Tree Lighting Price Calculator
Estimate pricing for any tree based on type, height, and complexity.
$30 – $60 / ft
$40 – $70 / ft
$40 – $60 / strand
How Tree Lighting Pricing Works
Tree lighting is priced by the foot of height because taller trees take more strands, more labor, and more time. A 10-foot ornamental tree in the front yard is a quick job. A 30-foot oak with a wide canopy is a full crew project.
There are three types of tree wraps and each one prices differently.
Deciduous trees have bare branches in winter. They are easier to wrap because you can see the branch structure. Pricing runs $30 to $60 per foot of height. A 20-foot deciduous tree costs $600 to $1,200 installed.
Evergreen trees keep their needles. The density means you need more strands to fill the canopy so the lights show through. Pricing runs $40 to $70 per foot. A 20-foot evergreen runs $800 to $1,400.
Branch wraps are priced per strand instead of per foot. You wrap individual branches with mini lights for a detailed look. Typical pricing is $40 to $60 per strand.
What Lights Are Used for Tree Wrapping
Professional installers use 5mm wide angle LED mini lights for tree wrapping. These are the industry standard. They are bright, durable, and energy efficient.
Mini lights come in strands of 25, 50, and 100 feet. Most installers buy them by the case. A case of 24 strands is the most cost-effective way to stock up for the season. If the calculator shows you need 10 strands for a tree, you are almost halfway through a case on one job.
- 5mm Wide Angle LED Mini Lights. The go-to for tree wrapping. Bright, wide beam angle, commercial grade.
- M5 Traditional LED Mini Lights. Classic mini light shape. Great for a more traditional look.
- Twinkle LED Mini Lights. Add sparkle to accent trees. Every third bulb twinkles.
- RGBWW Color-Changing Mini Lights. Premium option for clients who want to switch colors by remote.
Tips for Estimating Tree Height
You do not need a tape measure. Use the house as your reference. A single-story roofline is about 10 feet. A two-story roofline is about 20 feet. The peak of a steep two-story roof is about 30 feet.
Stand back and compare the tree to the house. If the tree is the same height as a two-story roofline, call it 20 feet. If it reaches the peak, call it 30. If it towers over the house, you are looking at 40+ and probably need a bucket truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to wrap a tree in Christmas lights?
It depends on the tree type and height. A small 10-foot deciduous tree costs $300 to $600. A medium 20-foot evergreen runs $800 to $1,400. Large trees over 30 feet can cost $1,800 to $3,500 or more. Use the calculator above to get a specific estimate for your tree.
How many strands of lights do I need for a 20-foot tree?
A 20-foot deciduous tree typically needs 8 to 15 strands of mini lights depending on the canopy width and how full you want the look. An evergreen of the same height needs more because of the dense foliage. The calculator above gives you exact numbers based on your specific tree.
Can you put Christmas lights on any type of tree?
Yes. Deciduous trees, evergreens, palms, and ornamental trees can all be wrapped. The technique differs. Deciduous trees get wrapped trunk-to-branch. Evergreens get lights draped through the canopy. Palms get wrapped up the trunk with a starburst at the top.
Do Christmas lights damage trees?
Not when installed properly. Professional installers use clips and ties that do not dig into bark. Lights are removed at the end of the season so the tree is never constricted during the growing months. The main risk is leaving lights on year-round and letting the tree grow around the wire.
What is the best color for tree wrapping?
Warm white is the most popular choice by far. It gives a classic, elegant glow. Pure white is brighter and more modern. Multicolor works well on evergreens for a traditional look. Shop warm white and pure white mini lights here.
Should I use net lights or wrap lights on trees?
Net lights are for bushes and shrubs, not trees. Trees need individual strands wrapped around the trunk and branches. Net lights cannot conform to the irregular shape of a tree canopy. For bushes, check out our Bush Lighting Calculator.