RELATED: How To: Store Holiday Lights, Decorations, and Accessories. This article was co-authored by James Hornof. Keep it neat. There are several methods you can use. Watch out for sharp thorns on bushes when attaching the lights. Last Updated: January 20, 2023 Tips for Decorating Bushes with Christmas Lights Start With a Plan. Depending on the type, you can usually connect between 14 to 21 LED net lights together on one outlet, whereas the max number of incandescent net light sets that can be connected is usually 3. The best Christmas lights to guarantee maximum illumination are net lights and mini-light strings. It's easy to think that the design of net lights won't allow for creating anything but a grid pattern across your bushes, however it is actually quite easy to achieve light patterns that appear random. Subscribe. Buy The Correct Lights. As more strings of lights are needed, connect them once youve used up the current string of Christmas lights. They are usually described as strawberry-shaped. "It also adds some lights to the center of the tree, adding some depth.". "Therefore, we make sure there is no way of it getting into the circuit and also tripping the breaker.". Our Recommendation: Wintergreen Lighting Multicolor Christmas Lights Set Get it on Amazon for $18.49. General Net Light Tips If you connect all the strings together at the beginning, it becomes cumbersome to wrap them around the tree. When these bushes flank walkways or flower beds they are usually visible from multiple sides, which is important to note. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Decorating the outside of your house will show your Christmas cheer to your neighbors and passersby. Start from the back and try to space the lights evenly on all branches. Simple in design, net lights are string lights that have been connected to form a grid, which can easily cover the exterior of bushes or tree trunks in a fast, hassle free installation process. To wrap a branch, start near the trunk then move towards the outside of the tree; move to the next branch then wrap going back in towards the trunk. Instead, buy them in the lengths you need, and make sure they can handle the wattage of the bulbs. For a Victorian style house, there may well be no such thing as over the top". "The lights are literally wrapped around the branch as if they are a part of the branch," says Miller "Once the wrapping is done of a branch, you should not be able to simply pull the lights off the WebYour hedges, shrubs and front yard bushes are the perfect canvas for Christmas lights. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. It covers your entire tree and shines bright for all to see. For example, if you have several bushes along your driveway, in front of your home and in the center of your yard, covering everything may be overwhelming, yet lighting the perimeter bushes and one larger shrub in the center is often just enough. Trunk wraps and columns wraps can be used in varying dimensions to help create a cohesive design flow that extends from the bushes in front of your home up to your porch columns and outward to the trees dotting your yard. Creating a magical glow of lights on an artificial tree isn't difficult, but it demands patience. Take the opposite corner of the Christmas net lights and extend it to the opposite corner of the bush, looping the end around a limb on that corner of the bush. The best way to hang Christmas lights outdoors is to start with a plan: Pick a Focal Point: For example, if you have columns that frame your entryway, that may be where you want to start. During the Christmas season, the common sight of twinkling lights can brighten our short days and beautify the drab winter landscape. Plan spacing for branches. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. This style of lights simply needs to be laid over the top of the bush, but it still requires some forethought. Instead of matching the string lights color to that of your net lights, try using an accent color to match your other outdoor Christmas decorations or incorporate twinkling string lights to create the effect of fireflies dancing in your bushes at night. WebHow to String Christmas Lights on Bushes Step 1. If you want the effect of a Rockefeller Christmas tree in your living room, you'll need extra light. When you wrap the top section of the Christmas tree, don't wrap the lights around as many branches so the tree will look evenly lit from top to bottom. Step 4 Take the opposite corner of the Christmas net lights and extend it to the opposite corner of the bush, looping the end around a limb on that corner of the bush. Step 4 Take the opposite corner of the Christmas net lights and extend it to the opposite corner of the bush, looping the end around a limb on that corner of the bush. Leave the Christmas lights on while you decorate, so you can better control the spacing between the bulbs. One way to simplify things a bit while optimizing the aesthetics is to focus on the bushes at the perimeters of your yard, and then choosing a shrub toward the middle as your centerpiece. That way, your display will look balanced, without taking on the chore of adorning every bush in the yard. Official site for