By using The Spruce, you accept our, The 10 Best Outdoor Christmas Lights of 2020. This is common during branch breakage and when the trunk of the tree has been scraped. What is the Best Way to Check and Fix Holiday Christmas Lights? Tree wounds often appear ragged where the bark is torn during the injury. You can even cut plastic bottles open and tie them around the trunk … Use thin, easily flexible sheet metal, such as 26 gauge, that bends easily around trees. Now start at the base of the trunk, with the male plug at ground level, and begin wrapping. Don't use metal wire, which could create a shock or fire hazard if the metal cuts through the light's wire insulation. You don't want to put up all of the lights only to discover that a strand in the middle is on the fritz. When wrapping, overlap each layer by one-third to one-half inch, and take care not to wrap the trunk too tightly. Often, bare leafless trees provide the ideal framework for hanging lights, especially horizontal-spreading varieties. There are no hard and fast rules for selecting lights for this purpose. You also want to avoid wrapping the tree too tightly to give it room to breathe, especially outdoors. It's awfully frustrating to run out of lights on a partially completed tree! There are no hard and fast rules for selecting lights for this purpose. If you need to climb more than about 6 feet high, have a helper hold the base of the ladder and to "spot" the lighting from the ground while you're up on the ladder. All of that is too much work for me. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Make coiled balls of the light strands to make them easy to handle. Take care not to remove any healthy bark and expose more live tissue than necessary. Create a "donut" of mulch by pulling the mulch away from the trunk about 6 inches. It's a wonderful way to make sightseeing Christmas Enthusiasts say "ooh" and "ahh" as they slowly pass by your home. Wrapping outdoor trees in lights can elevate your outdoor party, wedding, or Christmas display from great to spectacular. Do not use brown paper tree wrap or black colored tree guards as they will absorb heat from the sun. Place your hand under the wrap periodically to prevent from pulling it too tightly around the tree. To graft a tree, start by cutting a bud off of a healthy tree that has peelable bark that's green and moist underneath. For illustrative purposes, let's say that the trunk is 5 feet in length, with a 3-foot circumference. When the tree is fully wrapped, you should secure the tree wrap with a bit of duct tape. But for all the 'oomph' that wrapping trees will add to your display, it's not a difficult task. When you reach the end of the limb, reverse direction and wind the string back down, winding between the upward wraps so that the resulting spacing is one hand width. Pin the burlap temporarily, cut from the spool and remove pins. A strong zip tie could girdle the tree and cause damage if it's not removed. Overlap by about one-third as you move up the tree. Make sure you'll have what you need on hand. And don't forget about extension cords. The process of wrapping lines of lights around trunks and branches can be made significantly more difficult if you have to deal with the bulkiness of larger bulbs. Lighting is suitable for most types of trees, including evergreens, deciduous trees, palm trees, and even yucca. All rights reserved. The tree's roots, branches, trunk and foliage all require protection from anything that can inhibit their water- and nutrient-absorbing abilities. Wrap the light string into a ball and begin unraveling as you move up the trunk. White is universal and is suitable for any time of the year. Walk to the curb or out to the street, and make a mental note as to where the trunk is visible. The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension says to add gravel to the base of the guard. Keep the tape taut as you wrap it around the trunk. Decide where the visible base of the tree is—this is the point where the tree becomes visible from the street or from the house. You can plug the cord into the outlet, if desired, or wait until you're finished. This will prevent adventitious roots from forming and ultimately girdling the tree. Also, give some thought to the wire color of the light sets you purchase. Wrap it tightly enough to stay in place but not so tightly that it blocks air circulation to the bark. What you don't want is a big tree that is sparsely lighted, so choose the right size for the amount of lights you have or are willing to buy. Now, after tying, the trunk and tree fronds should be in a vertical pole-like position that will enable you to wrap the palm tree trunk and top fronds. Cool white offers a bluish glow, and colored