Bush Lighting Calculator
Enter bush dimensions and spacing to get exact strand counts and pricing.
How Bush Lighting Pricing Works
Bush lighting is priced by the bush, not by the strand. An average bush costs $200 to $400 to light professionally. That includes the mini lights, installation, and removal at the end of the season.
The actual strand count depends on three things: the size of the bush, the light spacing (4-inch or 6-inch), and whether the bush is against the house or freestanding. A bush against the house only needs three sides plus the top. A freestanding bush in the yard needs all four sides plus the top.
Use the calculator above to dial in the exact strand count for your specific bushes.
4-Inch vs 6-Inch Spacing
4-inch spacing gives a fuller, denser look. More strands per bush. This is the premium option that makes bushes glow from every angle. Clients who want their property to look incredible choose 4-inch spacing.
6-inch spacing is the standard. It looks great and uses fewer strands. This is where most jobs land. The coverage is even, the bushes look full, and the material cost is lower.
Both options use the same lights. The difference is how tightly you space the runs across the surface of the bush.
What Lights Are Used for Bushes
Professional installers use mini lights for bushes. The most popular options are 5mm wide angle LEDs for maximum brightness and M5 traditional minis for a classic look.
Mini lights come in strands of 25, 50, and 100 feet. Buy them by the case of 24 strands to get the best price per strand. If you are lighting 6 to 8 bushes on a property, you will go through a full case easily.
- 5mm Wide Angle LED Mini Lights. Brightest option. Wide beam fills the bush with light. The industry standard for professional installations.
- M5 Traditional LED Mini Lights. Classic shape. Warm glow. Great for homeowners who prefer the traditional look.
- LED Net Lights. An alternative for flat-topped bushes and hedges. Drape the net over the top, stake the corners, done. Huge time saver on the right bush shape.
- RGBWW Color-Changing Mini Lights. Upsell option. Let clients change bush colors by remote for different holidays and occasions.
Tips for Measuring Bushes
You do not need a tape measure for every bush. Pace off the length. One big step is about 3 feet. For width, reach your arm out from the house wall to the front of the bush. For height, use your body: knee height is about 1.5 feet, waist is 3 feet, chest is 4 feet.
If you are quoting from a photo, make sure it is recent. Bushes grow. A photo from two years ago could be way off, and your strand count and pricing will be wrong. When in doubt, measure on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to put Christmas lights on bushes?
An average bush costs $200 to $400 for professional installation. That includes the lights, installation, and removal. Smaller boxwoods on the lower end. Large foundation plantings on the higher end. A row of 6 bushes across the front of the house typically runs $1,200 to $2,400 total.
How many lights do I need for my bushes?
It depends on the bush size and spacing. A 4-foot tall bush that is 6 feet long and 3 feet deep typically needs 5 to 8 strands of 50-foot mini lights at 4-inch spacing. Use the calculator above for exact numbers based on your specific bushes.
Should I use net lights or individual strands on bushes?
Net lights work great on flat-topped hedges and square-shaped bushes. They save a lot of installation time. For round bushes, globe shapes, or anything with an irregular shape, individual strands give a cleaner look because you can follow the contour. Shop LED net lights here.
What color lights look best on bushes?
Warm white is the most popular. It creates a soft, inviting glow that frames the house beautifully. Pure white is a close second for a more modern, crisp look. Multicolor works on properties going for the full festive display. Match the bush lights to whatever color you use on the roofline for a cohesive look.
Do I need to light every bush on my property?
No. Focus on the bushes that are visible from the street. The front foundation plantings, the bushes flanking the front door, and any accent bushes along the walkway. Skip the backyard bushes nobody sees. Your installer can help you decide which ones make the biggest impact for your budget.
How long do the lights stay on bushes?
Most professional installations go up in October or early November and come down in January. The lights are designed to stay outdoors for the full season. Commercial-grade LED mini lights are rated for 50,000+ hours and handle rain, snow, and ice without issues.
Need to estimate tree lighting too? Use our Tree Lighting Calculator. Or check out the full calculator hub for all available tools.