Expert Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights on Tall Outdoor Trees

If you have dreams of turning your property into a Christmas wonderland this holiday season, one way to add to the beauty is to put lights on your trees. Imagine your driveway or walkway surrounded by trees filled with twinkling lights or icicle lights. Pretty magical, right?

The only problem? You’re not sure how to put lights on a large outdoor tree. It’s actually not as hard as it may appear. You don’t have to ask Santa to show you how to put lights on a tree outside. We’ll explain everything you need to know.

Materials You’ll Need for Hanging Christmas Lights on Tall Trees

Before you start learning how to put Christmas lights on a large outdoor tree, make sure you have the right tools for the job.

• Outdoor Christmas lights: Invest in high-quality, weatherproof LED lights designed for outdoor use. LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and remain cool to the touch, reducing fire hazards.
• Extension cords: Opt for heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with a minimum 14-gauge wire so they can handle the electrical load of multiple light strands.
• Extension ladder: Buy yourself a sturdy, extendable ladder designed for outdoor use.
• Telescoping pole: If you’d rather stay firmly planted on the ground, a telescoping pole will let you reach high branches safely without the need for a ladder.
• Light clips: Stock up on plastic clips or hooks designed specifically for hanging lights on tree branches. Alternatively, you can use twine, planting tape, or plastic zip times, but we prefer dedicated clips.
• Timer: Make your life easier by adding a weatherproof outdoor timer or smart plug to your supply list so you don’t have to remember to plug and unplug your lights each day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Christmas Lights on Tall Trees

Ready to learn how to put lights on an outdoor tree? Follow these steps carefully.

Plan Your Design

Before you even start untangling your outdoor Christmas lights, visualize how you want the lights to look on your trees. For example, decide if you want to wrap the trunks, outline major branches, or create a more random pattern. Also, figure out which trees you want to include in your Christmas light display.

Measure and Prepare

You’ll want to know how many lights you need before you begin installing them. You can get a good estimate by measuring the circumference of each tree trunk and the length of the branches you want to illuminate. A good rule of thumb is to space strands of lights between half a meter and a full meter apart. You’ll also want to add extra length into your calculations to account for the distance between the tree and your power source.

Start at the Base

Begin wrapping lights around each tree trunk, securing each section of lights with a clip or hook. Make sure to leave enough slack in the cord so you can reach your power source. Work your way up the trunk, maintaining consistent spacing between wraps.

Add Lights to Branches

After covering the trunk of a tree, move on to larger, more prominent branches. You’ll likely have to use your ladder or telescoping pole at this point. Attach your lights along the underside of branches so you’ll get the best effect when viewed from the ground. Add clips every 15 to 30 centimeters.

Fill in Smaller Branches

You can add depth to your display by weaving lights through smaller branches and foliage. This will create a more three-dimensional effect. Just be careful not to oversaturate any one area.

Connect Your Power

Once all the lights are in place, connect your light strands to your extension cord. Add your outdoor timer or smart plug if you have them. Secure any loose cords to the tree or ground to prevent tripping hazards. If using a timer or smart plug, program your lights to turn on at dusk and off at a reasonable hour. (We suggest 10 to 11 PM. Your neighbours will thank you.)

Test and Adjust

Take a deep breath, plug in your lights, and take in your hard work. Walk among your trees and view the lights from multiple angles. Chances are, you’ll see a few areas that need minor adjustments. Make those tweaks, and your winter wonderland will be complete.

Safety Tips for Hanging Lights on Tall Trees

If you’re set on learning how to put Christmas lights on a tree outside, safety needs to be your top priority. The safest thing to do is to use a telescoping pole to reach high branches. If you do choose to use a ladder, make sure it’s sturdy and properly rated. Always make sure your ladder is on stable ground, wear non-slip footwear, and work with a partner who can spot you and hand up supplies.

Only use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords. Before putting up your lights, check them for frays, cracks, or damage. Keep connections off the ground and use weatherproof covers for added protection against moisture.

Finally, know your limit. If a tree is too tall or seems unsafe, choose a different tree to work with or hire a professional landscaping service to help.

Popular Lighting Designs for Tall Trees

Now that you know how to put lights on an outdoor tree, it’s time to start brainstorming your Christmas display. The possibilities are nearly endless, but here are a few of our favourite designs to start your creative juices flowing.

• Spiral wrap: This classic design involves wrapping lights in a spiral pattern from the base of the trunk to the top of the tree. This creates an elegant, uniform look that accentuates a tree’s height and shape.
• Icicle drip: This design creates a magical, cascading effect by hanging vertical strands of light from your tree’s branches to mimic icicles. You’ll need to purchase special icicle lights for this design.
• Canopy outline: This design focuses on tracing the outer edges of a tree’s branches or foliage to create an illuminated silhouette. The design emphasizes the tree’s natural shape and is a great way to showcase the feature trees on your property.
• Random twinkle: For a more natural look, distribute lights throughout the tree in a seemingly random pattern. This design can mimic the appearance of starlight caught between the branches.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Tree Light Installation

Just because you now know how to put lights on a large outdoor tree doesn’t mean you have to. Your safety is paramount, and if you don’t feel comfortable handling the job yourself, the smart decision is to hire a landscaping company. A professional landscaping company will have the proper equipment and training to work safely at heights, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.

Hiring a company will also save you lots of time and effort. Use that extra time to make your famous egg nog or gingerbread cookies. Most companies also take down your lights, so you’ll save even more effort on the project.

Best of all, a professional company also comes with design expertise. They can give you different lighting options to best show off your property. The results will look great, letting you enjoy your Christmas landscape.

Call the Experts for Professional Outdoor Holiday Light Installation

Save time and get the holiday landscape you’re dreaming of by hiring The Grounds Guys^®. Our local teams are highly experienced in putting up holiday and Christmas lighting. We can light your trees as well as your home and your entire landscape. Count on us to put up all your outdoor decorations so your home becomes the envy of the block.

Request a free estimate today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. The Grounds Guys are not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact The Grounds Guys location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.