How to Put Lights on an Outdoor Tree - Outdoor Cabinets

Decorating an outdoor tree with lights is a great way to spread holiday cheer and create a festive outdoor display. With the right supplies and a little know-how, you can safely and easily add lights to your outdoor trees. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to put lights on an outdoor tree.

Introduction

Outdoor tree lighting provides a warm, inviting glow and serves as a focal point for any holiday decor. Sparkling lights on an outdoor tree create ambiance and excitement.

When decorating an outdoor tree, it’s important to choose the right lighting for the tree size and location. Smaller trees look best with mini or c7 size lights. Larger trees can handle c9, multi-color lights or even LED bulb strands.

Safety is also key. Only outdoor rated light strands should be used. Careful installation that avoids electrical shorts is a must. With attention to proper products and safe installation, you can create a beautiful and radiant outdoor tree lighting display.

Choosing the Right Lights

The most important first step in decorating an outdoor tree is selecting the proper lighting. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing lights:

Light Size

Mini Lights: Tiniest bulb size, providing understated elegance. Best for small trees and branches.
C7 Lights: Medium bulb size, giving off a warm glow. Ideal for most small to medium trees.
C9 Lights: Large festive bulbs that make a statement. Best for larger trees or making an impact.
LED: Energy saving and long lasting LED light strands. Offer bright illumination and color options.

Light Color

White: Traditional clear white light color that provides sparkling illumination.
Multicolor: Strands with both solid colors and color combinations for a festive and fun look.
Solid Color: Single color strands like red, blue, or green for themed decor.

Number of Lights

Choose the number of light bulbs based on your tree height and fullness. Start with 100-150 lights per vertical foot.
Buy multiple light strands if needed to completely cover your tree. Connect multiple strands together.

Ratings

Choose only outdoor rated lighting that is designated for exterior use.
Look for weatherproof cords, connectors, and bulbs. Quality lights withstand outdoor elements.
Seek lights that are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified for safety.

Power Source

Opt for LED lights to allow hooking multiple light strands into a single outlet.
Extension cords may be required to reach distant trees and should also be outdoor rated.
Use a portable generator to power tree lighting if no outdoor outlets are accessible.

Preparing the Tree for Lights

Before decorating, do some tree preparation to make lighting installation easier and safer:

Inspect the Tree

Look for dead branches which should be pruned before installing lights.
Check for weak and fragile branches that cannot support light strands.
See if the tree will require trimming in any areas to allow lights to hang properly.

Plan Your Lighting Zones

Visualize how you want to distribute lights over different parts of the tree.
Determine if you’ll light just outer branches or also interior sections.
Plan what mix of lighting colors/sizes you’ll use in each area.

Clean Around the Trunk

Clear fallen leaves, dirt, and debris from the base of the tree. This allows easy access.
Keep the area around the trunk clean throughout the season for decorating and display.

Installing the Lights Properly

To maximize safety, efficiency, and the visual impact of your lighting, follow these guidelines when installing lights on your outdoor tree:

Work from Bottom to Top

Anchor lights at the base of the trunk and work upward from there to the top.
This avoids tangling strands or damaging lights as you decorate higher areas.

Neatly Drape Lights Over Branches

Arrange lights neatly to avoid messy tangles and dangling wires.
Drape one strand at a time over branches in an orderly, methodical fashion.
Fasten lights carefully with plastic clips or hooks to prevent bulbs from slipping.

Loop Lights for Full Coverage

Wrap light strands around branches like a wreath to fill in dense foliage.
Use light loops to decorate interior parts of the tree in addition to outer branches.
Think 3D by encircling branches vertically and horizontally for multi-dimensional effects.

Connect Multiple Strands Properly

When using multiple light strands, connect them using weather-safe extension cords and outlets.
Never overload a single outlet by plugging in too many strands.
For connecting strands end-to-end, use plastic clips to join wires. Avoid knotting which can cause shorts.
LED lights allow using more strands since they draw much less power.

Point Bulbs Outward

Angle bulbs to shine outward and be visible after installation. Avoid bulbs pointing inward.
For the full effect, sweep back branches or use clips to keep lights facing out.
Make sure hidden bulbs aren’t concealed by dense foliage or accidental twisting of wires during installation.

Secure Connections & Cords

Use plastic clips or ties to firmly fasten light strand connections and prevent pulling apart.
Anchor cords tightly to branches using insulated staples to stop cords from sagging or dropping.
Prevent damage by keeping cords off the ground and away from heavy foot traffic.

Check Lights Frequently

Carefully check for loose connections, damaged wires, or faulty bulbs during installation and periodically after.
Replace individual bulbs promptly to maintain an uninterrupted lighting display.
Consider using a GFCI outlet which will shut off power if a short occurs in lighting or cords.

Lighting Different Types of Outdoor Trees

Decorating various tree varieties requires unique approaches. Here are tips for lighting some popular outdoor trees:

Evergreens

Drape mini lights over branches for a soft glow that enhances evergreen foliage.
For conical trees, spiral strands vertically from top to bottom.
On bushy evergreens, outline the outer perimeter first, then decorate interior areas.

