Christmas is just around the corner and if you haven’t already, it is time to hang your outdoor Christmas lights. Spreading a little Christmas cheer is easy– or at least we hope to help make it. This guide will help you be prepared and teach you the proper way to hang those lights… and then you can help your neighbor. If you have never decorated the exterior of your home, keep it simple. This will be the year that you learn the basics and get an understanding of what does and does not work. Each year, you can add on to your collection whether that means filling in empty spots or decorating features on your home and in your yard. It won’t be long until your house is the one everyone is driving by to see.
First Tip… Don’t Do This Yourself, Let A&A Do It For You!
Let A&A Lawncare & Landscaping take the hassle out of decorating your home this holiday season! We provide you a one stop solution for all your holiday decorating needs! We create beautiful customized lighting displays for all seasons and events. We have a full line of LED products and displays to fit traditional, modern, simple, and ornate tastes. Worry less about this holiday season or event by taking this task off your list!
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All the Steps You’ll Have to Do If You Don’t Let Us Do It For You 🙂
#1: Gather Your Materials
Here is what you’ll need…
- Ladder
- Tape Measure
- Outdoor Holiday Lights
- Plastic Light Clips
- Plastic Zip Tights
- Outdoor Extension Cord
- Smartphone or Camera
#2: Take a Picture of Your Home
Walk to the curb and take a couple pictures of your house. This allows you to see your home from other people’s perspective and will help you come up with a plan on how to decorate. Seeing your home the way they do gives you solid intel to work with as passers-by are the ones who will get the most joy from your hard work. Consider the big picture… many people think to hang lights along their roofline, but don’t forget about your porch, windows, door, and around your lawn. Anything is possible when it comes to Christmas decorating.
#3: Measure the Spaces Where You Plan to Hang Lights
Grab your tape measure and measure the height and width of the areas where you intend to hand your lights. If your roofline does not have any peaks, you can measure the width of your home at its base which will save you a few trips up your ladder. It might not give you an exact measurement but it will give you enough insight for you to determine how many light strands you will need.
#4: Verify that Your Lights can be Used Outside
When you purchase your lights, check to make sure that the box is labeled “for outdoor or indoor/outdoor” use. This is important as it ensures that your lights will be able to withstand the harsh winter weather. Indoor tree lights are fragile and when hung outside, do not last long.
#5: Purchase Plastic Light Clips
These make putting up and taking door outdoor Christmas lights much easier! Not only will they save you time, but they also keep you from damaging your home in the process… no need for nails or staples to get the decorating done. Flexible plastic clips can hold any type of light strand and are reusable so you can plan to use them year after year.
#6: Make Sure Your Lights Work Before You Hang Them
Avoid being disappointed when the job is done. Test each strand of lights prior to hanging them. Look over the lights to make sure that nothing is broken and that all bulbs are intact. If you purchased new lights, set aside the spare bulbs just in case something happens down the road.
#7: Attach Your Strands to the Plastic Clips
Secure the plastic hangers on your light strands. Allow 6 to 12 inches between the clips depending on what your design plan is and how straight you intend for your strands to be when it is all said and done.
#8: Hang Your Lights
Attach the clips to your home to get your lights hung. Secure the clips to the roofline, gutters, siding, railings, etc. This is when your plan is brought to life. So that you do not have to make several trips up and down your ladder, look at the picture you took when you began the process so that you have a clear visual on what it looks like and what you want it to become.
#9: Dealing with Excess Wires
Light strands typically come with about an extra foot of unlit wiring. To ensure that your spacing is consistent, loosely roll up the wire and clip it to the unused portion of your plastic clips. Verify that your spacing is accurate before you move on.
#10: Secure Your Lights with Zip Ties
Our region can be known for some harsh weather during the winter months. For that reason, consider adding zip ties for extra security. Excessive winds, snow, and ice storms can all lead to the demise of your perfect holiday light display, but zip ties serve as one more defense line against such conditions. Zip ties come in several colors so you might look for some that match your light strands so that they blend in.
#11: Plug in Your Lights
Plug the male end of your final strand into your outdoor extension cord. Proceed to plug that cord in your exterior outlet; consider purchasing an automatic timer so that your lights turn off and on without any intervention. Be sure that you plug your outdoor lights into GFCI-protected outlet to avoid being shocked as a result of moisture or short circuits.
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About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.