Hang string lights on the trees in your yard this holiday season to add sparkle to dark winter weather.

Getty Images / UWMadison

Decorating the home’s exterior withholiday lightingis a yearly tradition.

The festive lights help brighten dark, winter weather and mark the beginning of the holiday season.

outdoor christmas tree with colorful lights in front yard of home

Credit:Getty Images / UWMadison

However, hanging lights on tall trees can be difficult for homeowners who havent previously attempted this project.

Use this guide to learn how to stay safe while hanging lights on tall outdoor trees.

Safety Considerations

Working outdoors comes with some risks that are important to consider before starting this job.

Since the lights will be outdoors, check the extension cord to ensure it has GFCI protection.

Hanging lights on tall trees requires an extension ladder.

A second person to hold the ladder while its in use is an excellent idea.

Have a second person hold the ladder while you work.

Typically, the lights are spaced about 2 to 3 feet apart.

Wrap the lights around the tree trunk, gradually moving upward.

Frequently check the distance between the string lights to ensure even spacing while you work.

After wrapping the tree trunk, move on to the branches of the tree.

This part of the job takes some time.

ensure to cut off any zip ties or other fasteners when removing the lights.

Otherwise, the fasteners could damage the tree by restricting its growth.

Sometimes, the target tree is too tall or bulky for homeowners to handle the installation on their own.

In this case, its a good idea to call a professional light installation company.

Dont hesitate to hire a pro if the job is too challenging or time-consuming for you to handle.