THIS is the question we ask ourselves EVERY year, How many lights do we need for the tree? This year we decided to investigate this weary question and buy ALL new LED lights.
- Incandescent lights have been the household standard for years. They’re inexpensive and come in a variety of styles and colors.
- LED (light-emitting diode) lights give off brilliant white light and feature bulb covers in various shapes and colors. LED string lights cost more than incandescent string lights, but they’re 85% more energy-efficient and can last up to 40 holiday seasons. Plus, they don’t produce heat like incandescent bulbs, so they remain cool to the touch.
- White lights draw attention to the ornaments on your tree and provide a classic, elegant look to your tree.
- Colored lights create a festive look and conjure memories of childhood. Try colored lights for a throwback look.
How many strands of lights do I need? We found some great ones that offer the ability to switch between white, colored, solid and flashing lights. We will see after the tree is up, but I have HIGH hopes in these new lights.
A good rule of thumb is to use 100 lights for every foot-and-a-half of tree. BUT, if you love lights, you may want to double or even triple that amount. Use the chart below for the recommended number of lights for fresh-cut trees.
| Tree Height | Number of Lights |
| 6 to 7 Feet | 400 to 700 |
| 7.5 to 8.5 Feet | 700 to 1,000 |
| 9 to 10 Feet | 1,000 to 1,300 |
| 12 Feet | 1,500 to 2,000 |