Which Lights to Use for Canopy, Trunk & Branch Wrapping

Use C9 or G30 retrofit bulbs with E17 socket wire.

Choose different spacing types. 12 inch and 15 inch spacing provide a high‑impact display. 36 inch spacing creates a sparkling effect in large trees.

If one bulb goes out, it is easily replaced, and the rest of the tree can stay lit.

Buying 500 ft spools along with zip plug pairs can be economical for large trees. Section the tree into 250 ft runs powered by a heavy‑duty extension cord, splitting off into runs of E17 wire.

When splitting large trees into sections, split them vertically, lining up the points of zig‑zags to make the tree look like it has been continuously wrapped.

You can connect up to 45 × 25 ft strings in a row, giving you 1,125 ft of lighting per run.

5mm and C6 string lights are durable, with coaxial connections that stay threaded together even in high winds.

The lights are discreet but provide high impact and brightness.

Options for mini lights include steady solid color, themed versions like the Rockefeller, and twinkling options.

Stretch string lights should not be used for canopy wraps.

5mm or C6 mini lights are great for small or very small trees with thin branches because the strings are lightweight, and won’t weigh down branches.

For denser or stronger mid‑size trees, C7 or G20 bulbs with E12 wire can also be used for canopy wrapping, for the same reasons listed above about retrofit bulbs.

5mm mini lights are ideal for trunk and branch wrapping.

Retrofit bulbs and C6 lights should not be used for trunk and branch wrapping of trees because they create a knobbly, spiky look with a line effect.

Stretch string mini lights can be used for permanent trunk and branch wraps.

Brown wire is great to blend in with bark.