Why Installing Lights on Tall Trees Is Harder Than It Looks

Tackling Christmas light installation on tall trees can be a bigger headache than it first appears. When you look at those massive trees in your yard or public spaces, it’s easy to overlook just how challenging it can be to wrap them in festive lights. It’s not as simple as grabbing a ladder and some lights – it’s more like wrestling with height, safety, and time issues all at once.

Why Height is the Biggest Challenge

Working with tall Christmas trees instantly introduces the problem of height. Even if you’ve got a tall ladder or cherry picker, working at heights comes with risks. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of accidental injuries during holiday seasons. So, staying safe while stringing lights becomes priority number one.

For larger trees, you’ll also need a way to get those lights up high without them tangling or falling. A typical tree may be 20 feet tall or more, which means a basic ladder probably won’t cut it. If you’re thinking of using a ladder, it’s essential to use one that’s meant for higher elevations, and even then, balance is key. “More than 30,000 people suffer from holiday-related falls annually in the U.S.,” says a report from a National Safety Council study.

Choosing the Right Equipment

The Christmas lights themselves matter, too. Not every type of light is made to withstand harsh weather at those high altitudes. You’ll need outdoor-rated lights that can handle moisture, cold temperatures, and strong winds – especially as the wind gets more intense the higher you go.

Beyond lights, choosing the correct tools is crucial. Extension poles can be your best friend if you’re planning to drape lights on a tall tree. They let you avoid some of the ladder work, and they’re specifically designed for outdoor lighting projects. If your tall Christmas tree is more than 15 feet high, consider using a pole hook for better control over stringing lights without climbing excessively.

Dealing with Weather Conditions

Winter weather adds a layer of complexity when it comes to installing Christmas lights on tall trees. Cold weather can make wires brittle, and icy conditions make ladders slippery. According to the National Weather Service, even a minor drop in temperature can cause wires to crack or snap, leading to increased risks of shock or fire hazards.

Rain, ice, and snow all make a tough job even harder, and they can delay installation altogether. You might plan a weekend to do the setup, only to find the weather too dangerous to proceed. In these cases, waiting for a dry spell is necessary, but the window of opportunity may be small.

The Complexity of Coverage

If you’re covering a tall tree, you’re going to need more Christmas lights than you think. A basic formula often used suggests that you’ll need about 100 lights for every foot of tree height. So, if your tree is 20 feet tall, you’re already looking at 2,000 lights minimum.

Even with the right number of lights, wrapping them evenly around a tall Christmas tree is a task in itself. Getting to the top without leaving gaps or tangling wires takes patience. You also need to account for the weight of the lights – too many lights can cause branches to bend or even break. If you’ve got an older tree, consider using lightweight LED lights to avoid putting extra strain on the branches.

Dealing with Power Sources

Now that you’ve got your lights up, the next hurdle is powering them. Tall trees require more electricity than smaller setups, and you may find that your existing outdoor outlets can’t handle the load. The more Christmas lights you add, the more likely you are to blow a fuse. Electrical overloads are common during the holiday season, especially when multiple trees or homes are lit up at once.

To avoid this, ensure that you’re using heavy-duty extension cords and timers rated for outdoor use. Spread out the load across different circuits to prevent overloads, and keep cords elevated to avoid any contact with snow or water, which could lead to electrical shocks.

Safety First

Installing Christmas lights on tall trees brings a lot of risks. In 2019, nearly 14% of injuries related to Christmas decorations involved electrocution or burns, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Avoiding these dangers is key, and using GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets can reduce the risk of electrical accidents. Make sure to inspect the lights for any frayed cords or broken bulbs before starting installation, and always turn off the electricity before handling lights or climbing a tree.

Maintaining Aesthetic Balance

When putting up Christmas lights on a tall tree, it’s tempting to throw them up any way that’s easiest, but aesthetics matter too. There’s a balance between enough lights and too many. A simple rule is to go for a spiral or grid pattern when decorating. A grid pattern works well for larger trees because it keeps lights spread evenly, while a spiral wraps around the tree, creating a more traditional look.

According to an online poll, 67% of people say the worst Christmas light displays are the ones where people “overdo it,” citing tangled, mismatched lights as the biggest offenders. So, while covering your tall tree is the goal, don’t forget to keep it neat!

Conclusion

Whether it’s a 15-foot spruce or a towering 30-foot pine, installing Christmas lights on tall trees brings its fair share of obstacles. From dealing with height and equipment issues to managing weather conditions and power supply, it’s clear this isn’t a job for the faint of heart. But with some planning, the right tools, and a focus on safety, it’s a challenge you can tackle head-on.

Be sure to think through each step before beginning, and remember – Christmas light installation is about more than just aesthetics. Safety and planning are the real keys to a successful, beautiful, and accident-free holiday season.

If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to call professionals who specialize in holiday light installation, especially for those massive trees.