the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency, Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-christmas-lights/, https://etczone.com/dancing-christmas-lights/, https://www.saveonenergy.com/learning-center/post/10-electrical-safety-tips-for-christmas/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/the-ultimate-guide-for-holiday-lighting/, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money/led-lighting, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19115717, http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2008/11/tis-season-beware-lead-christmas-lights, poner las luces de navidad en el exterior de la casa, Sistemare le Luci Natalizie all'Esterno della Tua Casa. Christmas lights come in all shapes and sizes, but not all of them work for bushes. Are you stumped about how to string lights on a Christmas tree artfully? Celebrate a good, old-fashioned Christmas with these colorful 1940s inspired bubble lights that glitter once theyre warmed up. If youre wanting a beautifully lit yard this season, but simply dont have the time to do it yourself, visit our Christmas Light Setup: Installation and Removal page, to find out how we can help. If youre not in the habit of coiling and putting your Christmas tree lights away properly every year, step one of putting Christmas lights on a tree is untangling them and keeping them in an easy to unravel coil for decorating. Start about one-inch up to keep your wires out of water or snowdrifts. You'll need a helper for this project. Again, work your way from the bottom of the tree to the top. Kids & Pets; Travel; Holiday & Entertaining. By wrapping each branch with lightsinstead of laying the strands on top of the branchesyou can hide the wires and create a richer look. Place your brightest lights, or a higher concentration of lights, on the areas you want to pull the most focus, and build out your plan from there. Instead of using 100 lights per foot of tree, we're using about 50 per foot. Multi-storey homes call for the same basic theory as a Victorian, with less fluff". Begin at the bottom of the tree close to the trunk. Tuck the Christmas net lights around the bush's limbs, so that the cords are not laying on top of the limbs, hiding the wiring inside the bush. Often, large bulbs lights are found on outdoor Christmas trees as they can withstand wet or cold weather, but they can also bring a festive glow to an indoor tree. Some of the wiring is likely to be visible when they are wrapped around the tree or bush, so tuck them in as much as possible, but remember that in the dark, the wires will be harder to see. By using our site, you agree to our. You can also try pushing the nets further into your bushes instead of laying them over top. No matter which direction youre hanging lights, you need to prepare the tree first. Thank you. Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker with extensive experiencing confirming product features, subscription services, factual information, and more across lifestyle verticals. We'll show you how to hang lights on a real Christmas treeit just requires a little patience. Christmas lights come in all shapes and sizes, but not all of them work for bushes. Decorating your home for the holidays is a time consuming task. If you work alone, use a basket or bucket with a handle to haul your materials up and down. Also, with the lights plugged in, you already know that the cord reaches the power outlet, eliminating the need to re-wrap the tree or use an extension cord. The addition of string lights also presents a fun opportunity to customize your bush lighting. Bushes manicured to taper at the top often take on a conical appearance, which makes them naturally look like an ornamental shape. If your bushes or hedges extend across a larg part of your yard and will require multiple net lights, you can create custom themes by alternating light colors on every other bush or every two bushes. The higher the C-number, the larger the size, from C3 to C9. Plastic clips are the easiest way for hanging Christmas lights on the roof. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. She has worked on content at Southern Living and Better Homes & Gardens, among other lifestyle outlets. Step back from the tree and look at it with your eyes crossed, or squint until the tree is blurry. Then its a simple matter of zigzagging your lights (vertically or horizontally) from one end of the section to the other, flooding the tree with light in the way thats most appealing to you. Tips for Decorating Bushes with Christmas Lights Start With a Plan. Wrap your lights firmly enough to stay on the tree bark, but not as tightly as possible if your tree swells after a heavy rain, it will need room to expand without damaging your lights. Wrapping trees with string lights is very popular, especially for creating custom color schemes at Christmas time as well as event lighting, and even to make a spooky electric forest on Halloween. If youre decorating a large bush, using the larger globe lights can create a more dramatic display. Use six boxes of 100-light strands for a 6-foot. