During warm weather, there’s nothing more inviting than a comfortable outdoor space bejeweled with twinkling lights.
The best outdoor lights to use are LED lights.
LEDs are not only 75 percent more energy-efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, they also last many times longer.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Cool white offers a bluish glow, and colored lights are either multicolored or one color.
White is universal and is suitable for any time of the year.
Colored lights usually are best for the holidays.
Start with one that creates a natural focal point in yourlandscape.
Ideally, it will also have an interesting form and elegant branches that will look especially striking when illuminated.
Odd shapes of branches and limbs can become magical in the evening when electrified with twinkling lights.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
If desired, connect multiple light strings (after testing them) by plugging them together end-to-end.
Wind the resulting long string around a flat piece of cardboard.
This makes it easy to handle a long string without having to fight a tangled mess.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Lay Out the Cord
Extend an outdoor-rated extension cord to the base of the tree.
To ensure protection, plug the cord into a GFCI outlet or use a GFCI-protected outdoor cord.
Position the cord end at this point.
Plug the first strand of lights into theextension cord.
To ensure even spacing, check the distance between windings with your hand.
Use about four fingers to get consistent spacing between each wrap around the tree trunk.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Aim for uniform spacing to make the finished project look its best.
Space the wraps about two hands (eight fingers) apart.
Use a Ladder
Use a ladder to reach high areas.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Never climb a tree to hang lights.
A strong zip tie could girdle the tree and cause damage if it’s not removed.
It just doesn’t apply in this case.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Depending on the circumference of the trunk, each wrap can easily use up 20 or 30 lights.
And a tree that is wrapped only partway up its trunk simply does not look festive or complete.
Plan and budget for lights accordingly.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
you could always start small and add more lights each year.
Besides using string lights, you also can illuminate a tree by using spotlights around its base.
This will allow the foliage to bring visual interest even to a dark landscape.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Many professionals use commercial-grade outdoor LED lights.
Youll need a sturdy ladder that youre comfortable on to light a large tree.
(If youre not comfortable, hiring a professional is an option.)
This is a project thats best done with at least one other person.
