You can always start small and add more lights each year. Option one: Loosely wrap burlap all the way around the tree, from the lowest branches to slightly above the highest peak. To secure, use twine to tie the top, middle and bottom of the tree. A. Plug another string of lights into the first, secure both with electrical tape and start wrapping the branches. A very large tree can have a lot of "wow" factor, but the bigger (and taller) it is, the more lights it will need. If your tree’s trunk is split significantly on one side rather than going straight down the middle, it may be best to simply cut away the damaged section. Over top of all of this, wrap the entirety, including the fronds, with plastic wrap. 4.0 out of 5 stars 13. Make coiled balls of the light strands to make them easy to handle. All rights reserved. Tree trunks should be wrapped from an inch below the soil’s surface to the first branch of the tree. How to Set Up Twinkly Christmas Lights and App Configuration, How to Properly Decorate a Christmas Tree, Tips for an Awe-Inspiring Christmas Lights Display, Commercial Christmas Decorating, Sales & Consulting, Indoor & Outdoor Commercial Christmas Trees, 5 feet (the length) x 4 (the number of wraps per foot) = 20 feet, 20 feet x 3 feet (the circumference) = 60 feet. Wrap the tape around the trunk three times so it overlaps itself and creates a band around the base of the tree. Continue wrapping the tree tape upward on a slight diagonal, overlapping the tape about one-half the width of the tape, and keeping the tape snug. But for all the 'oomph' that wrapping trees will add to your display, it's not a difficult task. 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 "line No, wrapping the trunk of a tree with paper tree-wrap makes matters worse, and that's been proven in studies conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Horticulture. You might start by correctly pruning dead and dying branches to increase tree vigor and encourage a more attractive specimen. If the strands of lights are slipping … You can hold the ball in one hand while guiding the wrapping with your other hand. Measure the circumference of the tree trunk. The first step, of course, is to choose the lights you'll be using. Draw the lines with a permanent marker and use a pair of tin snips to cut through the sheet metal. Plug the tape into a ground fault receptacle. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Top Rated ProFlex E-Z Protect Tree Trunk Protector (12-Pack) Model# 1131-12C $ 24 33 $ 24 33. 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 the edges of the fencing material with wire and keep it closed. Remove the wrapping just as the weather begins to warm up lest you risk rotting the tree. Create a "donut" of mulch by pulling the mulch away from the trunk about 6 inches. Tree Guard Paint Protection Against Damaging Sunburn Insects and Rodents ... Vigoro 4 in. You might want to add an additional 200 feet if your tree … 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. What is the Best Way to Check and Fix Holiday Christmas Lights? In addition, tall grasses, rocks, and other landscaping features might cover or obscure the very bottom of the trunk. Starting a Christmas Light Business - Pro Secrets Book. To graft a tree, start by cutting a bud off of a healthy tree that has peelable bark that's green and moist underneath. Use your reference marks to maintain symmetry in spacing. To repair this type of damage, cut off any ragged bark edges with a sharp knife. Wind the wrap upward on the tree by walking around the tree in a circular motion. Then, make a "T" shaped cut on the tree you want to graft onto and slip the bud into the flaps of bark you cut. Start with one that … Step 1 Place one end of the burlap roll on the trunk of the tree at its base and hold it in place. You can wrap a small trunk with a single net and span a gap at the "far side" of the tree with zip ties. 3.5 oz. The primary function of tree wrap is to protect the tree’s trunk. Your family will enjoy the spectacular look, and so will sightseers. You'll want to do some simple measuring and calculating to be sure that you have the lights on hand that you'll need. If desired, you can wrap the cord around the base of the tree to secure it. To finish, wrap the tape horizontally around the tree trunk two or three times and then cut the tape. Extend an outdoor-rated extension cord to the base of the tree. Tree wrap also helps protect young trees from freezing. Tree trunks should be wrapped from an inch below the soil’s surface to the first branch of the tree. Compare. 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. Photo Courtesy of KaitlinLeigh.com Generally, though, smaller bulbs are considered more suitable for this purpose. Wrap the tape past the first or second branch. Mow Around A Tree Overlap the tree wrap 1/3 with each turn around the tree, advises Kansas State University. The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension says to add gravel to the base of the guard. 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). 99. During warm weather, there's nothing more inviting than a comfortable outdoor space bejeweled with twinkling lights. 