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How To

How to Put Christmas Lights on Outside Trees

Contributor
By Megan Curley
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

Decorating your home for Christmas is a great way to celebrate the holiday and a chance to be creative. There are endless types of decorations from colorful lights to animated Christmas characters to grace your front lawn. Decorating with Christmas lights is a classic look and can spruce up your home or bushes and trees on your property. Putting up lights on outdoor trees can be a challenge, but using a few safety tips and time-saving steps can make the process quicker and easier.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Step ladder/multi-position ladder
  1. Step 1

    Plug in and untangle all strands of lights. It is important to check all lights before decorating to ensure they are in working condition. Remove any knots or tangles and replace any light bulbs beforehand to save yourself time and aggravation later on.

  2. Step 2

    Set up a step ladder or A-frame ladder depending on the height of your outdoor trees. Make sure the ladder is secure and locked into place before climbing. If it is a very large tree, set up a ladder on each side, so that you can wrap the entire tree in lights without stretching or falling.

  3. Step 3

    Plug in the first strand of lights into the available outlet you will be using. If you are using an extension cord, make sure it is an outdoor cord that can withstand the elements. Having the lights plugged in and glowing while you decorate helps you see where less or more lights are needed. Start by wrapping the Christmas lights at the base of the tree, wrapping the lights around the trunk if you desire and move upwards to the branches.

  4. Step 4

    Add another strand of lights when the first one runs out and wrap around the tree in a circular or spiral motion. If help is available, have someone hold the bundle of lights and follow you as you walk around wrapping the lights. If you are working alone, loop the lights over your shoulder to keep them from tangling. Climb up the ladder and weave the lights around the branches and either pass the bundle to a helper or climb down the ladder, pick up the bundle of lights and proceed all around the tree.

  5. Step 5

    Weave the lights around the tree, plugging in more strands as you go. When you reach the top of the tree, tuck or loop the end of the light strand around a branch. Step back and look for any spaces on the tree that is missing lights or where lights have been bunched together and adjust to your liking.

Tips & Warnings
  • Only use outdoor-use approved Christmas lights. Take your time to avoid injury or mistakes. Write down the techniques that worked for you to use next year.
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