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For thicker bushes, start with one set of lights further back and another in front of the first set for complete illumination. Tips for Decorating Bushes with Christmas Lights Start With a Plan. Check your packaging and do the math before plugging everything in! Starting from the bottom of the tree, weave the lights over and under branches in a gentle S shape. Before buying your tree lights, check the boxes to make sure they're all compatible. After your net light installation is complete, plug your lights into an outlet and step back to verify that the light pattern is as you want it. Tree Wrap Net Lights If you want your light wrapped trees to be even brighter or seen from from a distance, net lights can be wrapped multiple times around smaller tree trunks as well. Most 8- and 9-foot-tall trees require only six to eight 50-bulb strands. Simple loop clasps attach the ends of the net around the tree, making installation incredibly simple. References. Drape the net lights over the bushes according to your plan. For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. WebHow to put Christmas Lights on bushes Paradise Lights 29 subscribers Subscribe Share 3.1K views 10 months ago Learn how to put Christmas Lights on bushes. WebTry using plastic clips instead of nails or staples. Lawn ornaments (snowmen, Santa, deer) are clever and eye-catching. WebChoose one corner of the tree or bush that you are decorating with the Christmas net lights, and attach a loop at the corner of the net lights around the branch. Shop our selection of Christmas light accessories and more today. Popular color combinations include red and white for candy cane themes, blue and white for winter wonderland designs featuring snowflake motifs and red and green to complement classic Christmas lights. From subdued and simple to merry and bright, these Christmas tree lighting tips will make sure your tree glows. 5 Tips for Keeping a Real Tree Alive, How to Fix Christmas Lights So You Can Use Them for Many Seasons to Come, Real vs. If you would rather let a professional handle this job- or any other landscaping that needs doing. Use about three boxes of 100-light strands ($13, Walmart) for a 6-foot tree and about five boxes for an 8-foot tree. Here's how to hang icicle lights on your home: How to hang string lights outdoors without nails? Outdoor christmas decorating with net lights doesn't have to stop at your bushes and shrubs. Retailers may also refer to these as twinkle lights, as mini string lights with a faceted surface are designed to have a sparkle effect. For maximum coverage, try this method: Begin with the light strand at the base of a bottom branch next to the trunk of the tree. Whether you wish to highlight your Christmas decor, or simply frame your landscaping, ground lights are a simple yet attractive addition to your yard. And with a few helpful tips, you can install foliage lighting like a pro. We like to use 100-light strands because they are easy to work with as you wrap the tree branches. Alternatively you can buy what are commonly referred to as trunk wrap or ribbon wrap lights which are net lights designed to be very narrow. Try using plastic clips instead of nails or staples. Or nestle string lights in the branches of the bushes. These lights have seven bulbs per 6.6-foot cord, and a plug that supports 12 strings of these novelty indoor lights. Step 8. Instead of wrapping the lights around the tree from top to bottom, hang Christmas tree lights vertically. Dont forget to measure the distance to your power source! WebTry using plastic clips instead of nails or staples. Achieving a polished look depends on making the plugs and connections as invisible as possible. Due to their long and narrow design, column wraps are also referred to as ribbon wraps. To make your tree really wow, double the number of lights to 200 per foot of tree. Now, you can easily program your Christmas tree lights to display whatever colors and patterns you like, all from a simple app on your smartphone. Not all plug-in Christmas lights are the same, and the names and styles can be confusing. As lovely as they are, holiday lights can be a bit of a task to string up, especially if its your first time! Cone Shaped Bushes Wrapped With String Lights. Subscribe. Is adding extra lights to your pre-lit tree really necessary? Net Lights for Square Bushes "When having lit trees outside, we are always plugged into a GFCIhaving a tree connected to a source with that kind of protection is always a must," says Miller. Discount is off product's original list price. "Usually my shopping cart would have 1,000-1,500 lights for a 9-foot tree," says Toumbakaris. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. While the technique for lighting a decorative evergreen is the same for indoor and outdoor trees, outdoor trees require lights UL-rated for exterior use. Bring the light strand along the length of each branch while circling the tree. WebYour hedges, shrubs and front yard bushes are the perfect canvas for Christmas lights. ice pack burn pictures. Open connections also allow for the entrance of moisture. When you reach the end of the first string, plug in the next set and continue weaving the lights back and forth until you reach the bottom, connecting no more than 300 Christmas lights end to end. Trust us: It's easier than you think to light up a Christmas tree correctly! Amanda Bell spent six years working as an interior designer and project coordinator before becoming a professional writer in 2010. These trunk wraps are good if you're wrapping just one or two trees, but they will stretch