Christmas Lights On A Palm Tree

Wrapping your palm tree with Christmas lights is a unique tradition in the Phoenix valley. This can be quite a tricky DIY task, so make sure to follow the instructions outlined below.

How To Wrap A Palm Tree With Christmas Lights

Make sure you have all the supplies you need before doing this task. You’ll need lights, an outdoor extension cord, staple gun, ladder, and a helper. Follow these next steps to wrap your palm tree safely and efficiently.

Take Safety Precautions

Your safety and the tree’s safety must be a top priority. Use these tips to ensure a safe experience lighting your palm trees:

• Refrain from over stapling the strands of light. Try to use as few staples as possible if your strands need to be stapled. Trees can be damaged by a staple gun.
• Use both outdoor light strands and outdoor extension cords. Always use the appropriate strands and cords and ensure you never pierce the insulation on wires when stapling.
• Never handle light strands while they are plugged in. This can lead to serious shock, especially when stapling these strands.

Purchase The Proper Light Strands

You’ll need brown cords for your light strands. They will help to hide the wires and make your lights more noticeable. The use of LED lights can cut down on power consumption while still glowing without heat. These lights are safe and energy efficient options.

Many people who choose to wrap their palm trees opt for different colors at the top of the tree to really make it stand out. Make sure to read the packaging in order to select the proper lights that are rated for outdoor use. Depending on the width of the trunk and height of the tree, you may need more strands than originally thought.

Wrap Around The Palm Tree

Making coiled balls of the light strands ultimately makes them easier to handle during this task. You will be able to let them unwind as you continue going around the palm. Wrap your lights beginning at the base of the palm, winding your way up the tree.

If the light strands slip, use the light duty staple gun in order to secure them in place. Ensure you are straddling the wire and not shooting through it with the staple gun. Always be cautious with the staple gun as this process can be a fire hazard. Use a ladder and a helper to wind the lights further up the tree.

Lighting Fronds

Once the lighting has been completed, you’ll likely have to decide whether or not you’re going to decorate the fronds or leaves on top of the palm. Decorating the fronds can be quite tricky, so take all safety precautions possible.

If you do decide to do this, you can run the lights down the frond and secure this with twist ties. Choose to light the fronds that are closest to you for your safety.

Power Source

Always make sure you are using an extension cord rated for use outdoors. These are rated for bad weather, snow, and rain.