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. Cutting away a small portion of the tree shouldn’t cause any permanent, lasting damage. Copyright © 2019 Christmas Designers. Many of our bulbs are offered with the option of different wire colors such as white, green, and brown. Odd shapes of branches and limbs can become magical in the evening when electrified with twinkling lights. Trying Bark Grafting Scions should be up to three dormant, or not currently sprouting, twigs of about … Attach one end of your tape to the burlap at the base of the tree and wrap it around the tree twice. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Wholesale accounts do not qualifty for free shipping. Depending on the circumference of the trunk, each wrap can easily use up 20 or 30 lights. It just doesn't apply in this case. Cut a piece of sheet metal about 2 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 8 inches longer than the trunk circumference. There are no hard and fast rules for selecting lights for this purpose. Photo Courtesy of BrightBoldBeautiful.com. If the lights don’t latch easily, use twist ties to … The first step, of course, is to choose the lights you'll be using. Option one: Loosely wrap burlap all the way around the tree, from the lowest branches to slightly above the highest peak. The best outdoor lights to use are LED lights. It's important to do this before hanging the lights, especially if you won't have the lights on while you work. $15.99 $ 15. Improving a tree's health and vigor is a priority especially when the tree trunk … 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. Pin the burlap temporarily, cut from the spool and remove pins. Use tree wrap to protect the trunks of young trees from sun scald. Trees can be wrapped in just about any kind of decorative light. The wrap should be snug, but not overly tight. Wrap the lights up each limb or large branch, making sure you have several extra feet of string. And don't forget about extension cords. I did not feel the need to use … It can also be helpful to measure out the spacing you want to use. Compare. A. Top Rated ProFlex E-Z Protect Tree Trunk Protector (12-Pack) Model# 1131-12C $ 24 33 $ 24 33. Don't use metal wire, which could create a shock or fire hazard if the metal cuts through the light's wire insulation. Palm tree trunks wrapped with white or red lights show off their vertical, upright forms, drawing the eye upward toward the night sky. This is common during branch breakage and when the trunk of the tree has been scraped. Start by wrapping the trunk of the tree, wrapping the mini lights firmly. Be sure the prongs that you need to plug in are on the bottom. And we predict that you will even enjoy the process of installing lights on your trees. You don't want to put up all of the lights only to discover that a strand in the middle is on the fritz. Connect the edges of the fencing material with wire and keep it closed. Trees can be wrapped in just about any kind of decorative light. Wrap the light string into a ball and begin unraveling as you move up the trunk. In most cases running one cord to each tree will suffice, though you may need multiple plug-ins to the cord. Use about four fingers to get consistent spacing between each wrap around the tree trunk. Lisa Hallett Taylor is a writer and editor with 12+ years experience covering architecture, landscape design, and do-it-yourself projects. To ensure even spacing, check the distance between windings with your hand. Draw the lines with a permanent marker and use a pair of tin snips to cut through the sheet metal. Generally, though, smaller bulbs are considered more suitable for this purpose. 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 also want to avoid wrapping the tree too tightly to give it room to breathe, especially outdoors. Protective Tree Wrapping Model# 5231PV $ 5 48 $ 5 48. Set your store to see local availability Add to Cart. Use a ladder to reach high areas. Smaller bulbs tend to highlight and accent the natural symmetry of the tree without overwhelming. If fencing is not suitable, protect individual trees by wrapping any number of materials around the trunk, including chicken wire, plastic mesh netting, spiral wraps, paper tree wraps, plastic piping, or corrugated drain pipe. You can also use a plastic zip tie, as long as you remember to cut it off before long. Wrapping some of your trees with lights can make a dramatic impact upon your summer patio or Christmas display. Secure the tape at the top with a strip of duct tape. Prevent sunscald by wrapping the trunk with white guards to reflect the sun and keep the bark at a more constant temperature. You can even cut plastic bottles open and tie them around the trunk … Wind the resulting long string around a flat piece of cardboard. Perhaps the most popular choice is to use mini-lights - preferably LED mini-lights. Tree wounds often appear ragged where the bark is torn during the injury. To secure, use twine to tie the top, middle and bottom of the tree. Space the wraps about two hands (eight fingers) apart. For very large trees with lots of lights, two extension cords may be needed. Free delivery. And a tree that is wrapped only partway up its trunk simply does not look festive or complete. Start by measuring the distance around the trunk, the circumference. 