Overview
Professional-looking tree wraps come down to consistent spacing, clean wire management, and a plan for power and concealment. Use the guidelines below to get a crisp, uniform result that looks great day and night.
1) Plan the look
Decide on technique: tight trunk-and-branch wraps for a precise, premium finish, or a canopy wrap for a soft halo on the outer edges.
Measure height and trunk circumference, and note the primary branches you’ll wrap. Use these to estimate strings before you start.
2) Choose the right lights
5mm mini LEDs are the professional standard for trunk and branch wraps. They sit close to bark, look bright, and look uniform from a distance.
Keep bulb family and color temperature consistent across the install for a cohesive look.
3) Set spacing and wrapping pattern
Trunks: Maintain even spacing at a consistent wrap angle. A clean baseline is one wrap every 4–6 inches, with even tension as you climb.
Branches: Either wrap or “run” the string along the branch for speed. Pick one approach per branch set and stay consistent.
Keep your spiral angle identical from bottom to top so the pattern doesn’t change.
4) Keep tension even and tree-safe
Wraps of lights should be snug, but never too tight. Avoid girdling and allow for taper and growth as you move up the tree, if you're leaving lights wrapped permanently.
For long-term installs or growing trees, prioritize products and techniques that flex (like stretch string mini lights) and avoid hard cinch points.
5) Power and connections
Plan power entry and exit so connectors sit at the base or on the “back” side of the tree.
Keep connections off the ground, use weather‑rated joiners, and stay within circuit load limits.
6) Invisible transitions
Step down cleanly at forks. Hide slack wires and connectors on the inside or shaded side so the lit face stays pristine.
When crossing small gaps, run on the shadow side and keep the wire tidy to avoid daylight clutter.
7) Finishing touches
Maintain the same spiral angle and spacing from base to top.
Step back periodically to balance density so brightness looks even at all angles.
When to choose canopy wraps
Use canopy wraps for dense trees or when you want a glowing outline on the outer edges with faster coverage. Follow the canopy shape and keep outer spacing even for a smooth halo.