Those who know me are well aware of my love for Christmas. It’s, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year!
I’ve always been fond of Christmas decorations ever since I was a kid. From setting up the tree to decking the halls, I’ve done it all, and with a ton of excitement each year.
Now, with Christmas around the corner, I’m sure all of you are gearing up for the festivities. Well, my neighborhood here in Tyler, Texas, has begun preparations in full swing.
Just the other day, I noticed the kids of my area struggling with putting lights up on a large outdoor tree. What can I say? It took me back down memory lane when my family and I faced a similar situation.
And I decided to help them out by sharing a few tips and tricks I learned back in the day. The smile on their faces, once they managed to wrap the lights on the tree, is what prompted me to put together this informative guide for all you wonderful readers.
Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith. And today, I’m here to help you learn how to put Christmas lights on a large outdoor tree.
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Putting Christmas Lights On A Large Outdoor Tree
Whether putting up an award-winning display outside or decorating a tree, Christmas is all about lights, colors, and sounds that bring joy. And there’s nothing better than taking a stroll through a stunning, lit-up neighborhood during the festive season.
So, like every other homeowner, you’re expected to brighten up your home’s exterior with sparkling lights. The best way to do this is by wrapping string lights on large outdoor trees, but that’s what most people struggle with.
Now, I’ve promised to help, so let’s not waste any more time and go through the steps you need to follow while putting Christmas lights on trees with large branches.
1. Preparations
Before you begin putting up the lights, make sure you’re well equipped with the things needed for the purpose. These include a ladder, tape measure, ring connectors, electrical tape, outdoor extension cords, and of course, LED string lights.
For a precise arrangement, measure the height and circumference of the tree trunk. Feel free to take the help of a friend or family member to climb up the ladder and measure the length of the branches you wish to wrap.
I don’t really find it necessary to adorn every single branch, but that depends on you. What I can advise is prioritizing the outer branches that are more visible to maximize the coverage area of the light strands.
2. Start Wrapping At The Trunk
I’m sure you have prior experience decorating an indoor Christmas tree. Well, the wrapping process is similar for larger outdoor trees.
Create a ball of lights to make wrapping easier and connect the plug to a power source installed at the tree’s base. You can then start wrapping the lights around the bottom of the trunk, working upwards all the way to the top.
If you ask me, the best lights to use for tall trees are connectable strands as their lengths can be adjusted according to your requirements. On the contrary, LED lights are brighter and more energy-efficient; consequently, they last longer than traditional lights.
3. Work The Branches
You’ll have to climb up the ladder to wrap Christmas lights around the tree’s branches. For this, prior planning is needed to know when to double the lights back towards the base. This will determine how the overall light spacing might be affected.
Again, I find it imperative to emphasize that there’s no need to drape every branch. You don’t even have to wrap the full length of any branch. Just have whoever’s helping you provide aesthetic feedback from down to determine the most suitable placement and arrangement.
4. Fasten The String Lights
In order to avoid loose strands, you’ll need ring connectors or ring terminals for fastening the wiring into place. This is an essential step to prevent wires from dangling and unraveling.
Hooks and ring connectors can be used to hold the very end of the string lights to the tree’s trunk and branches. However, I wouldn’t recommend using adhesive hooks, especially in wetter regions. Electrical tape is probably your best bet in such weather conditions, as it’s more likely to stay put.
5. Taking The Required Safety Measures
Make sure you pick a clear day with no rain or snow to put Christmas lights on your tall outdoor tree. Also, remember that minimal wind will make your task more convenient and safer; it’s even better if there’s no wind at all, but that’s unlikely during winters.
Once you finish wrapping the lights around the tree’s trunk and branch, don’t forget to secure the extension cords to avoid hazards like tripping.
Summing It Up
Most homeowners prefer leaving their Christmas lights installation to professionals, but that isn’t really necessary if you’re equipped with the right tools. Believe it or not, hanging or wrapping string lights on large trees outdoors is a realistic DIY project.
There’s definitely some level of planning and forethought involved. However, with the right information, you’ll be able to get your home exterior dazzling with lit-up trees in no time.
That’s been my primary focus throughout this guide, so I really hope you find the tips and tricks mentioned above useful while decorating your yard or lawn. Also, don’t forget to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid hazards.
On that note, I’ll now conclude this brief informative guide on the topic. But you can always reach out to me in case you’re in need of lawn care tips or have any queries related to Christmas lighting and decorations.
I’ll take your leave, while you gear up for the holidays!