Instructions for Stringing Lights on an Outdoor Tree

Once only seen at Christmastime, outdoor trees decorated with lights are now a common sight year-round. There are a range of light strands to choose from, including conventional and energy-efficient LED sets. Home Tips notes that C-7 or C-9 sets have larger bulbs that use up more energy than miniature light strands. The larger sets are more reliable, however, in that if one bulb burns out, the rest of the strand will still work, unlike a miniature light set. You can also choose among multicolored, single-colored or white lights and sets that flash, chase or remain constantly lit.

Strands of outdoor lights
Extension cord
Electrical tape
Dowel rod
Plastic bag
Elevation device
Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the tree and roughly plan how you would like to set up the lights. You can drape them like garland on a Christmas tree, surround the tree with horizontal strips of lights, or cover the tree from top to bottom with vertical stripes. Use a tape measure to estimate the total length of light strands required to match the pattern you have decided on. Measure one of your light strands or check the box it came in to figure out how many total strands you will need.
- 2
  Plug in each light strand that you will be using to make sure it is working correctly. Replace any bulbs that are burned out after you have unplugged the strands.
- 3
  Plug an extension cord into the outdoor electrical socket closest to the tree you want to decorate. Bring the other end of the extension cord (the female end) to the base of the tree. Insert a dowel rod or stake into the ground at the base of the tree. Tape the female end of the cord to the rod with electrical tape. Plug your first strand of lights into the extension cord.
- 4
  String the first strand of lights starting at the base of the tree. Dummies.com recommends keeping the lights plugged in while completing this task so you can continuously step back and monitor whether you are wrapping the lights to fit your envisioned scheme. As you add another strand to the previous one, wrap the connection with electrical tape.
- 5
  Stand back and look at the tree once you are finished stringing all of the lights. Make adjustments as you see fit. Wrap and tape a plastic bag around the female end of the extension cord. Tape the plastic bag to the dowel rod in order to avoid possible electrical hazards, especially if you are working with older light sets.

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