Christmas Lights for Trees, Bushes and Hedges – How to Do It
The easiest way to light up your garden for Christmas is to match the lights to the plant: net lights on bushes and hedges, string lights around the trunk and main branches of trees, and hanging LED figures in the crown of larger trees. With connectable lights, one power socket is enough for the whole garden.
Christmas lights for bushes and hedges
A net light is the quickest way to get even light across a bush or hedge. Drape the net over the plant and you are done in a few minutes. The bulbs end up evenly spaced on their own. Our net lights come in 3 × 2, 3 × 3, 3 × 4 and 3 × 5 metres and can be connected when the hedge is longer than one net.
How to measure: take the height of the hedge twice and add the width. A hedge that is 0.8 metres high and 0.4 metres wide needs a net that covers 2 metres across. A 3 × 2 metre net light then covers 3 metres of hedge.
Christmas lights for trees
String lights around the trunk
Wrap the string light in a spiral around the trunk and on up along the largest branches. This makes the tree a focal point even when it has no leaves. Keep the same distance between the turns all the way up, and dress the branches evenly on both sides. Symmetry is what makes the result look planned.
How many metres of string lights do you need?
Multiply the number of turns by the circumference of the trunk. With 10 cm between turns and a 2-metre trunk, you get 20 turns. If the circumference is 60 cm, you need 20 × 0.6 = 12 metres of string lights. Closer turns give more light, while wider spacing gives a calmer look.
Hanging LED figures
In larger trees, hanging LED figures such as stars and snowflakes in 2D or 3D create the biggest effect. Many of them can be connected so that several figures share one power supply.
Net lights in the tree
Smaller ornamental trees can also be covered with a net light for an evenly lit tree.
One socket for the whole garden
Our 10-metre string lights are connectable. Start with a string light that has a power cord, then extend it with additional strings without a power cord. That means fewer cables, a single power source and the same light colour throughout the garden.
Frequently asked questions
Can outdoor Christmas lights handle rain and snow?
Outdoor lights are marked with an IP rating, such as IP44, which means they can withstand rain and snow. Check the IP rating on the product before you buy.
How do I attach string lights to a tree?
Use cable ties or plastic clips, and do not fasten them so tightly that they damage the bark or branches.
When should the Christmas lights go up?
Many people switch on their outdoor lights on the first Sunday of Advent. Read more in our guide on when to turn on your Christmas lights.