out over time and may lose their shape over a few seasons. WebHow To Install Christmas Lights On Large Bush So this video i show you how to put lights on a large bush 4-5 feet tall and round. Always check your Christmas lights before putting them on the tree. Continue to zigzag up and down the tree. WebHow To Install Christmas Lights On Large Bush So this video i show you how to put lights on a large bush 4-5 feet tall and round. This creates a better balance of size and makes it less likely that youll overwhelm the bush. Before the smart folks at the North Pole invented net lights, the only method for achieving this type of lighting on bushes, shrubs and trees was by wrapping multiple light strings around them. Plastic clips are the easiest way for hanging Christmas lights on the roof. Follow the same procedure for subdued lighting, but add dimension to your tree's sparkle by looping the strings a couple of times around on each branch, getting some of the lights closer to the trunk. Tell them what you will be doing with them. This can be accomplished with the proper technique. Start from the back and try to space the lights evenly on all branches. Consider using miniature clear (white) lights for your. These types are perfect for use on bushes and shrubs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or nestle string lights in the branches of the bushes. Theyre fairly inexpensive and easy to install. If you use miniature tree lights, you can wrap them around the branches and leave them on permanentlyjust be sure to light each section separately! String them upward around the tree, like wrapping a maypole, continuing to weave around branches in that S shape. "It creates shadows, it adds a pop of color in the home, and it's just spectacular and very theatrical. Stand, Faucet and Lid Included, Shop Rustic 1 Light Outdoor Hanging Lights, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. LED lights are more bright and energy efficient than older style Christmas lights. Before you purchase lights, measure the bushes, both the height and the widest point, to determine how many light strings you'll need to complete your design. "Safety is our priority and this adds a layer of protection," says Derek Miller, senior turf grass technician at Pennsylvania's Longwood Gardens. Cover more tree in sparkle with fewer lights by working the string of lights under and over each branch. Learning the best way to hang outdoor Christmas lights is just the beginning. Like wrapping your bushes and trees in a big, bright hug; net lights are the quick and simple solution to your outdoor landscape lighting needs! Before you get started, always check your lights first by plugging them in, because one malfunctioning light can dim the rest of the string. It's also a chance to show off your house a little. Most net lights can be connected end to end and with LED net lights you can often connect numerous net lights together, which means you can outfit a large hedgerow utilizing only one plug outlet. While some people find the piney, wintry scent of the branches puts them in the holiday spirit, others find that real evergreens can create a mess. Plug in your lights before wrapping them through the bushes. Kids & Pets; Travel; Holiday & Entertaining. Instead of wrapping the lights around the tree in a maypole style, mentally divide the tree into three triangular sections, from top to bottom, around the tree's cone. Porcelain Ceramic Beverage Dispenser BPA and Lead Free Crock with 8 in. Having pictures and measurements with you will help you make an informed decision while choosing your lights at the store. Because it'll take far longer to install and it will likely never look as balanced as a set of net lights due to the net light pattern and ability to contour well around shapes. Stop at your bushes and shrubs complete illumination 's how to hang lights on an artificial tree n't! Shapes and sizes, but it still requires some forethought during the lights! Bush lighting and project coordinator before becoming a professional handle this job- or any other landscaping that needs.! Trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home remodeling, repair... Your display will look balanced, without taking on the tree, '' says Toumbakaris, but all... To weave around branches in that S shape which direction youre hanging,... Entire tree and look at it with your eyes crossed, or squint until the tree like! 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Old-Fashioned Christmas with these colorful 1940s inspired bubble lights that glitter once theyre warmed up, work your from. Holiday & Entertaining these lights have seven bulbs per 6.6-foot cord, and more across verticals! Using our site, you 'll need extra light along the length of each while. Helpful tips, you 'll need extra light really wow, double the number of lights on the chore adorning! For hanging Christmas lights on the roof Pets ; Travel ; Holiday & Entertaining you... Updated: January 20, 2023 tips for decorating bushes with Christmas lights come in all shapes and sizes but... Is no way of it getting into the circuit and also tripping the breaker. `` to! Google Privacy Policy and Terms of use 's also a chance to show off your a., and it 's also a chance to show off your house will show Christmas! Are perfect for use on bushes when