There’s something magical about a tree dressed in twinkling lights. Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, or simply a summer evening, knowing how to decorate outdoor trees with lights can completely transform your yard. The right setup brings warmth, charm, and a festive glow that makes your home stand out. But let’s be real—decorating outdoor trees can feel overwhelming. Which lights do you choose? How many do you need? What style looks best for your trees?
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about decorating outdoor trees with lights, from choosing the right type of lights to creative display ideas, wrapping techniques, and safety tips. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to light up any tree like a pro.
Choosing the Best Lights for Outdoor Trees
The first step in learning how to decorate outdoor trees with lights is choosing the right kind. Not every light works outdoors, and the effect you’re going for matters just as much as the practicality.
Cascading or Icicle Lights
These create a curtain-like effect that looks stunning on tall trees or even hardwoods with bare branches. The vertical “drip” design mimics icicles, making them perfect for a timeless winter look.
Easy Wrap LED Light Strings
If you want a simple, fuss-free way to light a tree, Easy Wrap lights are your best friend. They give off a warm, golden glow and can often be controlled with a remote—ideal if you don’t want to climb up and down a ladder for adjustments.
Twinkly App-Controlled Lights
Want a light show that’s a little extra? Twinkly lights connect to an app on your phone, letting you control colors, effects, and even sync to music. Wrap them around your trees or hang them vertically for a multicolored, interactive display. These are especially fun for palm trees or backyard parties.
Decorating Bushes and Shrubs to Match Your Trees
Don’t stop at the trees. If you want your yard to feel balanced, extend the lights to your bushes and shrubs.
- Fairy Lights – For a subtle, magical glow, fairy lights work beautifully. You can drape them across shrubs or cluster them at the base for a soft underglow.
- Multicolored Light Strings – Want a festive punch? Traditional cherry bulbs in red, green, and gold give your shrubs that classic Christmas look.
When you coordinate bushes with tree lights, your whole yard instantly feels cohesive and intentional.
Creative Ways to Decorate Outdoor Trees with Lights
Here’s where you can have fun. Instead of just wrapping trunks, experiment with different styles:
Canopy Wrap Style
Wrap the lights around the outer branches in a spiral. The key here is keeping spacing even so the glow looks consistent. This style works best for rounder trees with full branches.
Trunk and Branch Wrap Style
Start at the base of the trunk and work your way up. Focus only on the main branches, wrapping tightly but evenly. Highlighting “good-looking” branches can make even a scraggly tree look gorgeous at night.
Lighted Ornaments
Add an extra twist by hanging illuminated ornaments throughout the branches. Using an odd number creates balance while keeping the look playful.
Fountain Style
Perfect for willows or trees with long, sweeping branches. Attach lights at the top and let them cascade downward like glowing water.
Snowfall Lights
These LED tubes mimic falling snow, making trees look dynamic and eye-catching. Space them evenly but randomly to avoid looking too symmetrical.
Flood Lights
If stringing lights sounds like too much work, aim a flood light at the tree. Today’s RGBW flood lights let you choose colors and effects with a remote. This style works well for larger trees or even as year-round landscaping lighting.
Step-by-Step: How to Wrap a Tree with Christmas Lights
If you’re wondering how to decorate outdoor trees with lights in a clean, professional way, wrapping is the technique to master.
Step 1. Calculate How Many Lights You’ll Need
A quick rule of thumb: plan for about 100 lights per vertical foot of the tree. For example, a 6-foot tree would need around 600 lights. If you’re wrapping branches, measure the circumference and spacing first.
Example:
- 4’ trunk with 2’ circumference at 3” spacing = 32’ of lights
- Four 3’ branches with 6” circumference = about 24’ of lights
Total needed = ~56 feet of lighting
Step 2. Prepare the Lights
Before wrapping, plug them in to make sure they work. Wind each string into a ball—it makes wrapping much easier and prevents tangles.
Step 3. Wrap the Trunk
Start at the base, working upward in even spacing. Keep tension in the string so it doesn’t sag or slide down.
Step 4. Move into the Branches
Wrap selected branches (not every single one) for an elegant effect. For cleaner results, wrap up a branch, then wrap back down to fill in gaps before moving to the next one.
Step 5. Secure and Finish
Use zip ties or tuck the final string end under another wrap. Step back, admire your work, and adjust as needed.
Outdoor Lighting Ideas Beyond String Lights
Lights don’t just belong on branches. Expand your outdoor design with:
- Lanterns filled with fairy lights, placed at the base of trees or hung from branches.
- Lighted Yard Décor like wire-frame Christmas trees or glowing deer.
- Hanging Decorations such as starlight spheres, snowflakes, or glowing stars for a whimsical touch.
Safety Tips and Best Practices
While it’s exciting to decorate, safety comes first.
- Always use outdoor-rated lights and check for waterproof labels.
- Avoid overloading outlets—use extension cords and splitters designed for outdoor use.
- Secure connections inside a weatherproof box to prevent water damage.
- Don’t pull lights too tightly around branches—trees need room to move in the wind.
- After the season, coil lights neatly and store them in a dry, cool place to make next year’s setup easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put string lights on bushes?
Yes! Just make sure they’re outdoor-safe. You can drape them over shrubs or wrap them in patterns for an even look.
How many lights do you need per tree?
Plan for about 100 lights per vertical foot, but adjust based on how dense or subtle you want the glow.
What’s the easiest way to hang lights outside?
Use clips or hooks instead of nails. Start at the base, move upward, and let the design flow naturally.
Conclusion: Bringing Your Yard to Life with Light
Learning how to decorate outdoor trees with lights is about more than just plugging in a few strings. It’s about creating atmosphere, shaping how your home feels from the street, and spreading a little joy in the process. From cascading icicle lights to glowing ornaments, from neat trunk wraps to bold flood lights, the possibilities are endless.
Take your time, stay safe, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Whether it’s for Christmas, Halloween, or just to make a summer evening more special, your trees deserve to shine.
