Decorating your home for the holidays can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching outdoor decoration this Christmas, consider making a Christmas tree out of lights! With some planning and creativity, you can design a stunning illuminated tree that will wow your neighbors and get you in the holiday spirit.
Getting Started
Making an outdoor Christmas tree of lights takes a bit of preparation, but it’s easier than you might think. Here are the supplies you’ll need:
- String lights – The most important part! Choose incandescent or LED string lights designed for outdoor use. You’ll need several strands. Go with mini lights for a more realistic tree look.
- Light clips – Plastic clips that attach lights to a pole or frame. Get enough clips for all your lights.
- Pole or frame – This will be the “trunk” and structure for your tree. You can use PVC pipe, metal conduit, or a tall wooden pole. Opt for at least 6 feet tall.
- Extension cords & timer – To plug in your lights and set on a display schedule. Outdoor-rated cords are a must.
- Decorations (optional) – Ribbon, ornaments, garland or other decor to adorn your tree frame.
- Fasteners – To mount everything securely. Zip ties, electrical tape and weather-resistant screws or nails.
When choosing materials, try to go with weather-resistant and durable options meant for long-term outdoor use. Planning out your design on paper first can also help the setup go smoothly.
Creating the Frame
The “skeleton” of your Christmas tree of lights starts with the frame or pole. Here are some options:
PVC Pipe Tree
PVC pipe is inexpensive and easy to work with. Use 1 1/2″ or 2″ diameter pipes.
- Cut a 6′ long piece for the center trunk.
- Cut four 5′ long pieces and four 4′ long pieces to form the layers of branches.
- Use PVC joints to connect the pipes into a Christmas tree shape.
Conduit or Pole Tree
Use metal electrical conduit or a tall wooden pole as a simple trunk. Hammer steps into the pole to clip branches onto.
- Drive stakes next to the pole for support wires to keep it upright.
- Use a taller center pole for a big tree, or cut conduit into smaller pieces for a medium tree.
Ladder Tree
Turn a regular extension ladder into an instant tree frame.
- Place the ladder upright and fold the top rungs down into a tree shape.
- Secure with zip ties or clamps and add diagonal support wires.
- Use the built-in ladder steps as places to attach your string lights.
Adding Lights
Once your frame is ready, it’s time to drape it with lights! Here are some tips:
- Start at the bottom and work upwards in sections. Outline the shape by circling lights around each “branch.”
- To create fullness, also zig-zag lights up and down the branches and trunk. Wrap the pole in a spiral for a neat look.
- Choose one light color or mix multiple colors. Match your color scheme to the overall look you want.
- When clipping on each bulb, leave a little slack in the cord to prevent bulbs from getting pulled off.
- Try to evenly space bulbs and avoid big dark gaps in the design. Step back periodically to check for gaps as you go.
- For a warm incandescent look, use mini C7 or C9 bulbs. For bright and energy-efficient, try LED mini lights.
- On the biggest bottom branches, wrap extra lights to make that section brightest. This mimics the full shape of a real tree.
- If using lights on a ladder tree, take precautions not to overload any one rung with too much weight.
Extra Decorations
Once the lights are in place, the fun part is adding decor! Here are some easy ways to embellish your display:
- Wrap ribbon in a spiral around the trunk from top to bottom. Use wide wired ribbon that will stay in place.
- Hang outdoor ornaments from the branches using ornament hooks. Shatterproof ornaments are best.
- entwine the branches with garland. Opt for plastic garland made for the outdoors.
- Add fiber optic snowfall lights for a wintry sparkle. Intermix them with the string lights.
- Top with a tree topper like a light-up star or angel. Secure it carefully to stay on in wind.
- Wrap gifts or decorative boxes with bows at the base of the tree as festive outdoor presents.
Setting Up the Display
A few last steps will get your masterpiece looking picture-perfect:
- Place your tree in an open spot where it can easily be seen and appreciated. The front yard or lawn is ideal.
- Anchor into the ground with stakes or sandbags so it doesn’t blow over in gusty weather.
- Use extension cords rated for outdoor use to plug in and connect the lights. Use multiple outlets.
- Set lights on a timer to automatically turn on at dusk and off later at night when you go to bed.
- Do a daylight test run before it gets dark to be sure all the lights are working and glowing brightly. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
- Keep lights away from flammable materials and sprinklers. Position away from dry grass and bushes.
- Check on the tree periodically to fix any loose lights or decorations. Refasten anything that gets damaged or blown around by wind.
With some creativity and strategic planning, you can build an incredible outdoor Christmas tree made entirely from lights! It’s sure to impress your neighbors and spread joyful holiday spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lights do I need?
This depends on the size and coverage you want, but plan on buying at least 4-6 strands of 100-count lights for a robust medium-sized tree, more for a larger display.
What are the best lights to use?
Look for incandescent mini string lights or LED string lights specifically rated and tested for outdoor use. Avoid standard indoor lights which are not weather-resistant.
How do I attach lights to a metal or wood pole?
Use plastic clip-on light fasteners, often called Christmas light clips. Hammer them into the pole wherever you want to secure a bulb.
Should I plug all the lights into one outlet?
No, for safety reasons, it’s best to use multiple outdoor-rated extension cords to spread the electrical load over several outlets.
How do I keep my tree stable?
Anchor the base in concrete, or use ground stakes guy wires. You can also use sandbags or weights to keep a pole or ladder tree from tipping.
What about rain and snow?
Look for waterproof light strings designed for wet conditions. You can also disassemble the tree and store lights away when not in use to protect them.
Conclusion
Creating a stunning Christmas tree made of string lights takes some effort, but provides gorgeous holiday decor like no other. With creative planning and bright, durable lights, you can build a festive tree that will shine as a beacon of light during the holiday season. Pay attention to details like anchoring, spacing, and neatly wrapping light strands to make decorating your outdoor tree with lights a fun way to impress and spread Christmas joy.