How to Safely Put Outdoor Christmas Lights in Trees

While the holidays are a great time for bright lights and festive cheer, getting everything in place can seem like a hassle. One of the biggest hassles is often the matter of decorating the yard for the season. When it comes to how to safely put outdoor Christmas lights in trees, there are a few things you need to know. Read on for our five tips for dealing with this holiday conundrum.

1. Make sure trees are freshly trimmed and check the surroundings

This is one of the most crucial elements of how to safely put outdoor Christmas lights in trees. If a tree isn’t properly trimmed and the branches extend towards a power line, or a power line is naturally touching the tree already regardless of branch length, you need to remedy that or skip that tree until a professional comes to trim it. Electrical shock is nothing to play around with for the sake of holiday dazzle.

2. Check your outlets first

Another important matter regarding the issue of electrical shock is your outlet. You always want to make sure any outdoor lights are plugged into a GFCI outlet which will shut down the system if an overload of current and potential shock hazard is detected.

3. Check lights for any damages prior to usage

If lights have frayed cords, it can lead to electrical shocks. This is why it is important to check the lights prior to plugging them in for any signs of electrical damages. While many people choose to string their lights up and then plug them in for a dramatic display at the end of the task, you run the risk of not being aware of a problem prior to stringing if you don’t check for damages. You may end up with a potential fire hazard or electrical shock hazard which can become a serious threat. Always check for frayed cords prior to hanging lights. If any cords are damaged, you should discard them for the safety of your family and home.

4. Have someone hold the ladder while you string

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people fail to have someone hold the ladder and end up getting hurt as a result. The holidays are one of the most dangerous seasons because of this fact alone. When working on a ladder to hang lights in a tree or on the roof, you should always have a buddy system where someone holds the ladder.

5. Take precautions against moisture

Another safety issue to be aware of when hanging lights in trees is the matter of moisture. If you hang string lights and leave one end of the light receptacle exposed by not connecting it to another string, you need to take an extra step to ensure moisture related hazards are eliminated. For instance, covering the light outlet with some waterproof tape is a great way to avoid any issues.