So, you want to keep your lights on your tree for 12 months? Is it safe to keep lights on trees year round? You probably want to keep your lights on your trees because they look so lovely even though Christmas has come and gone. If this is your dilemma, here’s some information to help you make an informed decision.

Using outdoor tree lights all year long

You’ll be glad to know Christmas lights can be with you all year long. You have to do a couple of things. You have to use lights created for outdoor usage. Unlike indoor lights, they’re built to withstand wet and cold weather. Use LED lights in place of incandescent. Incandescent lights usually can’t deal with harsh weather changes. Too much rain or sun and rain might destroy your lights. LED lights last much longer and are energy efficient, ideal for using every month in the year.

Putting lights on trees

Orchard Park Tree Care Lights on Trees Year Round

Decorative lights hanging on a tree in the garden.

You can put lights on your trees but stay away from new or young trees. Huge older trees have the durability to hold up Christmas lights (and other decorations). However, newer/younger trees require a little time before they’re ready to shine.

Other info on tree lights all year long

Have a plan before you get going on decorating your trees. You must think about your trees’ heights and how many lights it will take to put on them. Don’t forget you have to think about how you want to secure the lights as well. You can leave your lights on your trees all year. However, most tree specialists recommend taking them down at the start of spring. If you are wondering if your lights will cause harm to your tree they way you have them installed, feel free to contact an Orchard Park Arborist for a quick consultation.

Regardless if you decide to keep them up for three months or nine months, it is imperative to know how to be safe.

Outdoor Light Tips:

  • Don’t wrap lights around new trees. New trees don’t have a lot of strength like older trees.
  • You shouldn’t bind the lights too tight around your trees, particularly if they’re still developing. As a tree grows, the string lights can become too tight around the limbs and trunk, causing damage.