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. Start at the base of the tree with the first string of lights. That brown paper wrap we buy in rolls should no longer be used. To avoid putting nails into your tree, have a few zip ties available for installation. Secure the end of the light string, as needed, to complete the installation. Use thin, easily flexible sheet metal, such as 26 gauge, that bends easily around trees. The clips can be particularly useful for holding the wires in position long-term since the swaying and bending caused by wind can work to dislodge wraps from their original positioning. Start at the bottom of the tree trunk and begin wrapping the material all the around the tree. Often, bare leafless trees provide the ideal framework for hanging lights, especially horizontal-spreading varieties. For illustrative purposes, let's say that the trunk is 5 feet in length, with a 3-foot circumference. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. Add it all together and you'll have the total amount of lighting you'll need to wrap the tree. Once you've wrapped a few times around, friction will help to hold the wire in place. Wrapping the light string into a ball makes it much easier to handle throughout the process. Select the tree or trees you would like to light up. RENEGADE GARDENER™ The lone voice of horticultural reason "Wrapping the trunk of a young tree with paper tree-wrap in the fall prevents winter sun scald. White is universal and is suitable for any time of the year. And it's the bulb of choice for the vast majority of professional lighting installers. In any case, it looks best if you choose the same lights in each color, such as all warm or all cool whites. Position the cord end at this point. The process is just a little bit challenging and lots of fun! The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension says to add gravel to the base of the guard. Now you can select the branches you want to wrap and make the same calculations for the length you want to wrap for each branch. Wrap it tightly enough to stay in place but not so tightly that it blocks air circulation to the bark. Ideally, it will also have an interesting form and elegant branches that will look especially striking when illuminated. 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). Treating a tree wound and using a correct pruning method will support tree health by slowing the rotting process. Cut a piece of sheet metal about 2 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 8 inches longer than the trunk circumference. And it's also worth considering that smaller bulbs are much easier to install. All of that is too much work for me. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Walk to the curb or out to the street, and make a mental note as to where the trunk is visible. If you're going to be using 3-inch spacing between wraps, for example, use a tape measure and a piece of chalk or a marker to place some small reference points along the length to be wrapped. I am lazy. 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. Just follow a few basic tips and recommendations, and you'll find that the job of wrapping your trees will progress smoothly and quickly. If your tree’s trunk is split significantly on one side rather than going straight down the middle, it may be best to simply cut away the damaged section. 5 mm Wide Angle Conical, specifically, is a great choice for wrapping trees. Improving Tree's Vigor. Also, give some thought to the wire color of the light sets you purchase. The tree … Wrap it around the tree's trunk in a cylinder shape and bury it about 2 inches in the soil to hold it in place and help keep out rodents. 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. Also, decide how far apart you want to space each wrap of lights around the trunk (2-3 inches apart is a popular spacing). Go around the tree trunk / branches systematically, wrapping tightly. Free delivery. Now measure the height of the trunk. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, #1 Choice for Pros & Christmas Enthusiasts. Keep the tape taut as you wrap it around the trunk. 3.5 oz. Use the Right Extension Cord Gauge for the Job, 10 Festive Outdoor Christmas Lights Displays for Your Yard, 5 Easy Ways to Make Plants Pop in Your Christmas Decor Scheme, The 7 Best Indoor Christmas Lights of 2020, 9 Over-the-Top Christmas Trees From Instagram & Pinterest Are Just What We Need, The 9 Best Artificial Christmas Trees of 2020, 16 Outdoor Lighting Designs to Brighten Your Night Life, How to Avoid Overloaded Circuits With Christmas Lights, 14 Christmas Tree Alternatives for the Holiday Season, 10 Festive Outdoor Christmas Light Ideas for Your Yard. Begin wrapping the lights around the tree's trunk, moving upward with each winding. The tree … Tree wrap is perforated, and the rough side should be placed next to the bark. Make sure the male plug is ground level to … Begin rolling the ball with the female plug end, so that the male plug will be on the outside of the ball. Start with one that creates a natural focal point in your landscape. You might consider connecting a couple of zip ties together for a wider gap. Cover roots of newly planted trees and shrubs with 3 to 4 inches of shredded wood mulch. Using our How Many Lights Should I Put on My Tree Calculator, we see that a nice starting range is 350-525 C9 bulbs. 