For a stunning outdoor holiday display, choosing the right Christmas trees for outdoors with lights involves selecting durable, weather-resistant trees and appropriate lighting to create a magical, long-lasting display.
Ever dreamt of a winter wonderland right outside your door? Imagine twinkling lights on a beautiful evergreen, welcoming guests and filling your home with festive cheer. But setting up outdoor Christmas trees with lights can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re new to it. You might worry about the weather, the wiring, or even picking the perfect tree. Don’t fret! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, making your outdoor holiday decorating not just manageable, but truly magical. We’ll cover selecting the right trees and the best ways to light them up, ensuring your home shines bright all season long.
Why Outdoor Christmas Trees With Lights Make Your Holidays Shine
An outdoor Christmas tree adorned with lights is more than just decoration; it’s a beacon of holiday spirit. It sets a welcoming tone for anyone approaching your home, from family and friends to carolers and even the mail carrier. Unlike indoor trees that are enjoyed from within, an outdoor display engages the entire neighborhood, spreading joy and creating a shared festive experience. It transforms your yard into a magical landscape, offering a cheerful contrast to any winter gloom.
Beyond aesthetics, outdoor trees can be an excellent way to embrace the holiday season outdoors. They offer a chance to connect with nature while celebrating, bringing the festive spirit into your garden or front yard. Plus, with the right choices, they can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to decorate year after year.
Choosing the Right Trees for Outdoor Display
Selecting the right type of tree is the first, crucial step for a successful outdoor display. You need something that can withstand the elements while looking its best. Here’s what to consider:
Evergreen Varieties That Thrive Outdoors
Not all trees are created equal for outdoor holiday decorating. Sturdy evergreens are your best bet. They naturally hold their shape and needles through wind, rain, and even snow. Here are some popular and resilient choices:
- Concolor Fir (White Fir): Known for its silvery-blue needles and pleasant citrus scent, this fir is quite hardy and holds its needles well. It offers a lovely, full shape that’s perfect for decorating.
- Nordmann Fir: A favorite in Europe, it boasts dark green, glossy needles with a waxy underside, making it very resistant to drying out. Its branches are strong, capable of holding heavier ornaments.
- Douglas Fir: A classic Christmas tree, the Douglas fir has soft, dark green needles and a pleasant fragrance. They are relatively fast-growing and widely available.
- Blue Spruce: With its striking blue-green needles and symmetrical form, the Blue Spruce is a visually stunning choice. However, its sharp needles can make decorating a bit prickly, and it prefers well-drained soil.
- Norway Spruce: This is one of the most common Christmas trees. It grows quickly and has a classic pyramidal shape. It’s quite hardy but can drop needles indoors if not kept watered; outdoors, this is less of an issue.
- Arborvitae: While not a traditional fir or spruce, certain varieties of Arborvitae, like ‘Emerald Green’ or ‘Green Giant’, can be shaped and decorated as outdoor Christmas trees. They are very hardy and retain their dense foliage year-round.
Consider Your Climate and Soil
The best tree for your outdoor display will also depend on where you live. Are winters mild or extremely harsh? Is your soil sandy, clay, or loamy? Choosing a tree native or well-suited to your region will ensure it stays healthy and looks vibrant throughout the holiday season and beyond.
For areas with heavy snow or strong winds, you might opt for a more robust and dense tree. If your region tends to be drier, select a variety known for drought tolerance. Consulting with a local nursery or your local extension office, such as Farmers.gov, can provide invaluable advice on the best evergreen species for your specific climate and soil conditions.
Size and Placement Matters
Think about the space you have available. Do you want a towering statement piece or a more modest accent tree? Measure the area where you plan to place the tree, keeping in mind that the tree will grow. Ensure there’s enough room for the branches to spread and that it won’t obstruct pathways or sightlines. Also, consider proximity to your house or other structures. For safety reasons, avoid placing trees too close to overhead power lines.
Living vs. Cut Trees for Outdoor Display
You have two main options when it comes to outdoor Christmas trees: cut trees and living (balled-and-burlapped or potted) trees. Both have their pros and cons.
Cut Trees:
- Pros: Generally less expensive, readily available, and can be shaped more easily before setting up.
- Cons: They are temporary decorations and will eventually need to be disposed of. They can dry out if not watered, though typically less of an issue outdoors than indoors.
Living Trees:
- Pros: Can be planted in your yard after the holidays, providing a lasting addition to your landscape. They continue to grow and can be reused for many years.
- Cons: More expensive upfront. They require careful handling to survive transplantation, meaning they can’t be brought into a warm house for too long. They might also require more extensive root ball support if potted.
