Are you looking for a unique way to decorate your home this Christmas season? Wrapping crepe myrtles with Christmas lights is an easy and eye-catching way to brighten up your outdoor space.
Adding some twinkle to your property this holiday season is easy when you learn to wrap crepe myrtles with Christmas lights! With a few supplies, a couple of free hours on the weekend, and some creativity, you can impart your unique style onto any tree, bush, or shrub in your landscaping.
Whether used to brighten up plain old greenery simply or as an affordable alternative for covering large outdoor items like pergolas and columns, wrapping trees with festive lights will bring cheer and warmth into any home.
Let these helpful tips on how to wrap crepe myrtles with Christmas lights guide you through the process so that you can create breathtaking decorations that will be sure to impress!
What Will You Need?
Before you can get started, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll want to have the following items on hand before wrapping crepe myrtles with Christmas lights:
- Christmas lights
- Crepe myrtles
- Ladder (if necessary)
- Extension cords (optional)
- Wire cutters (optional)
- Zip ties
Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Wrap Crepe Myrtles With Christmas Lights
Step 1. Place Your Ladder:
Start by making sure your ladder is securely placed, and begin to unwind the Christmas lights. As you go, make sure to check the light strings for any broken bulbs. If you find any, replace them before proceeding.
Step 2. Secure the Lights:
Once your ladder is in place, start by securing the Christmas lights to the crepe myrtles. Use zip ties or wire cutters to create a secure fit around the tree’s branches and trunks if you need to. Ensure that each strand is securely fastened so it doesn’t slip off during decorating.
Step 3. Wrap Around:
Gently wrap your Christmas lights around the crepe myrtles in an upward spiral motion. As you go, make sure not to pull too hard on any of the branches, as this can damage them in the long run. Give yourself enough slack between each branch for optimal coverage.
Step 4. Secure With Zip Ties:
Use zip ties to keep each strand of lights secured in place if needed. Make sure to securely fasten the zip ties around each branch without causing any damage to your trees. As you move onto each new branch, make sure to repeat the same steps.
Step 5. Plug In and Test:
Plug in your Christmas lights and test them out before continuing with the rest of your decorations. If all is working properly, move on! Repeat steps 2-4 as needed until you are satisfied with the coverage of your crepe myrtles.
Step 6. Add Additional Decorations:
Once you have finished wrapping your crepe myrtles with Christmas lights, it’s time to add some additional decorations! This could include wreaths, bows, or other festive accents. Try using colors that will complement the lights and make your display pop.
Step 7. Secure With Clamps:
If you choose to add additional decorations, make sure to securely fasten them with clamps or hooks so they don’t slip off during the holiday season. You can find these items at your local hardware store. Additionally, make sure to check the weight of your decorations so as not to cause any damage to the branches.
Step 8. Connect Extension Cords (Optional):
If needed, connect your extension cords together and plug them into an outdoor outlet for power. Make sure that all of your connections are secure before proceeding. Otherwise, you may be at risk of a short circuit or fire hazard.
Step 9. Plug In & Enjoy:
Once everything is secured and connected properly, it’s time to plug in your lights and enjoy! Take a step back to admire the beauty of your crepe myrtles adorned with twinkling Christmas lights – a perfect way to brighten up the holiday season. Be careful not to leave these lights on for extended periods of time, as this could cause a fire hazard.
Step 10. Unplug & Stow Away:
When Christmas is over, make sure to unplug your lights and put them away until the next year. This will help protect them from any damage or wear that could occur from leaving them out in inclement weather. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when wrapping crepe myrtles with Christmas lights!
Now that you know how to wrap crepe myrtles with Christmas lights, go ahead and try it out for yourself! With a bit of patience, creativity, and these helpful tips, you’ll be sure to create a beautiful display of festive lights this holiday season.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Make sure that you wrap the crepe myrtles at least once for a good hold. This also ensures that the lights stay in place and do not slip or droop after installation.
- If possible, use LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs as they are energy efficient and generate less heat which can cause damage to the tree’s bark.
- When wrapping your crepe myrtle with lights, start from the trunk up so that each additional light wraps around it in an even manner.
- To make sure that you don’t get tangled in strings of lights while wrapping your crepe myrtle, try using clips on the branches to keep them in place easily.
- Don’t forget to secure the lights with zip ties or clips to ensure that they stay in place when hanging. This will prevent your hard work from unraveling!
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to have a beautiful crepe myrtle adorned with twinkling Christmas lights – just in time for the holiday season!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Make sure that you don’t wrap the crepe myrtles too tightly – if they are wrapped too tightly, it can cause damage to the bark.
- Avoid wrapping your crepe myrtle with incandescent bulbs as these generate more heat which can lead to damage to the tree’s bark and leaves.
- Don’t forget to disconnect the lights before wrapping the tree, as this will make it easier and safer for you to work with them.
- Be careful not to use extension cords that are too long or weak, as a power surge could occur when you plug them in – potentially damaging both your crepe myrtle and Christmas lights.
- Don’t forget to unplug your Christmas lights before you leave or go to bed, as this is the best way to prevent any fires or damages from occurring.
Following these guidelines, while wrapping your crepe myrtles with Christmas lights will ensure a safe and beautiful holiday season!
How Many Lights Do I Need to Wrap a Tree Trunk?
The number of lights you will need to wrap a tree trunk depends on the size and shape of your crepe myrtle. Generally, it is recommended to buy enough lights so that each light covers about two inches of trunk or branch. If using larger C7 bulbs, one bulb per foot should provide adequate coverage.
Additionally, if you are wrapping more than one section of the tree, consider buying extra strings of lights. This will help prevent dark spots and ensure consistent lighting throughout your display.
By following these tips and tricks, you can be sure that your crepe myrtle will be beautifully lit up this holiday season!
What Can I Use to Wrap Christmas Lights?
When wrapping Christmas lights around a crepe myrtle, you can use zip ties or clips to secure the lights in place. This will ensure that the lights won’t slip out of place after installation. If you’re worried about leaving marks on the tree, consider using foam tape instead of zip ties, as it is less abrasive and won’t leave any residue behind.
Additionally, if there are large gaps between the branches and trunk, consider using garland to cover them up for a fuller look.
These materials can help provide an even distribution of light throughout your crepe myrtle display and create a stunning visual effect!
Conclusion
Wrapping crepe myrtles in Christmas lights is a fantastic way to bring some extra cheer to your home and neighborhood during the holidays. This DIY project is relatively simple and will quickly become one of your favorite ways to honor the spirit of the season.
Start by making sure you have enough supplies—you’ll need sturdy, waterproof string or rope, zip ties, and plenty of Christmas lights. For added decoration, be sure to allow some flexibility for a “faux braid” effect.
Once you’ve maneuvered around all the branches and securely attached your lights, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature and something special you crafted yourself.
We hope this guide on how to wrap crepe myrtles with Christmas lights has been helpful in demonstrating just how easy (and fun!) it can be to light up your crepe myrtles for the holiday season!
