How to String Lights on an Outdoor Tree - Outdoor Cabinets

Decorating an outdoor tree with string lights is a great way to add festive ambiance and visual interest to your yard. With the right supplies and techniques, you can safely and beautifully illuminate any tree for holidays, parties, or year-round enjoyment. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to string lights on an outdoor tree.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need:

Lights

String lights – Choose the number of bulbs and length based on the size of your tree. Opt for outdoor-safe lights that are waterproof and UV-resistant. LED lights last the longest.
Extension cords – Heavy duty outdoor extension cords will be necessary to connect your light strands to an outlet. Get cords with sufficient length to reach your tree.
Surge protector – Use a surge protector designed for outdoor use to protect your lights from electrical surges.
Timer or photo eye – These accessories allow you to automate when your tree lights turn on and off each day.

Securing Supplies

Zip ties – Use UV-resistant zip ties to attach light strands to branches. Get different sizes to match branch thickness.
Clips – Plastic clips can also attach your lights to branches and come in C and S shapes.
Eye hooks or cup hooks – Screw these hooks into your tree’s trunk to hang string light bundles.
Staple gun & staples – A staple gun allows you to staple lights to wooden surfaces like a fence or railing.
Nails or screws – Use these and outdoor-safe wire to secure light strands against other surfaces.
Gaffer’s tape – This strong, heavy-duty tape won’t damage surfaces and can adhere lights.

Safety Gear

Scissors -Keep a pair handy for trimming zip ties and making adjustments.
Ladder – Use a sturdy ladder to reach high branches safely.
Work gloves – Gloves will protect your hands from scratchy bark and branches when installing lights.

Choose the Right Tree

Pick an outdoor tree that’s well-suited for string lights:

The tree should have sufficient branch coverage to attach and hide lights. Dense evergreens like spruces are great choices.
opt for trees with mature and sturdy branches that can hold the weight of the lights without drooping or snapping.
Trees that are too tall or sparse may not showcase lights well or provide enough attachment points.
Try to choose a tree that’s easily accessible from your house so you can run electrical cords and reach branches from a ladder.
Avoid decorating trees near power lines or other electrical hazards. Contact a professional for help with hard-to-reach trees.

Plan Your Lighting Design

Take some time to plan your lighting setup before stringing:

Walk around the tree and visualize how you want it to look when illuminated.
Note any obstructions like fences or buildings that may block light visibility.
Map out how you’ll run cords and wires through the area to reach an outlet. Dig shallow trenches to bury cords if needed.
Decide if you want lights wrapping the trunk, adorning the branches, or both. This will determine how many strands you need.
Make a lighting plan sketch showing the number and placement of lights. This will make installing easier.
Plan to use 100 bulbs per foot for good coverage. Measure the tree circumference to determine bulb needs.

Test Lights Before Hanging

It’s smart to test your string lights before hanging them:

Plug in lights and check that all bulbs illuminate. Replace any dead bulbs.
Check for faulty sockets or frayed cords and discard any defective strands.
Ensure the light timer or photoeye works properly when plugged in.
Use a light tester to check for faulty wiring that could short or cause fires.
Test extension cords and ensure adequate power transmission.
If using clips or hooks, attach lights temporarily to test if they grip well and position lights properly before permanent installation.

Testing beforehand ensures your decorating project goes smoothly!

Install Tree Trunk Lights

Wrapping tree trunks creates a beautiful effect:

Working from the bottom up, start by coiling lights around the base of the trunk in a spiral shape. Work upwards in a spiral/corkscrew pattern.
As you coil, loop lights through branches coming off the trunk to anchor them. Avoid tightly wrapping lights around smaller tender branches.
Hide cords in the back of the tree or under branches. Keep cords loose enough so they don’t tug.
On trees with multiple trunks, spiral lights around each trunk section starting from the bottom. Join sections with vertical strands.
To wrap lights upward into branches, drape cords over sturdy branches above eye-level and use hooks to lift them up.
Step back frequently to check that lights are positioned evenly as you install.

Secure Branch Lights

Follow these tips for safely installing lights along branches:

Start at the top of the tree and work your way down. This lets you hide wires better.
Place clip or zip-tie light anchors every 6-12 inches. Position them on undersides of branches.
Avoid weighing down slender tips of branches. Stick to thicker branches closer to the trunk.
When using staple guns, only staple lights to sturdy wooden surfaces like fence posts to avoid damaging trees.
Wrap lights loosely when attaching them to avoid constricting branch growth.
Drape lights vertically between branches to cover gaps and create blanketed tree coverage.
Step back and adjust strands as needed for even coverage and to minimize tangled cords.

Connect to Power Source Safely

Follow electrical safety codes when powering your lights:

Only use outdoor-rated cords and outlet covers. Inspect for damage before use.
Ensure cords are UL-certified to avoid fire risks. Never exceed recommended wattages.
Use surge protectors and avoid overloading outlets to prevent blown fuses or electrical fires.
Do not staple or nail cords directly into trees. This damages protective coatings.
For permanent power, hire an electrician to hardwire an outdoor receptacle near the tree.
Dig trenches for burying extension cords between trees and outlets if needed.
Do not run cords through standing water or snow. Use outdoor cord covers to avoid tripping hazards.

Waterproofing and Weatherproofing

Take steps to make sure your tree lights hold up in outdoor conditions:

Choose UL-rated, waterproof lights made specifically for outdoor use. Look for IP65+ ratings.
For DIY waterproofing, coat exposed bulb sockets with dielectric grease or silicone sealant.
Use weatherproof zip ties, clips, and extension cords. Check ratings before using.
Avoid using staples or nails to hang lights to prevent creating holes for water intrusion.
Store extra extension cords and timers/sensors in weatherproof bins or bags.
For lights on fences or railings, place a strip of waterproof tape beneath them to prevent rain pooling.
Check lights for water buildup after wet weather. Gently wipe and air dry before reinstalling if needed.

