How To Put Lights On A Tree Outside – The Right Way

Are you aware learn how to put lights on a tree outdoors? Christmas lights are completely magical, however what isn’t so magical is the precise wrapping of the lights across the tree. Did you purchase the proper lights and sufficient of them to wrap an outside tree in Christmas lights? Did you choose an acceptable tree? Is there {an electrical} supply close to mentioned tree? Let’s not even get into disentangling the lights.

So many questions for what would appear to be a easy course of. Actually, who knew that if you wish to wrap timber in Christmas lights you would wish a level in arithmetic and the talent set of a grasp contractor? Don’t fret, nevertheless. If you need this uncommon tackle a Christmas tree, we’ll present you ways.

What You Want To Wrap a Tree With Lights

(Picture credit score: David Taljat / Getty Pictures)

The very first thing you might want to take into account earlier than illuminating a residing tree with lights is the kind of tree and its dimension. Select a mature tree that may stand up to the load of the lights.

Be sure that the chosen tree aligns along with your lighting imaginative and prescient. Some, like deciduous timber, have intricate department buildings upon which lights will be held on the department ideas, across the trunk and woven amongst the branches, making for a dramatic light-up. Others, like some firs, have dense foliage which suggests the lights will be held on the outside of the tree solely; a very totally different look.

Subsequent in fact, you will want lights. Be sure that to decide on lights which might be made for the outside. Then you might want to perform a little math.

Find out how to Measure a Tree for Lights

Looking up the trunk of a tree wrapped in lights at night

You will have to know the circumference and peak of the tree. You may simply eyeball the measurement, however in case you don’t wish to be in need of lights, it’s higher to really measure the tree.

Then decide how a lot spacing you need between every bulb on the string and the way far aside you wish to wrap the string of lights.

To determine the size of lights you will want, divide the peak of the tree by the spacing you need and multiply this whole by the circumference of the tree. This will provide you with the whole lighted feed you might want to wrap the tree in lights.

Totally different Methods To Wrap a Tree With Lights

So you have got a plan and lights however are nonetheless questioning the way you wrap a tree with lights. The most well-liked lighting strategies are spiral wrap and vertical strand.

Spiral wraps means wrapping the lights across the tree in a curve across the floor of the tree upward from the bottom. Begin from the underside and work your means up the tree. This lighting technique highlights the form of the tree and creates a dramatic, twisted impact. It additionally lets you modify the spacing between lights.

The vertical strand technique of lighting is rather like it sounds. It includes hanging strands of lights vertically from the highest to the bottom of the tree, ensuring that every strand is evenly spaced. This lighting technique works properly on taller timber, highlighting their stature.

Find out how to Wrap a Tree With Lights

A tree trunk wrapped in multicolor Christmas lights

So that you’ve selected the variety of string lights you want and what timber you want to gentle up, now what? First off, plug the strands of lights in and ensure they work! It will be tragic to have wrapped a complete tree after which the lights don’t work.

Then begin by rolling the string of lights right into a ball, starting with the feminine plug finish. Gently rolling the lights right into a ball makes them simpler to deal with. To make issues even simpler, you possibly can mark the spacing you’re utilizing alongside the tree with a chunk of chalk.

Begin on the base of the trunk and start wrapping. The male finish of the plug needs to be down at floor stage. Wrap pretty snugly towards the tree limb or trunk. Not each department must be wrapped, however you need to attempt to evenly distribute the lights. Normally, all the trunk is wrapped with lights after which up into the cover about 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) excessive.

Relying upon the dimensions of your tree, you could want a ladder, one other individual or perhaps a cherry picker, particularly for these tall fir timber. Full the wrapping and safe the tip of the final string by zip-tying it to the department.

Incessantly Requested Questions

Is it protected to place lights on an outside tree?

Sure, it’s protected to place lights on an outside tree so long as the tree is wholesome and freed from useless leaves and branches, you employ lights particularly made for outside use, and in case you test to ensure your extension wire is outside rated and undamaged.

Is it simpler to place lights on a tree from the highest or backside?

It’s a lot simpler to place lights on beginning on the backside or trunk of the tree than on the prime. Plus you’d have an unpleasant extension wire on the prime in case you began wrapping the lights from the highest.