MENUA big part of the holidays is warm lights, festive nights, and decking out the yard for the season. And while wrapping lights around your trees can create an incredible display, it is important to do it in a way that doesn’t harm the trees that make your property look great year-round. At Gunnison Tree Services, we see the damage that improper decorating can cause. The good news is that it is all preventable with a little care.
Start with the bark. It is your tree’s first line of defense, and once it is damaged, pests, decay, and winter stress have a much easier way in. Skip the nails, staples, or anything that breaks through the bark. Instead, use soft ties, Velcro, or outdoor-rated twist ties. They hold the lights in place without digging into the wood, and they give the branches enough freedom to move naturally with wind and temperature changes.
Your choice of lights matters, too. LED strands are the way to go. They’re cooler, safer, and far more energy-efficient than older incandescent bulbs. Cooler bulbs mean less heat on the branches and less chance of drying out twigs or scorching thin bark. When you're wrapping trees, keep the lights loose as tight coils can restrict growth or create stress points over time.
Before decorating, take a moment to look at the health of your tree. A dormant tree can handle lights just fine, but a tree that’s already stressed from drought, pests, or structural issues may not withstand as well. Avoid hanging anything on weak limbs, and once the holidays are over, take the lights down promptly. Leaving them up all winter can add unnecessary pressure, especially if ice or snow builds up.
Once your lights are up, keep an eye on the tree throughout the season. Look for early warning signs like needle or leaf drop on evergreens, cracking bark, or limbs that begin to droop. If something looks off, remove the lights and let the tree rest. Winter care, like fresh mulch and occasional watering during dry spells, can go a long way toward keeping trees strong.
Holiday decorating doesn’t have to come at the expense of tree health. With smart setup, gentle materials, and the right type of lights, you can enjoy a beautiful display that’s safe for your landscape. Protecting your trees now means they’ll be ready to shine long after the holiday season is over.