally, no, something the size of a nail hammered into a tree won't hurt it. The nail would most likely be inserted about an inch to an inch and a half into the bark. "The tree should compartmentalize and heal the wound around it," says Grant Jones, technical advisor with Davey Tree Company in Kent, Ohio.
Can you drill through a tree without killing it?
You can definitely screw into a tree without hurting it, and the best, safest, and least harmful way to fix a treehouse into a tree is to use a treehouse attachment bolt (TAB) and a floating bracket.
How do you secure wires to a tree?
As the tree grows and expands, it would cover and pinch the wire, tearing it and creating a short circuit. Nylon cable ties wrapped around the wire and fastened to stainless steel screws are the right way of attaching the wire to a tree.
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 keep lights on a tree after rain?
Wrap your lights firmly enough to stay on the tree bark, but not as tightly as possible – if your tree swells after a heavy rain, it will need room to expand without damaging your lights. Plan spacing for branches.
How to keep wires from slipping on a tree?
Attach your power source. Run the extension cord from your house to the tree. Wrap the cord around the base of the tree a couple times and tie it in a simple knot so that there’s no risk of unplugging if anything disturbs the cord. Start about one-inch up to keep your wires out of water or snowdrifts.
How to measure a tree for decoration?
Measure the height of the tree with your yardstick or measuring tape. Then measure the circumference of the trunk. Don’t forget a separate set of measurements for any branches you’d like to decorate as well.
How to secure a light strand?
Secure the end of your light strand with a simple knot or twist tie.
How to choose a tree for extension cords?
You also want to choose a tree that 1) your extension cords will reach, and that 2) will be visible to passersby. Note which side of the tree faces the road so you can arrange the display such that the less-sightly ends of cords hang on the back of the tree.
Can you decorate outside branches?
Decorate outside branches, as inside branches may not be as visible.
Can you hang lights on trees in the winter?
Hanging Lights on Trees with Exposed Trunks. Trees like oaks, maples and beeches won’t have leaves left during the winter, so your lights will be more visible. Once you decide on a bulb size (mini, C7 or C8), you’ll need to measure the string lights you want to hang on your outdoor tree. This is a good time to test the lights to make sure all ...
What is the best way to keep outdoor lights from rusting?
When using lights outdoors, spraying a coat of multi-purpose lubricant, like our Q20 , over your lights will help to prolong their lifespan significantly. Q20 helps to stop rust and prevent water ingress, whilst prolonging performance, ensuring you get the most out of your display, year after year.
Can you put Christmas lights on a fir tree?
This will be extremely similar as to how people will normally erect Christmas Lights on a tree indoors, by simply wrapping lights around it from the base upwards. This will be done on a traditional style fir tree, albeit on a much larger scale than the artificial one that you may have indoors! We would recommend connectable lights for this , so that you can tailor the length ideally to your display. All of these come with a male and female connector, so that you can connect the lights easily as you run them around the tree.
How to measure for lights on a tree?
First you will want to measure around the trunk of the tree to find the circumference, and then get a fairly accurate measurement of the height too. Decide how to space out your lights, and divide the height by that distance of space. Lastly, multiply the circumference to find out how many feet of lights you will end up needing.
What happens if you don't have the right lights?
Make sure that you choose lights that are built for the outdoors . If you don’t have the proper lights, this could lead to burns and damage on your trees. When you first get started, make sure that you have secured an extension cord under the tree, and that it is not in a place where it can be pulled out or tripped on.
Do you wrap trees with lights?
Many people like to wrap every inch of their trees with lights, and others just want something subtle. Either way, there are safety precautions to consider, and ways to do it that make your trees much happier.
Can you use staple gun to hang Christmas lights?
Don’t use a staple gun or nail hooks to hang up and secure your lights. While they may seem more convenient than electrical tape, they can cause damage to your trees. Lastly, don’t use just any lights that you find in the Christmas section of your local stores.
Can you redo a tree without gloves?
We don’t recommend attempting this task without wearing gloves. You may experience some splinters and scrapes as a result of a few hours in a tree.
Can you use a ladder on a tree?
Use a ladder if the tree is especially tall, and we would advise not doing this alone. If you have a friend or family member spotting the ladder, there is less of a chance of an accident.
Can you put lights on a tree?
If you are still trying to choose the tree you want to put lights on, make sure you choose a strong, mature one. Your more fragile or younger trees may break under the weight of the lights, or it could warp their growth.
Types of Christmas Lights
Everyone has a different aesthetic when decorating for the holidays. From elegant to whimsical to over the top, Christmas lights come in different sizes and colors to suit many preferences. The first decision to make is what style you want and whether you need to buy indoor or outdoor lights.
How to Put Lights On a Christmas Tree Horizontally
No matter which direction you’re hanging lights, you need to prepare the tree first. Real Christmas trees require a day to naturally settle after being placed in their stand. Artificial trees need to be fluffed up before placing Christmas tree lights.
How to Put Lights On a Christmas Tree Vertically
Many people put lights on their Christmas tree horizontally because that’s how they learned to do it. Placing Christmas lights on a tree vertically is faster, which makes taking them off easier, too. Vertical wrapping also prevents overuse of lights, as fewer bulbs are needed to create a result similar to placing Christmas lights horizontally.
What kind of lights do you use for wrapping a tree?
Popular Lights for Wrapping Indoor & Outdoor Trees. Mini lights: a popular tree light for indoor and outdoor use, especially among vintage Christmas light enthusiasts. When wrapping trees with incandescent lights, it is important to make sure you don't exceed the maximum amount of strings that can be connected together.
How to wrap a tree with Christmas lights?
When wrapping trees with Christmas lights, there are some basic measurements that you need to take into consideration. Measure the circumference of the tree trunk, as well as the circumference and count of any branches you wish to wrap with lights . Determine how much spacing you want both between each light bulb on the string, ...
What size LED light should I use for a tree?
5mm LED lights: the preferred LED bulb size for wrapping outdoor trees with lights. The concave lens design of a wide angle LED bulb produces a much brighter halo of light than that found in an incandescent mini light. The result of this difference in design is less bulbs required per foot when using 5mm LED mini lights.
What is a T5 LED mini light?
T5 LED Mini Lights: T5 mini lights are especially popular for decorators with vintage Christmas tree displays as they look almost identical to traditional incandescent Christmas tree lights but with all the benefits of LED technology!
Why are C7 bulbs needed for tree lights?
Because they are larger in size and light output, far less C7 bulbs are required for tree lighting than mini lights. C7 bulbs and strings can be purchased individually and are also available in convenient all in one light sets with the bulb and light string already paired for quick installation!
How many feet are there in a lighted tree?
Total lighted feet will be approximately 56' for the trunk and four branches
Can you wrap a tree with 1-2 lights?
Many trunks can be wrapped with 1-2. Bushes and hedges - light counts remain standard, however many people choose to use net lights for quick and even coverage. When using light strings, choose random light patterns as opposed to uniform for best effect. Light Wrapped Outdoor Christmas Trees.
