Net Lights 101
Wrapping bushes with lights has been a popular outdoor Christmas decorating idea for many years. Originally the only way to achieve lighting on bushes was through the use of string lights either wrapped around or tucked into the interior of the shrub, until one day a very smart elf came up with an easier solution and net lights were born! Net lights are string lights that have been connected to form a grid, which can easily cover the exterior of bushes or tree trunks in a fast, hassle free installation process.
How to Hang Bush Lights
Net light installation is very easy once you know where to start and the best method for creating the look you want to achieve. Net lights can provide a unique patterned light design across a large number of bushes, however if you prefer random lighting patterns, this can be accomplished with net lights too!
Tips for Perfectly Wrapped Bushes
Incandescent and LED net lights have end-to-end connectors, making them easy to plug in to one another as you go. Depending on the type, you can usually plug 14 to 21 LED net lights in together on one outlet, whereas the max number of incandescent net light sets that can be connected is typically 3. If you'll be plugging multiple sets into each other it is best to check the specifications on the net lights you are interested in and plan accordingly. After you've installed your net lights based on the suggestions above, plug your lights into an outlet and step back to check that the light pattern is as you want it. Make adjustments as necessary.
Net Lights Used as Tree Trunk Lights
Thanks to the ease of installation, many decorators turn to net lights for creating light wrapped trees and columns as well as bushes. There are even different dimensions of net lights - often referred to as trunk wrap lights or column wraps - available to wrap a variety of tree trunk and column sizes. Refer to the quick references below on which net light or wrap is best for creating trunk lights based on the size of your tree. Tip: To determine the circumference of your tree trunk, wrap a string around the trunk at its widest section and cut the string at the point where the two ends meet. Then lay the piece of string flat and measure it with a measuring tape, this will give you the circumference of your tree trunk!
Traditional Tree Wrap Lights
Traditional trunk light wraps measure 2' x 6' and 2' x 8' and are the perfect size for wrapping small trees. If your trees are just a little over 2' around, adjust your trunk wrap so that the gap between each edge is at the back facing side of the tree and secure each side with a zip tie or wire that matches the wire color of your lights.
StretchNet Pro® Tree Wrap Lights
If you need to wrap multiple trees of varying sizes and you want a more durable option than traditional trunk wraps, you may be interested in StretchNet Pro tree wraps. A special stretchable cord is woven into these nets, making them expandable to fit a variety of tree trunk diameters. Additionally, simple loop clasps attach the ends of the net around the tree, making installation incredibly easy.
Column Wraps
Column wraps can be used to quickly and uniformly light both round and square columns. As a result of their long and thin design, column wraps are also sometimes referred to as ribbon wraps and can be swirled around conical and round bushes in the same way you might wrap a ribbon around a Christmas tree.