Weeping Trees

Accentuate the elegant draping branches using white mini lights.
Cascading lights from high branches down to lower ones looks spectacular.
For fullest coverage, wrap lights using decorative hooks on branches.

Fruit Trees

Showcase branches with white C7 or multi-color C9 bulbs.
Lights in fruit trees look best when the tree is mature with an abundant canopy.
For ease, decorate fruit trees when vegetation is minimal to allow light penetration.

Flowering Trees

Enhance the romantic look of flowering branches with strands of LED lights.
Softer light colors like white, amber or pink complement flowering trees.
Time lighting with blooming for maximum impact.

Palm Trees

Accent tall palm trunks with vertical strands of mini lights.
Wrap lights around palm fronds to illuminate the distinctive top foliage.
For a tropical look, use displays with a color theme like multi-colored LEDs.

Creative Lighting Ideas and Tips

Beyond standard application, there are many creative ways to light your outdoor tree uniquely:

Sculpt an Illuminated Tree Shape

Carefully clip strands at intervals to only light desired sections and create a “sculpted” shape.
Try lighting just the top, sides, bottom perimeter, or just a few thicker branches.

Use Tree Wraps and Forms

Enhance the shape by wrapping a net lighted form around the tree before draping strands.
For fuller lighting effects, first wrap strands vertically on forms attached to the trunk, then drape lights outward.

Light Interior Tree Areas

Illuminate not just outer branches but also inside sections for added dimension.
Weaving mini lights deep within foliage creates an enchanting glow.

Incorporate Shimmering Ornaments

Hang reflective bulbs, balls, tinsels, or icicles to add shimmer and sparkle to lighted branches.
Position ornaments strategically to maximize tree coverage by lights.

Change Colors and Patterns

Use separate strands of different colors which can be alternated or controller remotely.
An RGB LED controller cycles the lights through various colors and patterns like fades or flashes.

Try Projector Lights

Landscape projectors can cast designs like snowflakes or tree images for added flair.
Use gobos to make customized light patterns.

Accent With Spotlights

Install spotlights in shrubs or aimed at the tree to highlight specific areas or ornaments.
Uplights placed low on the trunk or ground can create dramatic silhouetting.

Add Tree Toppers

Place lighted tree top decor like a star, angel, or ornament for the ideal finishing touch.
Incorporate the topper colors when selecting the optimal light strands.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Tree Lighting

While decorating trees with lights creates stunning displays, safety should also be made a priority:

Use only lights rated for outdoor usage. Look for weatherproof seals and cords.
Check light strands for broken bulbs or exposed wires that could cause hazards.
Fasten cords carefully to avoid tripping hazards or pulling lights down.
Never nail or pierce light strands which could damage wiring and cause serious shock risk.
Do not overload outlets or extension cords. Follow loading maximums.
Avoid excessive coiling or tight bending of cords which can damage them over time.
Position spotlights and projectors away from flammable foliage.
Turn off tree lighting before going to bed or leaving the house for extended periods.
Check local regulations, as some communities restrict certain types of exterior lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lights do I need per foot of tree?

The standard recommendation is around 100-150 mini lights per vertical foot of tree height. For larger C7 or C9 bulbs, you may need 50-100 lights per foot. Evaluate the fullness and density of foliage. More lights may be required for trees with a fuller profile.

Is it better to use LED or incandescent lights?

LED light strands are highly recommended. LEDs are much more durable and energy efficient. They also emit less heat, which is safer for the tree. LEDs allow connecting more strands into one outlet without overloading.

What is the best way to attach lights to branches?

Use plastic clips or hooks designated for Christmas lights. These will hold strands firmly in place without damaging branches. Avoid nailing or just wrapping loose lights around branches which can cause sagging. Secure light connections with plastic clips or ties.

How do I decorate the very top of a tall tree safely?

Use a tall ladder to reach the highest branches. Exercise extreme caution and ask a helper to stabilize the ladder for safety. Never lean or stretch dangerously far from the ladder top. For hard to reach spots, attach lights first to forms or netting which is then hoisted and secured on top of the tree.

How do I connect multiple light strands together?

Follow the connection instructions that come with the lights, using provided connector clips or caps. Joining strands end-to-end will continue the lighting circuit. Be sure not to overload the total number of strands that can safely be connected based on manufacturer ratings.

Conclusion

The glow and glimmer of lights on an outdoor tree can create a magical and inviting atmosphere for the holidays or year-round. By following the guidelines provided on how to properly choose, prepare, install, and creatively decorate an outdoor tree with lights, you can produce beautiful, dramatic lighting displays while also maintaining critical safety. Think carefully about the size, branch density and height of your specific tree when planning the lighting design and selecting products. With attention to detail, you can light up any tree for maximum visual enjoyment and holiday spirit. Your illuminated outdoor tree will become a shining beacon of seasonal joy for your family and passersby.

Hopefully this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information and tips you need to successfully tackle your outdoor tree lighting project. May your newly decorated tree brighten your home and lift your holiday mood all season long. Go forth and let your tree shine brightly day or night as a glorious symbol of the festive spirit.