Tips for decorating trees with lights

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Choosing the Right Technique
• Wrapping the Lights
• Powering the Lights
• Design Considerations
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

Decorating trees with lights is a beautiful and festive way to enhance your outdoor space during the holiday season. In this blog post, we will share some expert tips on how to create a stunning light display on your trees. Whether you are decorating a small tree in your front yard or a large tree in a commercial space, these tips will help you achieve a professional-grade look.

Choosing the Right Technique

One of the first considerations when decorating a tree is the technique you will use. The speaker in the video recommends a technique called "core wrap, branch trap, and cascading lights." This technique involves wrapping the lights tightly around the trunk of the tree, then strategically placing branches between the wrapped lights to create a cascading effect.

When selecting a technique, it is important to consider the architecture of the tree. Look for trees with well-defined branches and minimal small branches on the main trunk. This will make it easier to wrap the lights and create a visually appealing display.

Wrapping the Lights

To create a balanced and visually pleasing display, it is important to wrap the lights evenly around the tree. The speaker in the video suggests starting at the top of the tree and working your way down. As you wrap the lights around each branch, double back and continue wrapping downwards. This will ensure that the lights are evenly distributed.

If you find that you have too much or too little lights on a branch, you can adjust by adding or removing lights. The goal is to have the bottom of each branch ending about a foot to two feet off the ground, regardless of the height of the branches.

Powering the Lights

When it comes to powering the lights, it is important to avoid overloading the electrical circuit. Instead of powering all the branches from a single point, the speaker recommends using a power cord that tees off from the trunk of the tree. This allows for multiple power sources and prevents the entire display from going out if there is a fuse blowout or a squirrel chews on the wires.

The power cord should be connected to a jumper cord that splits the power to different branches. By doing this, each branch will have its own power supply, ensuring that a problem with one branch does not affect the entire display.

Design Considerations

When choosing a design for your tree, it is important to consider the architecture and shape of the tree. If the tree is one-sided, with most of the branches leaning in one direction, it is best to select a design that complements this asymmetry. Branch wrapping everything or hanging decorations on one side will create a cohesive look.

On the other hand, if the tree has a more balanced shape, you can opt for a design that sprawls out and incorporates cascading lights or hanging ornaments. This type of design works well with the natural imperfections of the tree and creates a visually appealing display from all angles.

FAQ

Q: Can I use regular lights from home improvement stores?

A: The speaker in the video recommends using professional-grade lights for the best results. These lights are of higher quality and are specifically designed for outdoor use. You can find professional-grade lights at specialized Christmas light contractors.

Q: How can I prevent the entire display from going out if there is a problem?

A: To prevent the entire display from going out in case of a problem, such as a blown fuse or damaged wires, it is important to use a power distribution system. This involves using power cords that tee off from the trunk and connect to jumper cords that split the power to different branches. This way, even if one section of the display has an issue, the rest of the lights will remain lit.

Q: How do I wrap lights around branches without tangling them?

A: To avoid tangling the lights while wrapping them around branches, it is helpful to have a second person assist you. One person can hold the lights while the other person wraps them around the branches. This will ensure that the lights are evenly distributed and prevent tangling.

Conclusion

Decorating trees with lights can transform your outdoor space into a magical winter wonderland. By following these expert tips, you can create a stunning light display that will impress your neighbors and bring joy to all who see it. Remember to choose the right technique for your tree, wrap the lights evenly, and power them properly to ensure a successful and visually appealing display. Happy decorating!