How to hang Christmas lights on a giant tree

by Adrianne Lim April 24, 2024

Intro

Welcome to another tip from a professional Christmas light contractor and installer. In this blog, we will teach you how to hang holiday lights on your home, whether it’s for commercial or residential purposes.

Tip 1: Have multiple connections

When doing a large trunk wrap, it is important to have multiple sources of power or connection points for your lights. Using commercial-grade mini LED lights that can connect at least 40 end to end is recommended. However, it’s not always a good idea to connect them all in one total run. By having different runs, you can easily identify and fix any defective strands without affecting the entire tree.

Tip 2: Cut off white tags

Before starting your install, make sure to cut off all the white tags on the male and female ends of the lights. While some trees may allow you to leave the tags on, it’s better to remove them, especially when dealing with a large number of lights. This ensures a clean and professional look for your tree.

Tip 3: Put lights in a ball

When handling the lights, it is recommended to create a ball of lights for easy installation. By taking the lights out of the package and wrapping them into a ball, you can easily handle and install the lights without them getting tangled or dropped. This method improves efficiency and makes the installation process smoother.

Tip 4: How many strands

One of the most frequently asked questions is how many strands are needed for a tree like this. Unfortunately, there is no exact answer as it depends on the number of limbs and the desired look. It takes practice and experience to estimate the number of strands needed. Counting the limbs and estimating how many strands per limb is a good starting point. It’s better to overestimate to ensure you have enough lights for the entire tree.

Tip 5: Time

When bidding for tree installations, it’s important to consider the time it takes to both install and uninstall the lights. Allocating enough time for the installation and factoring in the time required for removal ensures a fair and accurate estimate for your clients. Remember, your time is valuable, so make sure to account for it in your pricing.

Tip 6: Rain

If you invest in commercial-grade lights like LEDs, they are less likely to have issues with water, rain, snow, or ice. While no lights are completely immune to defects, commercial-grade lights are more reliable and have fewer callbacks compared to lower quality options. Using LEDs not only makes installation easier but also enhances the overall appearance of the lights.

Tip 7: Lift

For taller trees like the one shown in the video, using a bucket truck or lift is essential. A ladder alone may not be sufficient to reach all the branches and create a uniform look. It’s recommended to use a bucket truck or lift for safe and efficient installation. However, for shorter trunk wraps, A-frame ladders or orchard ladders can be considered as alternatives.

FAQ

Q: How many strands of lights do I need for my tree?

A: The number of strands needed depends on the number of limbs and the desired look. It takes practice and experience to estimate the right amount. Counting the limbs and estimating how many strands per limb is a good starting point. It’s better to overestimate to ensure you have enough lights.

Q: Can I leave the white tags on the lights?

A: While some trees may allow you to leave the white tags on, it’s recommended to cut them off for a cleaner and more professional look.

Q: How do the lights perform in rain, snow, and ice?

A: Commercial-grade lights like LEDs are designed to withstand water and weather conditions. While no lights are completely immune to defects, LEDs are more reliable and have fewer issues compared to lower quality options.

Q: Do I need a lift or bucket truck for my tree?

A: For taller trees, a lift or bucket truck is necessary to reach all the branches and ensure a uniform look. However, for shorter trunk wraps, A-frame ladders or orchard ladders can be considered as alternatives.