How to String Lights on a Tree
A twinkling tree stands at the heart of most Christmas celebrations, but getting the lights on correctly can be a tangled, frustrating job. Strands end up criss-crossing and dark areas show up only after you have the rest of the decorations on. You can avoid another Christmas decor disaster by taking time to organize before you start putting lights on the tree. Use green twist ties to keep lights in place and stand back from time to time to check your light placement. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Calculate the number of light strings you will need by measuring the height and diameter of the tree (at its widest point). The website Holiday LEDs recommends 25 feet of lighting for every foot of height. If the diameter of the tree measures greater than 1/2 the height, add another 5 feet of lighting per foot of height. For example, if your tree is 6-feet high with a diameter of 5 feet, you need 180 feet of lighting: 6 x 25 + 6 x 5 = 180.
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Position the tree so that you can easily walk around it and reach all sides.
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Visualize the tree in three sections: top, middle and bottom. Arrange the lights in one section before moving to the next.
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Plug in the first light strand and place the bulb or female end of the strand at the top of the tree, toward the back. Secure it with a twist tie, if needed.
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Weave the light string from side to side, alternating from front to back so that the lights are distributed evenly. Keep the lights closer to the trunk if you want a "lit from within" look or take them to the tips of the branches, if you prefer overall lighting. Plug in additional light strings as needed, but do not connect more strings than the light manufacturer recommends.
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Complete the top section. Stand back from the tree and look at the section to detect dark spots or uneven lighting. Adjust the strands until you are pleased with the results. Repeat the process on the middle and bottom sections of the tree.
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Run an extension cord up the back of the tree, if needed, to connect groups of light strings to your power source. Remember to make all last-minute adjustments before adding decorations.
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Tips & Warnings
Plug in each set of lights before hanging them on the tree to ensure that they are in good working order. Save time by testing new lights before removing them from the box.
Use stacking light strings instead of end-to-end strings, if you have a large tree that requires several strands of lights. You can connect more strands of stacking lights.
For a dimensional look, string small twinkling white lights close to the tree trunk and layer in large, cool-colored lights on the branches.
The color of the light strings should be the same as your tree to help hide the wiring.
Follow all manufacturer's instructions for connecting light strands.
Do not overload electrical sockets, and never connect more than two extension cords.
Only connect light strands that are the same wattage. Mixing wattages can cause power surges and shorten bulb life.
References
- Photo Credit christmas-tree image by sylvia from Fotolia.com
