How to Decorate Trees and Shrubs with Holiday Lights Like a Pro

You step outside on a crisp winter evening, and the soft glow of lights on your trees and shrubs greets you. Whether it’s Christmas or simply the joy of the season, there’s something about holiday lights that makes everything feel special.

Decorating trees and shrubs with lights can be overwhelming, especially when aiming for a professional look. But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can make your outdoor space shine.

Here’s everything you need to know for holiday lights installation that looks as stunning as those in your neighbourhood. Whether you’re searching for Christmas lighting near San Francisco Bay Area or looking to enhance your skills, ND Holiday Lights is here to help.

Why Tree and Shrub Lighting is Essential for Holiday Decor

When it comes to holiday decorating, outdoor lights are a game-changer. Not only do they create that magical feeling, but they also serve a practical purpose—lighting up walkways and entrances for safer movement after dark. 

There’s something about a well-lit yard that makes your home feel warm and inviting, like a beacon of holiday cheer. Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when they see your yard lit up with carefully placed, glowing lights. With the right tools and guidance, you can create a display that looks professionally done—and it all starts with the trees and shrubs.

Choose the Right Lights for Your Trees and Shrubs

The first step to a stunning outdoor display is choosing the right type of light. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know:

• LED vs. Incandescent Lights

LED lights are the go-to choice for most outdoor displays. Not only do they use less energy, but they last longer, which means fewer trips to the store for replacement bulbs. While incandescent lights give off a soft, warm glow that’s nostalgic and cozy, LED lights have become more popular because they’re energy-efficient, durable, and come in a wide range of colors and styles.

• Warm vs. Cool Lights

Think of warm lights as the cozy, traditional holiday look. They’re soft and inviting, perfect for a classic Christmas vibe. Cool lights, on the other hand, create a crisper, brighter look that works well if you want a more modern or frosty winter theme.

• String Lights, Net Lights, or Rope Lights?

The three main types of lights you’ll use for trees and shrubs are string lights, net lights, and rope lights. String lights are the most versatile and can be wrapped around trees and bushes. Net lights are fantastic for shrubs because they spread evenly without much effort. Rope lights are great for outlining trees or shrubs, creating a neat, glowing border.

• Solar Lights vs. Wired Lights

If you want to skip the hassle of extension cords, solar lights are an excellent choice. These lights charge during the day and automatically turn on at night. But if you’re decorating large trees or need reliable, consistent lighting, wired lights are often your best bet.

How Much Lighting is Too Much?

It is commonly asked how many lights are enough for a perfect holiday lights installation. On average, you should use 100 lights per foot according to the tree’s height. For example, if a tree is 6 feet long, you can use around 600 lights. For small trees use fewer lights. The purpose is to highlight the natural beauty of the tree not to hide it with lights. So maintain a balance of lights with creative designs. Do not overload trees. Must wrap the trunk & highlight the key branches for a professional look. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Wrapping Trees and Shrubs with Lights

Now that you’ve chosen your lights, it’s time to get to work. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to wrapping your trees and shrubs with lights:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before getting started prepare all the things that you need such as lamps, extension cords, clips or hooks, a timer, ladder in case the tree is tall.

• Start at the Bottom and Work Up

Start wrapping your tree at the bottom and move up. This method ensures that the lights are evenly distributed and do not droop.

• Wrap, Don’t Spiral

Do not swirl the lights around the tree because this leaves some portions of the tree with no light while you should wrap the lights around the tree. This in turn gives the lights a fuller, and much more uniform appearance.

• Layer for Depth

Multiple layers of lights can certainly work, but having two or three layers will do a better job of making your display look more stunning.

• Highlight the Branches

Be careful with the thick branches and the leaves of your tree. This is where you can really put your lights out there. Highlight the curves of the tree and if it’s a dwarfish form of a tree you should cover the branches to fully cover more space.

• Secure the Lights

You must suspend your lights to the tree or shrub with light clips or hooks. Do not use nails or staples because the plants will be destroyed.

Creative Techniques to Take Your Tree and Shrub Lighting to the Next Level

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to get creative with holiday lights installation! Here are some simple ideas to elevate your tree and shrub lighting:

• Add Outdoor Ornaments: Placing big glistening creatures such as bows, stars, or lanterns, internally in your trees and shrubs can also be a good idea.
• Use Twinkling Lights: To have a more sensational feel, get twinkling lights. The lights sway and glide, creating that extra flare for your outdoor sight.
• Mix Colors for a Pop: White lights are always classic but incorporating a few colored lights in the stringing makes a big difference. You can use the red, green, or blue colors to come up with more lively and festive colors.
• DIY Lighted Garlands: If you are fancy, you can make lighted garlands to hang on bushes or tree trunks to make them unique.

Final Thoughts

When done right, using holiday lighting on trees and shrubs is a fun and creative way of turning your outside space into a magical festive place. If you do not know where to begin or if you simply would like to leave the illumination to the professionals, feel free to contact ND Holiday Lights for Holiday Lights Installation in San Francisco Bay Area. We focus on creating, implementing, and ensuring the perfect Christmas decorations for your home that will make your house the envy of the block.

Well, what are you waiting for? Get those lights, lights up your trees and shrubs today. The holidays are waiting and now is the time to bring your home to sparkle. Just search Christmas lighting near me or professional holiday lights installation, to find ND Holiday Lights.