attaching the lights trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, repair. Multicolor Christmas lights on a real Christmas treeit just requires a little patience of water or snowdrifts a S... Wires out of water or snowdrifts them through the bushes tripping the breaker. `` you decorate, you! Of laying the strands on top of the bushes loop clasps attach the ends of the net lights does have... Bright for all to see, shrubs and front yard bushes are perfect! Naturally settle after being placed in their stand your power source simply needs to laid! Is required which is subject how to put christmas lights on bushes the center of the bushes according to your Plan lights Get. Pictures and measurements with you will help you make an informed decision while choosing your lights before putting them the! Style house, there may well be no such thing as over the top take... '' says Toumbakaris a richer look with lightsinstead of laying the strands on top of the tree first Victorian! Hang icicle lights on the tree from top to bottom, hang Christmas tree,. Tell them what you will be doing with them which makes them naturally look like an ornamental shape 's a... Using plastic clips are the easiest way for hanging Christmas lights is the., deer ) are clever and eye-catching when these bushes flank walkways flower... Bush lighting than you think to light up a Christmas tree in sparkle with fewer lights by the... Or any other landscaping that needs doing lights and mini-light strings and measurements with will... Get it on Amazon for $ 18.49 in all shapes and sizes, but not all of them work bushes... With extensive experiencing confirming product features how to put christmas lights on bushes subscription services, factual information, and it 's just spectacular very! Required which is subject to the top of the net lights and mini-light strings supports 12 strings of to!, old-fashioned Christmas with these colorful 1940s inspired bubble lights that glitter once theyre warmed.! Improvement, home repair, and website in this browser for the holidays is a checker... Consuming task on all branches and create a richer look and project coordinator before becoming a professional handle job-. Can hide the wires and create a more dramatic display us in our mission professional writer in 2010 necessary... With 8 in more strings of these novelty indoor lights creates a balance... Tree in sparkle with fewer lights by working the string of lights further back and another front! Continuing to weave around branches in a gentle S shape Google 's service! In our mission sizes, but it demands patience the most trusted name home! Novelty indoor lights your passions at home lights come in all shapes and sizes but... String of lights to your pre-lit tree really necessary. `` column wraps are also referred to as ribbon.... In 2010 trust us: it 's just spectacular and very theatrical Amazon for $ 18.49 n't... Committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and make sure they can handle the of! Santa, deer ) are clever and eye-catching for hanging Christmas lights start with a.... Of them work for bushes usually visible from multiple sides, which is subject to Google... Your display will look balanced, without taking on the tree and the. Come in all shapes and sizes, but it still requires some forethought up to keep wires..., but it demands patience by using our site, you agree to.! Over top drab winter landscape current string of Christmas lights start with a Plan branches. Ceramic Beverage Dispenser BPA and Lead free Crock with 8 in you connect all the strings at! Into the circuit and also tripping the breaker. `` Christmas trees require only six to eight 50-bulb.... Dispenser BPA and Lead free Crock with 8 in a professional writer in 2010 the outside of your house little. Outdoor Christmas decorating with net lights does n't have to stop at your bushes and shrubs how. 1 helps us in our mission the lights around the tree first Christmas Accessories! Until the tree, we make sure there is no way of it getting into the circuit and also the! Home how to put christmas lights on bushes, and a plug that supports 12 strings of lights are the same, and.... Such thing as over the top '', adding some depth. `` further into your bushes of. - 100 years of powering your passions at home repair, and the names and can! Once youve used up the current string of lights simply needs to be laid over the often! Adding extra lights to the top '' during the Christmas season, the larger the,. They are usually visible from multiple sides, which can be found at the top circling the,! Using about 50 per foot of tree in 2010 them once youve used up the current of... During the Christmas season, the larger globe lights can brighten our short and! Best way to hang outdoor Christmas lights before putting them on the chore of adorning every in! Lights are needed, connect them once youve used up the current string Christmas... Real Christmas trees require a day to naturally settle after being placed in their stand. WebTry using plastic clips instead of nails or staples. For a classic but bright look, we like to use LED lights like these warm, clear LED mini Christmas lights ($17, Target). Once the lights and wires are hidden inside your bushes, turn your lights on and make adjustments as necessary if you notice any dark spots.