How to Put Christmas Lights on Outdoor Trees

Holiday lights can turn a cold yard into a illuminated delight.

Holiday decor doesn't have to be limited to the interior of the home. You can cascade your yard with Christmas joy by putting Christmas lights on outdoor trees. It doesn't matter what type of trees are decked out; traditional evergreens work well, but even a leafless oak or stately palm will do. Holiday lights can turn a cold yard into a illuminated delight and make just about any yard a winter wonderland.

Things You'll Need

• Outdoor lights
• Outdoor extension cord (optional)
• Ladder (optional)
• Wire and snips (optional)

Instructions

1. Note the location of the outlet nearest the trees you're decorating and either factor in the length of more lights or get an extension cord that can reach them.

2. Untangle the lights and stretch them out. Test the lights by plugging them in.

3. Climb the ladder to the position where you want the lights to begin. This might be the triangular tip of an evergreen or halfway up a lumbering palm. Place the tip of the light strand against a tree branch and secure it by winding a small piece of wire around the strand and the tree's branch.

4. Circle the light strand as wide as you want it around the tree, tucking or weaving the lights in between branches as you go around. Wind your way in a downward spiral motion until the lights are as low as you want them to go.

5. Secure the lights in place by snipping small pieces of the wire off the main coil and looping the wire around the light strand and the tree branch, twisting the loop closed.

6. Use the same methods of wrapping the lights in a spiral for other trees, alternating an upward spiral, then a downward spiral.

7. Plug the lights into an outlet or an extension cord.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not sure how long a light strand or extension cord you'll need, loosely wrap a piece of string around the tree as many times as you want the lights to wrap.

• Use snips to cut the wire loops when you are ready to take down the lights.

• Keep cords out of the way or mark the area where they lay with small flags or other markers so people don't trip on them.

• Keep an eye on kids and pets if they are romping around any outlets or light strands.

• Don't bury the lights too deep in evergreens or you won't be able to see them.

• Unplug the lights when you are putting them up or taking them down.

• Keep the outlets dry and shielded from the elements.

• Never use indoor lights and extension cords for outdoor use.