Lighting a Christmas tree could be difficult, however, it is actually quite simple when you decide what type of light to buy and plan ahead. With this information you will be able to assist whether you have a real or artificial tree, and make your tree shine.
Picking the Perfect Christmas Tree Lights
When purchasing your lights there are a few things to think about.
Firstly, the color. There are two main colors for Christmas tree lights - multi-colored (bright & festive) and White (warm & classic). If you want to save some money on electricity, LED lights are a good option. They provide longer life and use less energy than traditional bulbs. However, they tend to be brighter than the traditional bulbs. Lastly, make sure you purchase lights that fit your personal holiday style.
- What is your holiday style?
- Modern, Rustic, Family Focused?
Your lights should blend in with the rest of your holiday decorations. Last but not least, check the brightness level of your lights. Some LED lights are extremely bright, while other LED lights are dim.
Secondly, make sure your lights are designed for your setting. Are you going to be hanging your lights indoors, or outdoors? If you are hanging them indoors, it is perfectly acceptable to hang indoor rated lights. If you are going to be hanging them outside, you MUST hang outdoor rated lights, for your own safety.
Lastly, after the holiday season is over, make sure to store your lights in an air tight container. This will help protect your lights from dust, moisture, and tangling. By doing this, you will ensure your lights will remain usable for years to come.
Finally, always purchase your lights from reputable companies. Inexpensive lights often do not function properly and can even cause a fire hazard.
Creating a Plan for Hanging Lights
It is always best to plan ahead of time, before you start hanging your lights. Most people hang their lights horizontally, working their way up from the bottom of the tree. Alternatively, you can hang them vertically from the top of the tree to the bottom. Both ways will produce a beautiful display of lights on your tree, however, the vertical method is generally quicker and produces a more dramatic effect.
To add layers to your lighting, weave your lights close to the trunk of the tree and near the tips of the branches. This will help to create a full and glowing effect, which will also help to showcase the ornaments you will be hanging on your tree.
Divide your tree into thirds; bottom third, middle third, and top third. This will help you organize your lights and make it much easier to identify any problem areas.
In addition to organizing your lights, divide your lighting scheme to the style of the room you are decorating. Clean lines and minimalism work well in a modern decorated room. On the other hand, a more playful and bold lighting scheme works better in a more traditional decorated room.
Before you start hanging your lights, test each string of lights to make sure they are functioning properly. Additionally, make sure you have plenty of outlets available to plug in your lights and that you have all of the necessary tools to hang them.
Hanging Lights on a Christmas Tree - Step-by-Step
Now that we have planned our lighting scheme, let's get started on hanging our lights. This is the most exciting part of decorating your tree!
Begin by plugging in the first string of lights to get a sense of how the final product will look as you wrap the tree.
Next, begin working from the trunk of the tree to the tip of the branches. Begin to take the lights from the trunk of the tree, out to the end of the branch and loop the lights back in towards the trunk of the tree. Continue this process until you reach the top of the tree. Working from the trunk of the tree to the tip of the branch will add dimension and fullness to your lights.
Once you have worked your way from the trunk of the tree to the tip of the branch, begin to weave your lights through the branches. Do not just hang the lights on the outside of the branches. Wrap the lights around the branches to create a natural, even look.
As you continue to decorate your tree, finish one area at a time. This will prevent tangles and uneven spacing.
You can mix and match string types. Use miniature strings or globe-style lights - or both! Mixing and matching string types will create a layered, textured effect.
Every once in a while, step back from your tree and look for any dark spots. Look for areas where your lights are not reaching.
One common mistake people make when hanging lights is creating a wire net appearance. You want your lights to appear to be coming from within the branches of the tree, not from a "fence" surrounding the tree.
Your goal is to create a soft, even light that makes the tree look alive. Every bulb does not need to be visible. Bulbs placed inside the branches will create depth and glow.
Making Sure Your Lights Stay Secure and Even
After you have finished hanging your lights, make sure they stay in place and are not loose.
Hide your cords and plugs as far inside the branches as possible. Try to run your cords along sturdy limbs, rather than leaving them floating in mid-air.
Secure your lights to the branches using floral wire or twist-ties. This will prevent your lights from sagging and will help shape your lights to fit the shape of your branches.
Walk around your tree and inspect it for any gaps or dark spots. When you find these areas, simply adjust them to fill in the gaps.
Check your coverage from top to bottom and around the entire tree. If needed, adjust sections to create an even lighting effect.
Remember to leave enough room between your lights and your ornaments. Large ornaments can obstruct the view of your lights, or cast strange shadows.
Be careful when using extension cords. Always use indoor-rated cords and never overload an outlet. If needed, tape your cords to the floor to prevent tripping hazards.
Turning on Your Lights and Final Inspections
Flip the switch on your lights and view your tree from every angle. Check it during the daylight hours and again at night. The lighting in the room can reveal issues you may have overlooked.
If you notice an issue with your lights, remove that section and adjust it. One defective bulb can negatively impact an entire string of lights. Therefore, always keep a supply of spare bulbs and fuses handy.
Try to leave your lights plugged in while you are hanging them, if possible. This will allow you to detect any issues quickly.
Adding Ornaments to Your Tree
Once you are satisfied with the lighting on your tree, you can now add your ornaments and decorations. Remember, your lights should complement your ornaments, not compete with them.
To add even more style to your tree, try using multiple light types or varying the brightness levels of your lights. Adding a little variety will add visual appeal to your tree.
Take a step back and admire your tree. A well-lit tree should radiate light evenly and be visually appealing from all angles.
Safety Considerations for Live Trees
If you have a live tree that appears to be drying out or has become unstable, or if a tree in your yard is causing you to lose visibility of your display, please contact us.
At Strobert Tree Services, we offer a wide range of services including tree trimming, removals, and safety inspections throughout the winter months. We are here to help you keep your home safe and your holidays bright.
