How Holiday Lights Affect Your Trees (And How to Do It Safely)

The holiday season is a time for twinkling lights, festive cheer, and cozy winter evenings. Many homeowners love draping their trees, both indoors and out, with strands of lights to brighten up their yards. While holiday lights create a magical display, improper installation can sometimes stress your trees or even cause lasting damage. With a little care, you can enjoy your festive décor without harming your trees.

One of the most important considerations when hanging lights is avoiding bark damage. The bark is your tree’s protective layer, and punctures, scrapes, or tight bindings can leave it vulnerable to pests, disease, and long term stress. Avoid using nails, staples, or anything that pierces the bark. Instead, opt for fasteners that are easy to remove including soft ties, velcro straps, or twist ties designed for outdoor use. These secure the lights while allowing for the natural movement and growth of the branches.

Choosing the right type of lights is another way to protect your trees. LED lights are an excellent choice - they run cooler than traditional incandescent bulbs, which reduces the risk of heat damage to branches. They’re also more energy-efficient and longer-lasting, so you can enjoy your display for years without overloading your outlets. When stringing lights, make sure to evenly distribute them and avoid wrapping branches too tightly, which can constrict growth and cause stress over time.

In respect to the tree’s health, consult with one of our Certified Arborists to ensure that a particular tree is a good candidate for a holiday light installation. Excessive weak or declining branches and poor vigor as a whole may be a consideration for choosing another tree.

Decorating your trees for the holidays doesn’t have to come at the expense of their health. With thoughtful placement, soft securing methods, and energy-efficient lights, your festive display can be both beautiful and complimentary to your trees that are cared for by New Urban Forestry. As always, life is better with trees and trees are better with us.