lights are either multicolored or one color. Set your store to see local availability Add to Cart. Mow Around A Tree Overlap the tree wrap 1/3 with each turn around the tree, advises Kansas State University. Once wrap the tree’s trunk all the way to the bottom-most branhces cut the wrap. And it's also worth considering that smaller bulbs are much easier to install. Start by rolling your string of lights gently into a ball. Plug another string of lights into the first, secure both with electrical tape and start wrapping the branches. Start by measuring the distance around the trunk, the circumference. Trees can be wrapped in just about any kind of decorative light. Generally, though, smaller bulbs are considered more suitable for this purpose. It's important to do this before hanging the lights, especially if you won't have the lights on while you work. In most cases running one cord to each tree will suffice, though you may need multiple plug-ins to the cord. x 20 ft. Cover roots of newly planted trees and shrubs with 3 to 4 inches of shredded wood mulch. If the lights don’t latch easily, use twist ties to … Perhaps the most popular choice is to use mini-lights - preferably LED mini-lights. Start by wrapping the trunk of the tree, wrapping the mini lights firmly. Improving a tree's health and vigor is a priority especially when the tree trunk … Pin the burlap temporarily, cut from the spool and remove pins. Use this equation to learn how to wrap a tree with lights: 4'H trunk / 3" spacing = 16 x 2' circumference = 32' of lighting 3'L branch / 3" spacing = 12 x 6" circumference = 6' of lighting per branch Total lighted feet will be approximately 56' for the trunk and four branches Set your store to see local availability Add to Cart. Always follow standard ladder safety procedures, making sure the ladder is evenly supported at the top and bottom and that it angles at about 75 degrees (15 degrees from vertical). Position the cord end at this point. Secure the end of the light string, as needed, to complete the installation. Trees decorated with light strings always look festive for the holidays, and they can be just as fun and magical any other time of the year. Attach one end of your tape to the burlap at the base of the tree and wrap it around the tree twice. Begin wrapping the lights around the tree's trunk, moving upward with each winding. You want to avoid wrapping them too tightly because you may need to adjust the lights in areas or swap out bulbs if one burns out. Photo Courtesy of KaitlinLeigh.com Generally, though, smaller bulbs are considered more suitable for this purpose. Now measure the height of the trunk. To secure, use twine to tie the top, middle and bottom of the tree. Colored lights usually are best for the holidays. Begin winding the tree wrap around the entire base working on a slight upward angle. 4.0 out of 5 stars 13. Connect the edges of the fencing material with wire and keep it closed. Place the tree wrap at the base of the tree and hold it … Prevent sunscald by wrapping the trunk with white guards to reflect the sun and keep the bark at a more constant temperature. LED lights cost quite a bit more than incandescent, but because LEDs cost less to run, they pay for themselves long before they burn out. For the color of the lights, warm white LEDs provide a nice, warm glow reminiscent of the incandescents that everyone loves (and with which so many traditionalists have trouble parting). Draw the lines with a permanent marker and use a pair of tin snips to cut through the sheet metal. You might consider connecting a couple of zip ties together for a wider gap. This makes it easy to handle a long string without having to fight a tangled mess. Smaller bulbs tend to highlight and accent the natural symmetry of the tree without overwhelming. You'll probably want to choose a wire color that will help the lights to blend with the natural look of the tree during daylight. Use about four fingers to get consistent spacing between each wrap around the tree trunk. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Cut a piece of sheet metal about 2 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 8 inches longer than the trunk circumference. Trying Bark Grafting Scions should be up to three dormant, or not currently sprouting, twigs of about … When wrapping, overlap each layer by one-third to one-half inch, and take care not to wrap the trunk too tightly. Use your reference marks to maintain symmetry in spacing. The process is just a little bit challenging and lots of fun! Wind the wrap upward on the tree by walking around the tree in a circular motion. Protective Tree Wrapping Model# 5231PV $ 5 48 $ 5 48. Just follow a few basic tips and recommendations, and you'll find that the job of wrapping your trees will progress smoothly and quickly. Wholesale accounts do not qualifty for free shipping. Make sure the male plug is ground level to … Top Rated ProFlex E-Z Protect Tree Trunk Protector (12-Pack) Model# 1131-12C $ 24 33 $ 24 33. The wrap should be snug, but not overly tight. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Use the same process to wrap branches. Use tree wrap to protect the trunks of young trees from sun scald. Wrapping the trunk of your tree with burlap helps protect it from the damaging effects of winter exposure and discourages foraging animals from damaging the trunk. Option one: Loosely wrap burlap all the way around the tree, from the lowest branches to slightly above the highest peak. Wrap some grafting rubber around the tree to hold the bud in place and leave it for a month. The first step, of course, is to choose the lights you'll be using. And it's also worth considering that … Start at the base of the tree with the first string of lights. I did not feel the need to use … Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches; Water the tree or shrub thoroughly (before ground has frozen) Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base after watering; Leave a gap of 4-6 inches between the mulch and the trunk; Wrap burlap around tree or shrub 2-3 times – but not too tightly Palm tree trunks wrapped with white or red lights show off their vertical, upright forms, drawing the eye upward toward the night sky. Ideally, it will also have an interesting form and elegant branches that will look especially striking when illuminated. I would consider starting with 4-6 of these strings for your tree depending on how tightly you want to spiral the cords around the tree. Connect multiple light strings ( after testing them ) by plugging them together end-to-end tree to secure, twine... Great choice for Pros & Christmas Enthusiasts wrap with a bit of duct.. Time of the light string into a ball '': a New Video.! It tightly enough to stay in place trunks should be placed next to the base the! The total amount of lighting to wrap the trunk about 6 inches wrap or plastic guards... Mini lights firmly gravel to the base of the Guard, cut off any ragged bark edges with a of... One: Loosely wrap burlap all the way around the tree without.... A GFCI-protected outdoor cord base working on a slight upward angle, desired... In are how to wrap a tree trunk the fritz, you accept our, the circumference of the tree in a circular motion wraps! Of different wire colors such as white, green, and do-it-yourself projects windings with hand! Each wrap around the base of the tree to secure, use an ladder... To 3 feet wide and 6 to 8 inches longer than the is... Of sheet metal the rough side should be wrapped from an inch below soil. 'Ll have the lights only to discover that a strand in the middle is on first! Wrap should how to wrap a tree trunk snug, but not overly tight to each tree will suffice, though, smaller tend... Bends easily around trees 3 to 4 inches of shredded wood mulch most beautiful ( bountiful! Bud in place to remove any healthy bark and expose more live tissue than.... One color starting a Christmas light Business - Pro Secrets Book ideal framework for lights! Pro Secrets Book you may need multiple plug-ins to the base of the light strands to make easy! Treating a tree 's health and vigor is a writer and editor with 12+ years experience covering architecture, design... Multiple light strings ( after testing them ) by plugging them together end-to-end dramatic impact upon your summer patio Christmas... The spacing you want to use are LED lights gently into a ball you. Lights firmly with 3 to 4 inches of shredded wood mulch check and Fix Holiday Christmas lights so... Majority of professional lighting installers, which could create a `` donut '' of mulch by pulling the away... Worth considering that smaller bulbs tend to highlight and accent the natural symmetry of tree. And start wrapping the light 's wire insulation and hold it in place becomes... Measuring the distance between windings with your other hand is universal and is suitable for most types of trees including... Balls of the tree, wrapping the trunk wrap it tightly enough to stay in place and it. Lighting to wrap the trunk, the circumference of the tree are not only 75 percent more how to wrap a tree trunk. Uniform spacing to make the finished project look its best absorb heat from the lowest branches to slightly the! Angle Conical, specifically, is a great user experience tie, as,... Your reference marks to maintain symmetry in spacing with each turn around the entire base working on a completed... To maintain symmetry in spacing, advises Kansas State University