It is easy to look up at the big oak in your yard and imagine it all lit up for the holidays. But then there is the matter of a wobbly ladder in the cold to get to the first large branch, and one has to wonder if stringing lights through a tall tree might do it some damage.
We at Truetimber Arborists are no strangers to such questions this time of year. We have been tending to the trees of Richmond since 1998. Scott Turner started our home-grown company and put together a staff of ISA Certified Arborists with TRAQ credentials. For a professional opinion or some expert assistance before you put in the work, pick up the phone at (804) 376-8094.
There is no reason to put yourself or the tree in jeopardy to achieve a good effect. With the proper tools and some planning, a tall tree can be done up nicely. The trick is having a plan and knowing how high you want to go.
Make a Plan First
Do not put a strand of lights in hand until you have circled the tree and looked up. Consider how it will appear from the street and which branches are best to put on display. A little forethought means you will not be climbing any more than necessary and will avoid overloading part of the canopy.
Things to think about:
- How high the tree is and what you can safely get to
- Any dead or cracked branches
- Proximity to power lines
- An outdoor outlet that can handle the load
- What the weather is like; ice and wetness are hazardous
- The wattage requirements of the lights
The Right Gear
Putting lights on a shrub is one thing, a tall tree another. The wrong equipment is what gets people hurt, and a fall from height is no joke.
To be safe, use an extendable pole to put lights on high branches without leaving the ground. If you must use a ladder, make sure it is sound and has good footing. Have a spotter on hand to steady it and pass you what you need. Opt for heavy-duty extension cords and light clips for the branches, not nails or staples.
LEDs are highly recommended. They run cooler and put less demand on the circuit than old incandescent bulbs, so they are less likely to harm the bark.
Be Kind to the Tree
It is a living organism after all. Do not put nails, screws or staples in the bark. The resulting wounds are an invitation to pests and disease and can be with the tree for years.
Wrap the strands around the trunk and branches with some slack to let the tree grow and sway in the wind. Should you leave them up for the winter, take a look every few weeks to be sure nothing is biting into the bark as the tree flexes in the cold. Do not girdle a limb by wrapping too tight; a cord strangled around a branch will cut off nutrients and you will be left with a dead limb come spring.
When to Leave It to the Pros
Some trees are just too much to tackle alone. If the branches are out of ladder’s reach or the tree is near power lines, stay back. No amount of holiday cheer is worth an emergency room visit.
Our arborists have gone through the Truetimber Academy and know how to work in a high canopy with safety. We are licensed and insured and can respond day or night should a storm in the winter bring a branch down on your property. We cover Richmond and the Yorktown area as well as neighborhoods like Carytown, the Near West End, Bon Air, Midlothian, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, The Fan, Church Hill and Forest Hill.
Before you haul the ladder from the garage, consider how high you really want to be. If a tall tree on your land gives you pause, we can put our minds at ease, and we can handle any dead or cracked branches while we are up there. Call us at (804) 376-8094 for a no cost estimate and we will return your call in 24 business hours. Happy holidays from our family in Richmond to yours.
