Posted on December 17, 2024 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

As Christmas is nearly upon us, many look to decorating the outside of their homes and yards with festive lights. However, when it comes to stringing lights on a growing tree, it’s crucial to do so in a way that protects the tree’s health and ensures a beautiful, safe display. Here are some guidelines to help you decorate your trees without causing harm.

Choose the Right Lights

When selecting holiday lights, opting for those designed specifically for outdoor use is essential. These lights are typically waterproof and can withstand various weather conditions.

LED lights are an excellent alternative due to their energy efficiency, lower heat generation, and longer lifespan. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, LED lights reduce the risk of damaging the tree and are more sustainable and cost-effective.

The lower heat generation of LED lights, in particular, decreases the risk of damaging a tree’s bark and extends the tree’s lifespan with less frequent handling, reducing the frequency of tree injury during installation and removal of tree lighting.

Inspect Your Tree

Before hanging any lights:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of your tree.
• Look for any signs of disease, damage, or weakened branches.
• Remove any diseased or dead branches that pose a safety hazard and compromise the tree’s health.

That last step ensures a sturdy foundation for your holiday light display and helps prevent any potential damage to the tree.

Use Tree-Friendly Fasteners

When securing lights on your tree, it’s important to be responsible and caring. Avoid using nails, staples, or any other sharp objects, as these can cause wounds that may lead to infections or pest infestations.

Instead, opt for tree-friendly fasteners such as soft ties, plastic, or tree clips. These methods are gentler on the tree’s bark and help maintain its health, showing your care and responsibility towards nature.

Loosely Drape the Lights

Tightly wrapping lights around tree branches can cause significant damage, including stress on the tree and potential breakage of branches. Instead, loosely drape the lights to allow for natural movement. This approach protects the tree and creates a more aesthetically pleasing display.

Measure and Plan

To achieve an even and balanced distribution of lights, measure your tree to determine how many lights you will need. A general rule is to use roughly 100 lights per foot of the tree’s height. 

For example, a 10-foot tree would require around 1000 lights. Use a tape measure or string to check the length and spacing between branches, which will help you plan the best way to wrap or drape the lights.

Start from the Base

When installing lights on your tree, begin from the base and work your way up, which is an organized and efficient approach. This method ensures even coverage and helps you avoid missing any spots.

If your tree has complex branches to maneuver, lay out your string lights on the ground first to plan the best route around them. This organized and efficient process will result in a beautifully lit tree.

Use Guide Wires for Stability

Consider using a guide wire to create a more stable hang with less tension on the string light wiring for larger or heavier string lights. That is particularly useful if you hang lights between multiple trees or over a significant distance.

Limit Exposure Time

Continuous exposure to artificial lights can disrupt the tree’s natural cycle. To avoid causing stress to your trees, limit the exposure time by using timers or smart plugs. These tools allow you to manage the lights from a distance and set up a schedule to turn them off when they are not necessary, saving energy and preventing overheating.

Final Tips for a Festive Outdoor Holiday Lighting Display 

Follow the guidelines as presented to ensure a festive and beautiful holiday light display to protect the health and longevity of your growing trees.

Height Consideration: Hang the lights at a height that is tall enough to avoid being bumped or touched but not so tall that the ambient light is lost. A size between 8-10 feet from the ground is often ideal.

Electrical Safety: Outdoor-rated lights and extension cords are a must to withstand the elements. Ensure all electrical connections are tightly wrapped and affixed to trees and shrubs.

Post-Season Removal: Remove the lights promptly after the holiday season to prevent the tree from growing around the wiring, which can cause trouble for both the tree and the homeowner.

Remember, the key is to be mindful of the tree’s well-being and use gentle and safe methods. Happy decorating!

Stop by Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas, to discover all the holiday season greeneries we’re selling this year to help you spruce up your outdoor decorating ideas.