Ready to start decorating your Christmas tree this year, but not sure how to keep your LED string lights in place? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore all the reasons why you should secure your Christmas lights on your tree and the easiest, most effective ways to keep them in place.
First, decide how you want to wrap the lights around your tree. Click on this link to read our article on how to hang your Christmas tree lights like a pro and see which method is best for you. You can start from the bottom up, use a vertical method, or try a layering technique to wrap the Christmas light from trunk to branches. The important thing is that you secure your lights as you go for a magical and merry Christmas light show, for indoor trees and outdoor trees. Read on for all the details.
Why attach the string lights to your tree
Whether it’s your first time decorating a Christmas tree or the first time you are attaching the lights to your tree instead of weaving them freely throughout the branches, there are several advantages to securing light strings to the tree branches
- Uniform appearance: Attaching lights with clips provides even and consistent placement of the LEDs for a clean, professional look and better light positioning. It gives you control of the spacing and alignment of the lights as you can position them precisely where you want them, whether you prefer them closer to the tree’s center or evenly distributed along the branches.
- Prevent tangling: Winding lights loosely around a tree can lead to tangling, especially when taking them down. Using clips helps keep the string lights organized, making them easier to remove. Since Twinkly lights can be virtually connected to perform as one string, many users install more than one set of lights on their smart Christmas tree. Securing the LED strings onto the branches will keep your setup neater when using more than one string of lights.
- Increased stability: Anchoring lights to the tree branches is a sure way to prevent them from slipping, sagging, or falling off branches, particularly when hanging ornaments and other decorations or if you have to move your tree.
- Safety: When lights are fastened to the tree, they are less likely to fall and risk contact with flammable materials or heat sources, reducing fire hazards for indoor Christmas trees. Loose wires can also be hazardous if you have children or pets in your home. It’s also very important to secure your lights to your tree if it is an outdoor decoration, ensuring that wind, rain or snow don’t blow the strings loose and cause a safety hazard.
The best clips to attach lights to your tree
There are different options for affixing string lights to your Christmas tree. Your choice will depend on convenience, the size of your tree, and lights. You can use several tools and methods. Here are some options:
- Clips: You can use Christmas light clips, specially designed to attach easily to branches. These are great for larger branches and artificial trees, although they are available in various sizes. They come in black, green, or clear to blend into the foliage.
- Twist ties: Reusable twist ties secure the lights to the tree branches quickly. They're flexible, easy to use, and blend well with green trees if you use green-colored ties. You can also use garden ties or floral wire to achieve the same result.
- Velcro Straps: Small Velcro straps are another reusable option. They hold the lights securely without damaging the branches.
- Zip Ties: Miniature zip ties can work well for large artificial trees and thicker branches but are less reusable than twist ties or Velcro. Use green or brown ones to match the tree. We recommend these for heavy duty displays.
Tips for using Christmas tree clips and ties
- Placement: No matter how you decide to string the Christmas lights onto your tree, add an attachment every few LEDs or so. Now and then, step back to evaluate the LED placement, check for unevenness and gaps, and adjust as needed.
- Artificial Trees: Many artificial trees have branches that can be adjusted to "pinch" the lights in place, reducing the need for extra clips.
- Real Trees: Use gentle methods like twist ties or floral wire to avoid damaging the branches.
