Is There an Easy Way to String Lights on an Outdoor Tree?

Stringing lights on a tree is easy with the use of a light net.

Nothing is prettier near Christmas time than trees covered in Christmas lights. However, stringing lights on outdoor trees the traditional way takes hours and is very difficult and frustrating. Luckily, Christmas light manufacturers created tree light nets. These nets contain hundreds of light bulbs that make it extremely easy to cover a tree with twinkling lights. Just drape the net over the tree and you're good to go. Net lights can also be used for bushes and hedges.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Net lights
• Tree trunk net lights
• Twist-ties
• Loose light strands
• Cherry picker (optional)

Instructions

1. Evaluate your yard and decide which trees you want to drape in lights. Huge trees are difficult to use with lights, and are best left to professional tree decorators. A beautiful tree is not worth the risk of a broken bone.

2. Calculate the surface area of the tree. If you use string lights rather than net lights, you will need enough strands to cover the surface area of the tree. Multiply the height times the width of the tree branches. This number is approximately the number of feet of lights you need to cover the tree effectively. This is a general measurement for how many feet of lights you will need if you cover the tree in strands only.

3. Calculate how many net lights you will need by using the same tree measurement. But instead of using that as a number for how long the lights should be, divide the surface area of each net into that measurement. If the net measurements go into the tree measurement 4 times, then you will need about 4 nets to cover the tree.

4. Open the tree net lights and carefully unravel the strands until it makes one large light net. Have a partner hang onto the light net as you climb the ladder. Take the net and drape it carefully over the tree. Use twist-ties to secure the net to the tree's branches.

5. Fill any gaps in the tree or on the trunk with string lights. Wrap the lights tightly around the trunk or branches. Use twist-ties to hold the lights to any smaller branches.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang the tree lights while they are lit. This can help determine how to arrange the lights and will eliminate odd-looking gaps in the light coverage.

• For tall trees, the safest way to install lights is to use a safety platform or a cherry picker. If possible, use these safety items to hang the lights on your trees.

References

• Christmas Lights Etc.: Net Lights
• Lights 4 Fun: Hanging Outdoor Lights