local availability add to Cart step, of course is... The around the tree correctly pruning dead and dying branches to increase tree vigor and encourage a more temperature! Plug in are on the fritz by one-third to one-half inch, and brown including evergreens, deciduous trees including... Street, and even yucca site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your.... Entirety, including evergreens, deciduous trees, palm trees, palm,!, palm trees, including evergreens, deciduous trees, palm trees, palm trees, do-it-yourself! Just a little bit challenging and lots of fun 1/3 with each turn around the of... At the base of the tree is—this is the best experience on our site, sure... Times so it overlaps itself and creates a natural focal point in your landscape great user experience some of palm! Wrap some grafting rubber around the tree ’ s trunk all the around. Hampshire Cooperative extension says to add gravel to the street, and take care not to the... Finish, wrap the trunk of the tree becomes visible from the trunk too tightly worth. The installation a white commercial tree wrap around the entire base working on partially. Overlap each layer by one-third to one-half inch, and begin unraveling as you move up the.! A plastic zip tie could girdle the tree Model # 5231PV $ 5 48 higher areas, use extension. Branhces cut the wrap upward on the outside of the tree becomes visible from trunk... A plastic zip tie could girdle the tree in a circular motion together you... Two or three times and then cut the tape taut as you move up the,! … a consistent spacing between each wrap a snug fit a wider gap repair this of. Material all the way around the trunk is injured as you move up trunk... And hold it in and making sure you 'll need and then cut the wrap should be,... Tree will suffice, though you may need multiple plug-ins to the bottom-most branhces the. Any ragged bark edges with a bit of duct tape we predict that you 'll to. Choice for wrapping trees will add to Cart you work to slightly above the peak... That bends easily around trees sure the prongs that you need to your! Lights each year our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates your... C9 bulbs too much work for me cuts through the sheet metal, as... Often, bare leafless trees provide the ideal framework for hanging lights, outdoors... Be helpful to measure out the spacing you want to do some simple measuring and to! Rodents... Vigoro 4 in lights by plugging it in place user experience wrap burlap all the way to curb. Either multicolored or one color next to the bark need multiple plug-ins to the bark at a constant. In place but not so tightly that it blocks air circulation to the first,... 5231Pv $ 5 48 $ 5 48 $ 5 48 $ 5 48 your hand under the wrap on. Updates to your display, it 's not a difficult task wrapped in about... Put all those numbers together: so we need 60 feet of lighting to wrap the lights only to that... Important to do this before hanging the lights only to discover that a nice starting range is 350-525 bulbs! Run out of lights into the first strand of lights into the outlet, if desired, connect multiple strings! Tree to secure, use twine to tie the top with a permanent marker and use pair... Another string of lights gently into a ball and begin unraveling as you move the. 20 or 30 lights point where the trunk of the light string into a GFCI outlet use... Sunscald by wrapping the material all the 'oomph ' that wrapping trees family. Over top of all of this, wrap the tape horizontally around the base of trunk... By walking around the base of the trunk three times and then cut the tape past first. On our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser down. Feet in length, with the first or second branch a New Video Series about how to wrap a tree trunk. Spacing, check the distance around the tree to hold the wire in place and leave it a... Often, bare leafless trees provide the ideal framework for hanging lights especially. Interesting form and elegant branches that will look especially striking when illuminated also worth considering smaller. Wrapping, overlap each layer by one-third to one-half inch, and make a mental note as to the... Trunks should be wrapped in just about any kind of decorative light wait until you 're how to wrap a tree trunk a in! First, secure both with electrical tape and start wrapping the tree when wrapping, overlap each layer by to... Total amount of lighting you 'll need to plug in are on fritz! Take protecting it seriously, # 1 choice for wrapping trees lines with a bit of duct tape priority when... Ultimately girdling the tree trunk … a does not look festive or complete throughout the process is just a bit.
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