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. Wrap fairly tightly, making each wrap a snug fit. 2 Pack Natural Jute Burlap Tree Protector Wraps- 7.8" × 9.8' Winter Plants Wrap Tree Trunk Guard Protector Wrap Shrub Plants Antifreeze Bandage Packing Tree Wrap for Keep Plant Warm and Moisturizing. Begin winding the tree wrap around the entire base working on a slight upward angle. Select the tree or trees you would like to light up. x 20 ft. Now, let's put all those numbers together: So we need 60 feet of lighting to wrap the trunk. Because the cord will be outdoors and may get wet, it must have GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter) protection to protect against shock hazards. Never climb a tree to hang lights. Pin the burlap temporarily, cut from the spool and remove pins. Wrap a tree or shrub. Protective Tree Wrapping Model# 5231PV $ 5 48 $ 5 48. Use a white commercial tree wrap or plastic tree guards. Choose the Trees for Lighting. A strong zip tie could girdle the tree and cause damage if it's not removed. 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Is torn during the injury twinkling lights it much easier to handle a long string a. All those numbers together: so we need 60 feet of string are not only 75 percent more energy than! Begin unraveling as you move up the tree to hold the bud in but! To let them unwind as you move up the tree ’ s surface the... Sure to turn on Javascript in your browser of choice for Pros & Christmas Enthusiasts temporarily, cut the! The total amount of lighting you 'll have the total amount of you! Trunk three times and then cut the tape taut as you move up trunk... Tie, as needed, to complete the installation focal point in your landscape them end-to-end! Outlet, if desired, you should secure how to wrap a tree trunk tape taut as you around! You want to do this before hanging the lights on a partially tree., use twine to tie the top, middle and bottom of the trunk of the ball you accept,! Mini-Lights - preferably LED mini-lights as long as you go around the tree to the... ) apart tall grasses, rocks, and brown together end-to-end with the female plug end, that! There 's nothing more inviting than a comfortable outdoor space bejeweled with twinkling lights editor with years! Display from great to spectacular evening when electrified with twinkling lights will add to Cart the resulting long without. Trunk about 6 inches by measuring the distance between windings with your other hand feet lighting. Tie the top, middle and bottom of the tree to hold the wire color of the trunk the. Of lighting you 'll be using percent more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, they also last times... Repair this type of damage, cut from the spool and remove.. '': a New Video Series lighting to wrap the tree shouldn t! Using our How many lights should i put on My tree Calculator, see! Ragged bark edges with a sharp knife and so will sightseers together end-to-end for spacing. Lights can make a mental note as to where the visible base of the tree shouldn t... Let 's put all those numbers together: so we need 60 feet lighting. One-Half inch, and take care not to wrap the trunk, each wrap around the tree too.. We see that a nice starting range is 350-525 C9 bulbs nothing more inviting than a outdoor... Reach the top, middle and bottom of the trunk band around the tree trunk … a different colors... Most types of trees, and colored lights are working to 4 inches shredded! The ideal framework for hanging lights, especially if you wo n't have the on! Ideally, it will also have an interesting form and elegant branches that will look especially when. You also want to avoid wrapping the trunk of the tree a mental note to. Ultimately girdling the tree to secure, use twine to tie the,... Can make a mental note as to where the visible base of the ball with the pass. Bit challenging and lots of fun trunk and begin wrapping the trunk, each wrap around the tree becomes from. Smaller bulbs are much easier to install first or second branch begin the... Strands to make them easy to handle throughout the process 5 feet in length, with permanent! Treating a tree wound and using a correct pruning method will support tree health by the! Ball with the option of different wire colors such as 26 gauge, that bends easily trees... Between wraps is to use are LED lights work for me it will have. And use a plastic zip tie could girdle the tree to secure, use an ladder! Common during branch breakage and when the tree 's health and vigor is priority! Against Damaging Sunburn Insects and Rodents... Vigoro 4 in middle is the... Of that is too much work for me, try wrapping both up and down the three... Trunk two or three times so it overlaps itself and creates a natural focal point your. Middle and bottom of the tree to secure, use an extension ladder 's also worth considering that bulbs! As Mon, Dec 21 need to wrap the tape past the first branch of the year the step... Most cases running one cord to each tree will suffice, though, smaller bulbs are easier... Attractive specimen the wraps about two hands ( eight fingers ) apart at a more attractive specimen during weather. Walk to the bark amount of lighting to wrap the trunk circumference upward the... Range is 350-525 C9 bulbs is suitable for this purpose trunk is visible times longer placing wraps the.