For a truly sustainable and long-term solution, a living tree is a wonderful choice. However, if you’re looking for a classic, temporary display, a cut tree is perfectly fine.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Outdoor Tree Lighting
Having the right gear makes a world of difference when you’re working with outdoor lighting. It ensures safety, durability, and a professionally finished look.
What You’ll Need:
- Outdoor-rated Christmas Lights: This is non-negotiable! Look for lights specifically designed for outdoor use.
- Outdoor Extension Cords: Ensure they are heavy-duty and rated for outdoor use.
- Timer: An outdoor timer allows you to automate your lights, saving energy and hassle.
- Clips or Hooks: For securely attaching lights to branches without damaging the tree.
- Ladder: A sturdy ladder is essential for reaching higher branches safely.
- Light Bulb Tester (Optional but handy): To quickly identify and replace any dead bulbs.
- Stakes or Anchors (for living trees): To secure potted or balled-and-burlapped trees if they are unstable.
Prioritizing Safety with Outdoor Lighting
Safety is paramount when dealing with electricity and the outdoors. Always follow these guidelines:
- Use Only Outdoor-Rated Lights: Indoor lights are not designed to withstand moisture, temperature fluctuations, or UV exposure and can be a fire hazard or shock risk.
- Check Cords for Damage: Before plugging anything in, inspect all cords for fraying, cuts, or cracked insulation. Discard any damaged sets.
- Plug into GFCI Outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are designed to shut off electricity if they detect an imbalance, reducing the risk of shock.
- Keep Connections Dry: Use weatherproof junction boxes or ensure that light string connectors are positioned away from pooled water and protected from the elements.
- Never Overload Circuits: Be aware of the wattage of your lights and the capacity of the circuit you’re using. Overloading can cause breakers to trip or, in worst-case scenarios, start fires.
- Secure Your Ladder: Ensure your ladder is stable on even ground before climbing.
Types of Outdoor Christmas Lights
The variety of outdoor Christmas lights available is astounding, offering different looks and functionalities. Choosing the right type can elevate your display from simple to spectacular.
LED vs. Incandescent Lights
This is a key decision with significant long-term implications:
| Feature | LED Lights | Incandescent Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Very high (use up to 80% less energy) | Lower |
| Lifespan | Very long (up to 100,000 hours) | Shorter (around 2,500 hours) |
| Durability | More durable (often made of plastic, no glass bulbs to break) | More fragile (glass bulbs can break easily) |
| Heat Production | Produce very little heat | Produce significant heat (can be a fire hazard) |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost, but lower long-term running costs | Lower upfront cost, but higher running costs |
| Color Vibrancy | Vibrant and consistent colors | Colors can fade over time |
For outdoor decorations, LED lights are almost always the superior choice due to their durability, energy efficiency, and long lifespan. They are also much cooler to the touch, adding a layer of safety.
String Lights: Classic and Versatile
These are the most common type of decorative lights. You’ll find them in various bulb sizes and shapes:
- Mini Lights: Small, classic bulbs. Great for weaving through branches and creating a delicate twinkle.
- Large Globe/Bulb Lights: These come in various sizes (like C7 and C9 bulbs) and are more substantial. They offer a retro and bold look, perfect for defining outlines or making a statement.
- Micro Lights: Extremely fine wires with tiny LEDs. They create a magical, fairy-like glow and are perfect for intricate wrapping.
Net Lights and Icicle Lights
These are specialized string lights designed for faster decorating:
- Net Lights: These come in a mesh grid, making them ideal for draping over shrubs or bushes. They create a uniform glow with minimal effort.
- Icicle Lights: Designed to mimic melting icicles, these lights hang down from a main wire at varying lengths. They are perfect for the eaves of your house but can also be adapted to hang from tree branches for a frosty effect.
Novelty Lights
These lights come in fun shapes like stars, snowflakes, bells, or characters. They can add a whimsical touch to your outdoor tree, especially for themed displays.
How to Safely and Beautifully Light Your Outdoor Christmas Tree
Lighting an outdoor tree requires a slightly different approach than an indoor one, focusing on durability and secure placement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting
- Plan Your Lighting Design: Before you even unbox your lights, decide on the look you want. Do you want a classic warm white glow, vibrant colors, or a mix? How many strands do you think you’ll need? A good rule of thumb is 100 lights per foot of tree height, but this can vary based on desired brightness.
- Safely Access the Tree: If using a ladder, ensure it’s on stable ground and positioned correctly. Have someone spot you if possible.