Light Removal and Storage

When the season ends, carefully remove and store your lights:

To avoid tangling, coil each light strand separately before packing away.
Inspect lights while coiling and discard any damaged strands.
Use plastic bins, bags with grommets, or resealable plastic totes to keep lights dust-free and dry.
Store lights flat or hang them neatly coiled on wall hooks in a clean, cool garage or basement.
Label each light strand with tape indicating where it was installed. This aids next year’s setup.
Disconnect timers and extension cords last after taking down lights. Dry thoroughly before storage.
Maintain your outdoor lights carefully each year and they’ll provide many seasons of enjoyment!

Decorating Inspiration and Ideas

Looking for creative ways to decorate your tree with lights? Try these fun ideas:

Make it multi-colored – Use different color light strands on the trunk, branches, or in patterns for a vibrant look.
Create layers – Outline trees with net or curtain lights, then fill branches with mini string lights.
Use filler lights – Fill in bare spots by weaving mini LED filament bulbs into branches.
Add ornaments – Hang outdoor-safe ornaments from branches alongside lights for more sparkle.
Make it festive – Incorporate decor like bows, garlands, ribbons, and tinsel for themed holiday flair.
Use gels or lenses – Colored gels on bulbs or patterned lenses diffuse light beautifully.
Go geometric – Outline tree shape with straight lines of lights rather than winding randomly.
Accent with spotlights – Use cleverly positioned spotlights to highlight focal points.
Layer on string drapes – Suspend string lights overhead like chandeliers.

Let your creativity run wild! Any combination of lights transforms outdoor trees into magical focal points.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Having trouble with your tree lights? Try these troubleshooting tips:

Lights not turning on:

Check for loose plugs, faulty timers, tripped breakers, or GFCIs. Reset/reconnect.
Inspect wires for damage. Any nicks or cuts in insulation can prevent lights from working.
LED lights can have polarity issues. Try reversing plug direction.
Replace any dead photoeye or motion sensor batteries if applicable.

Lights flickering:

Look for loose, frayed, or cracked wires and damaged light sockets. Replace defective strands.
LED lights can flicker if underpowered. Try connecting each strand directly to its own outlet.
Blinking can also indicate a faulty bulb. Locate and replace the bad bulb.

Lights falling down:

Re-tighten or reposition any loose light clips or fasteners.
For persistent issues, move strands to stronger branches or remount with stronger clips.
Weight from rain or snow may cause sliding. Check mounts after storms.

Trip hazards:

Bury extension cords when possible or secure cords to trees/stakes with zip ties to avoid tripping risks.
Use outdoor cord covers or ramps to safely cover exposed cords across walkways.

By systematically checking mounts, wires, bulbs, and electrical connections you can quickly troubleshoot and resolve any issues!

Safety Tips

When decorating trees with lights, keep these important safety guidelines in mind:

Use a fiberglass ladder on level ground and get help to avoid falls. Never lean or reach too far.
Check for overhead power lines before using long poles or ladders which conduct electricity.
Confirm lights and connectors are rated for outdoor use and properly grounded.
Only connect the recommended number of light strands to avoid overheating or sparks.
Never nail or staple into the tree itself as this can damage the protective bark.
Position cords carefully to avoid tripping hazards and don’t run extension cords above ground across lawns or sidewalks.
Check timers, dimmers, and photoeyes frequently as dirt or water can short the components.
Turn off all tree lights before replacing bulbs or making adjustments to avoid shocks.
Monitor tree lights for burn marks, damaged cords, or loose connections and promptly replace.

By following basic safety practices, you can decorate worry-free and enjoy your brightened outdoor space!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about lighting up your outdoor tree? Check out these common FAQs:

How many light strands can I connect together?

Check manufacturer instructions, but you should only connect a maximum of 3 light strands together end-to-end. Connecting over 3-4 strands can overload the wires and blow fuses.

How do I prevent squirrels or birds from chewing the lights?

Look for lights made with sturdy PVC coating which deters chewing. You can also coat cords with bitter tasting anti-chew spray designed for outdoor use.

Is it safe to hang lights on a metal tree?

Yes, metal trees are ideal for supporting lighting. Just ensure you are using outdoor-rated, grounded light strings and outlet accessories to avoid any risk of electrocution.

Should I leave the lights on 24/7 or timer?

For convenience, a timer allows you to automatically turn lights on/off at set times each day without flipping the switch. Just ensure the timer is rated for outdoor use.

How high should I hang light strands in the tree?

Ideally, drape light strands 10-12 feet high throughout the tree for the best coverage, or hang them as high as you can safely reach. Use a ladder and assistants for taller trees.

How do I decorate multiple trees?

Run extension cords between each tree, then plug light strands from each additional tree into the previous tree’s cord. Use multiple outlets on surge protectors as needed.

Final Tips

Lighting up a tree in your yard creates such a magical atmosphere at night. By following these tips on how to string lights on outdoor trees, you’ll be ready to tackle this fun project safely. Remember to:

Use sturdy ladders and enlist help for hard-to-reach branches
Test all lights fully before permanently mounting
Attach lights securely using outdoor-rated clips or fasteners
Ensure electrical cords and components are outdoor-rated and grounded
Layer lights and incorporate other decor for added flair
Waterproof connections and components to withstand weather
Monitor for issues like loose lights or damaged wires

With the right approach and high quality lighting, you’ll love the gorgeous glow enhancing your outdoor space day or night!