Intro

Adding decorative lighting to trees is a proven way to make a bold statement and enhance the ambiance of any outdoor decorative lighting installation. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or event, a holiday or simply beautifying your landscape, properly wrapping trees with decorative lighting requires attention to detail, adherence to best practices and the right light strings and lighting products. In this guide, we will outline expert techniques and specialized product considerations to ensure a stunning, high-performing, and safe exterior lighting display. 

Planning and Preparation for Tree-Wrap Installs  

Before diving into the installation process, thorough planning and preparation are crucial.  

Evaluate Tree Selection:

Choose trees that have an appealing shape and structure, as they will serve as the focal points of your lighting display. Ensure that the trees are healthy, sturdy, and have branches that can support the weight of the lighting. 

Determine Lighting Design:

Define the desired lighting effect and style. Consider factors such as color, brightness, and overall theme to create a cohesive and visually pleasing display. Don’t be afraid to mix basic light strings with more novelty and specialty light strings. When mixing strings, it’s best to match bulb colors to keep the design cohesive and flowing.  

Measure and Calculate:

Measure the height and circumference of the trees to estimate the amount of lighting product, power and infrastructure needed. Typically, you can count on about 100 lights per vertical foot of the tree. Once you've identified the trees you're wrapping, measure the tree's circumference, decide your spacing and installation height and then calculate dividing the spacing into the height and then multiply by the diameter. Then multiply that by about 1.25 to assure you have a bit extra. But every situation varies and this is a general rule of thumb. It’s best to have extra strings on hand not only for adequate coverage but also to cover future string maintenance or replacement.