- Start from the Top or Bottom: It’s often easiest to start either at the base of the tree and work your way up, or start at the top leader and spiral down.
- Wrap Lights Around the Trunk First (Optional but Recommended): For a deeper, more layered look, start by wrapping a strand or two around the trunk of the tree. This provides a base glow.
- Weave Lights Through Branches: Gently weave the light strands in and out of the branches, moving from the trunk outwards towards the tips and back again. This creates depth and prevents the lights from looking like they’re just draped on the outside. Aim to distribute them evenly.
- Secure Lights as You Go: Use your outdoor clips or hooks to secure the lights to branches, especially at strategic points. This prevents sagging and keeps the lights in place, even if it’s windy.
- Connect Strands (If Necessary): If you need to connect multiple strands, do so as you go, ensuring each connection is secure and protected from the elements. Most outdoor-rated lights are designed to be connected end-to-end; check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum number of strands that can be safely linked.
- Test as You Go: Plug in sections of lights as you complete them to ensure they are working. It’s much easier to troubleshoot a problem with one section than to discover a dead strand at the very end.
- Manage Cords: Tuck excess cords away discreetly. Use zip ties or tape sparingly to manage cords if needed, but be careful not to damage the tree’s bark. Ensure all power connections are made to outdoor-rated outlets.
- Plug In and Admire:
Connect your final strand to your outdoor timer and GFI outlet, then flip the switch or set your timer!
Securing Living Trees
If you’ve chosen a living tree for outdoor display, it might be in a pot or balled-and-burlapped. For stability, especially in windy conditions, consider doing the following:
- Use a Sturdy Base: Place the tree on a solid, weather-resistant base.
- Anchor if Necessary: For very tall or top-heavy living trees, you may need to use guylines (stakes driven into the ground with strong rope or cable attached to the tree’s upper trunk) to secure it. Be gentle to avoid girdling the trunk.
- Protection from Elements: If the tree is in a confined pot, ensure the pot itself is heavy enough not to tip over. You might even consider placing the decorative pot inside a larger, heavier planter for added stability.
Creative Lighting Ideas for Outdoor Trees
Beyond the basic wrapping technique, there are many ways to make your outdoor tree lights truly shine.
Color Themes
Coordinate your lights with your home’s exterior or your overall holiday theme. Popular choices include:
- Classic Warm White: Elegant, timeless, and creates a cozy glow.
- Cool White/Blue: Evokes a frosty, icy winter wonderland feel.
- Rainbow/Multi-colored: Festive, cheerful, and classic Christmas.
- Single Color: Bold and impactful, such as all red, all blue, or all purple.
Using Different Light Types Together
Don’t be afraid to mix and match! For instance, you could:
- Wrap the tree with intricate micro lights and then add larger C7 or C9 bulbs along the main branches for a bolder outline.
- Use warm white mini lights for the overall twinkle and accent with a few strands of star-shaped novelty lights.
- Incorporate LED icicle lights hanging from the lower branches to give a cascading, frosty effect.
Beyond the Tree: Illuminating Your Yard
While the tree is the star, consider how its light interacts with your yard. Shine spotlights on snowy bushes, outline pathways with luminaries, or use projection lights on your house to create a cohesive holiday scene.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Christmas Tree Lights
To ensure your lights last throughout the season and for years to come, a little maintenance goes a long way.
Regular Checks are Key
Periodically walk around your tree and inspect the lights. Look for any loose connections, bulbs that have gone out, or sections that aren’t lighting up. Early detection can prevent bigger issues.
Dealing with Wind and Weather
Wind can be tough on outdoor decorations. Ensure lights are securely clipped or tied to branches. If a particularly strong storm is forecast, it might be prudent to turn off or unplug your lights for safety, though most modern outdoor lights are designed to withstand this.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If a section of lights isn’t working:
- Check Connections: Ensure all plugs are fully inserted and secure.
- Replace Blown Bulbs: For incandescent lights, a single blown bulb can cause a whole string to go out. Use your bulb tester to find the culprit. Many LED strands are designed so that one failed bulb doesn’t affect the rest of the string.
- Check Fuses: Many light strands have small fuses in the plug. Check these and replace if necessary.
- Inspect Cords: Re-check for any damage you might have missed during initial setup.
The Long-Term Benefits of Outdoor Trees
Choosing to decorate with outdoor trees, especially living ones, offers rewards that extend beyond the holiday season.
Environmental Considerations
Opting for a living tree that can be planted after the holidays is an incredibly eco-friendly choice. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Even for cut trees, many communities offer recycling programs where
