Hang Christmas Lights on Tall Trees From the Ground

You can hang Christmas lights on tall trees from the ground. No ladder. No lift. No climbing. You need a long pole, a hook made from a paint roller, and a plan. I use this method to hang Christmas lights on tall trees every season, and it works on trees most homeowners think are out of reach.

Watch me do this on a 30 foot evergreen, all from the ground. Then use the steps below to do it on your own tree.

I spent years as a firefighter, and I do not like watching people fall off ladders. This method keeps your feet on the grass. I built an install company to over $1 million a year with four crews, and this trick saved us time and kept our people safer.

What do you need to hang lights on a tall tree?

• A telescoping pole. I use a Mr. Longarm, which extends to 24 feet.
• A paint roller frame. The plain kind that screws onto a pole.
• A scrap of metal or a bumper. You use it as leverage to bend the frame.
• Pliers and a screwdriver. For small adjustments.
• Lights. I like mini string lights for trees. For a softer sparkle, try twinkle LED mini lights.
• Outdoor extension cords. Get the right length from our extension cables and splitters.

How do you make the paint roller hook?

Take the paint roller frame and bend it into a gentle crook. Think of a shepherd's staff. Use your piece of metal for leverage and go slow. If you push too fast the frame snaps.

The curve has one job. It must catch a section of the light string, push it up over a branch, and let go. It also has to pull the string back down when you need to fix it. Screw the hook onto the pole and lock it tight before you lift it.

Practice on a low branch first. Try the catch, push, and pull a few times. A little practice on the ground saves a lot of time at the tree.

How do you get the lights up the tree?

1. Point the female plug up. Put the female end at the top of the tree, not the male end. That keeps the connections easy to add to and away from wet ground.
2. Wrap the start of the string around the hook two or three times. That grip keeps the string from slipping off.
3. Start at the top. Use the pole to wrap the string around the branches, working in a slow downward spiral.
4. Stand back. Keep a clear view of the branches so you can see your spacing.
5. Add strands with a knot. To add another string, tie an overhand knot with the two cords before you plug them together. Wind will pull loose plugs apart. The knot holds them. It does not hurt the wire.
6. Wrap the base. Space your wraps about four fingers apart around the lower trunk.
7. Knot the final connection. Tie one more overhand knot before you plug into your power source.

Why use a pole instead of a ladder?

A ladder on soft ground and a tree full of limbs is a bad mix. Every step up puts you closer to a fall. A pole keeps you planted. It also lets you move fast, because you do not climb down, shift the ladder, and climb back up for every branch.

On a job site, speed matters. A tree that takes hours with a ladder takes far less time with a pole and a helper. That is the same reason I tell new contractors to plan their install windows carefully and to build their tools before the season starts.

How much does it cost to hire a pro instead?

Some trees are past what a homeowner should try. If you would rather not do it, here is what a professional charges. Pros price trees by the foot of height, not by the strand.

Tree type	Pro price per foot of height	Example: 30 foot tree
Deciduous (loses leaves)	$30 to $50	$900 to $1,500
Evergreen (keeps needles)	$40 to $60	$1,200 to $1,800

Evergreens cost more because they take more bulbs and more time. That price includes takedown and storage. For the full range on roofline, bushes, and wreaths, read our Christmas light installation cost guide. If you want a local pro, use the find an installer page.

How many lights does a tall tree need?

More than you think. A big tree swallows strings, and a thick evergreen swallows more than a bare oak. Plan for extra strands so you never stop halfway up. Nothing looks worse than a tree that goes dark at the top.

Before you buy, get a price for the job with our tree lighting price calculator. Enter the tree type and height and it shows what a pro job runs. That number tells you if a DIY project is worth your weekend.

What are the safety rules for hanging lights with a pole?

• Look up before you lift. Never raise a metal or wet pole near a power line. Check the whole tree for lines first.
• Work in daylight and dry weather. Wet grass and a long pole make bad partners.
• Use a helper. One person feeds strings while the other steers the pole.
• Know your limit. If the top sits past the reach of your pole, hire a pro. Do not climb the tree.

What mistakes should you avoid?

I have seen the same errors over and over, from homeowners and from new contractors.

• Wrapping too tight. Leave room for the branch to move. Pull snug, not hard.
• Skipping the knots. One windy night and the top half of the tree goes dark.
• Starting at the bottom. With a pole, start at the top and work down. Your reach is the limit, so use it where it counts.
• Running short. Nothing looks worse than lights that stop halfway up. Buy a few more strands than you think you need.
• Ignoring the power path. Plan where the cord runs before you wrap. Keep plugs off the ground and out of puddles.

How do you take the lights down?

Reverse the same steps. Untie your knots, hook the string near the top, and ease it back toward you. Do not yank it. A hard pull snaps branches and cracks sockets. Coil each string loose and store it dry. Good storage is how a string lasts for many seasons.

For a pro crew, takedown is part of the install price. That is one reason a professional tree quote runs higher than a bag of lights at the store.

Tall Tree Lighting FAQ

How high can you reach from the ground?

A 24 foot telescoping pole plus your own reach gets you into the upper branches of most yard trees. Past that, call a pro with the right equipment.

Why put the female plug at the top?

It keeps your connection points easy to reach and away from standing water. It also makes adding another strand simple.

Do I need to tie the strands together?

Yes. Tie an overhand knot before you plug two cords together. Wind and tree movement can pull a plain connection apart.

What lights work best on tall trees?

Mini string lights are the standard because they wrap tight and stay light. Twinkle mini lights add movement.

Can I leave the lights on the tree all year?

Take them down after the season. Trees grow, and a tight wrap can hurt a branch.

How tall is the tallest tree you have ever tried to light?