The holidays are right around the corner, and many people will be looking for creative ways to decorate their homes. Wrapping trees with outdoor lights is a great way to create that festive feeling.
Before you begin decorating, it's important to take some measurements of the tree and note how many lights will be required. The length and width of your tree should be measured in inches - this will help determine if half strings or full
LED lights are the most common type of outdoor light that people use. These lights are perfect for wrapping trees because they can be easily snaked around branches and leaves, as well as shapes like Christmas ornaments.
However, there are several steps you need to follow before beginning your tree wrapping journey.
What You'll Need
- Ladder
- Tape Measure
- A string of lights ( LED lights are most common)
- Plant tape
- Scissors or Wire Cutters
- Outdoor extension cord
Choose the Trees for Lighting
Decide which trees will be decorated. Measure them to ensure that you have enough lights for the job.
Measure the Tree Trunk and Branches
Get out your tape measure - this part is not as fun as stringing up all of those lights, but it's essential if you want a professional-looking tree decoration. Start by measuring the circumference of your tree trunk. This is not just important for determining how many lights you'll need, it will also tell you exactly where to wrap them around.
Take measurements of branches if needed - these are most likely going to be small trees in pots that sit on porch steps or balconies. Make note of any obstructions when measuring - perhaps there's a railing or another tree in the way.
Tree Wrapping Techniques
There are a few different techniques for wrapping trees with lights, depending on how you plan to decorate them. Whichever method you choose should also depend on if your rope is traditional Christmas lights (which can be difficult) or LED ones which tend to be easier to work with.
Method One: Wrapping the Trunk
The string of lights should be wrapped around the trunk in increments, depending on how wide your tree is and how many single lines you have available. For example, if your trunk is four inches wide and you only have one line of lights left (half strings), then you should wrap four inches of lights around the trunk.
The string of lights should be wrapped around the trunk in increments, depending on how wide your tree is and how many single lines you have available. For example, if your trunk is four inches wide and you only have one line of lights left (half strings), then you should wrap four inches of lights around the trunk.
Method Two: Wrapping Branches
This technique is best for trees with lots of branches that you want to cover in decorative ornaments like wreaths, pinecones, and snowflakes. Take one strand of LED lights at a time and use plant tape (or your hands) to attach the strand to a branch. If you plan on using ornaments, make sure that they can easily fit between each light and aren't so heavy that they will pull down the lights when hanging from a tree limb.
Method Three: Wrapping Lights Around Tree Trunk and Branches
This is perhaps the most difficult method, but it's also the most thorough. Tree lights are wrapped around both the trunk and branches in this technique, which is best for trees that have an awkward shape or multiple levels of branches. Start by wrapping lights entirely around each branch at least once to ensure complete coverage. Any gaps between lights might be visible when decorations are added later on.
Turn the lights off periodically to check your progress. You can always unwrap and try again if it doesn't look right. Once you're satisfied, turn the power back on for good!
Secure the String
Strings can be secured with plant tape, which is really just heavy-duty green duct tape that sticks well to trees. The end goal here is for the lights to stay in place even when hanging ornaments on them. If they fall off every time someone walks by then your tree isn't going to look very festive.
After the lights are wrapped and secured, plug them into an outdoor extension cord and test each strand before hanging it. Make sure that they're all working properly.
Decorate the Tree
Lights are only half of what makes a tree look beautiful during the holiday season - ornaments, garland, and other decorations can really make your lighting stand out. Make sure that everything you hang is weatherproof if outside on an enclosed porch or balcony otherwise it will be ruined by rain or snow throughout the winter.