TonyD Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I have a large oak tree where i'd like to place a single string of C9 white lights along the major branches. It's not located where i could get a lift or bucket truck (not that i'd want to go to that expense anyway) and i want the lights to go too high to reach only with a ladder.I've thought about hiring a local tree trimming guy to climb up (with all the right safety gear on) but i don't think he'd even be able to reach as far out in the branches as i'd like.I've thought about zipping the strings to flexible tubing, perhaps even cut in a few places so that it could contour to the branch a little better. Then to assist with placement, i'd insert a smaller diameter pvc pipe to make it more rigid and slid it up along the branches from as high up in the tree as i can get. Once set, i'd remove the pvc pipe and the more flexible tubing would support the string but hopefully lay down along the branch line as it curls back down to the ground somewhat.Comments? Suggestions?Thanks,Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roverdish Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 A word of caution. Squirrells were eating my string lights in the trees. Installed rope lights this year without a squirrel issue. I did however rent the bucket truck and do my own tree trimming along with light stringing. Just a little more expensive than the tree trimmer but I had the bucket truck all weekend for a 1 day rental. I plan on leave the rope lights up high in place but unlit all year.attached video shows rope lights high in oak treesChipCreated with Super Star sequencer in the Light O Rama software suite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I notice that the snow flakes with rope light on the roof (north side no less). That I take down each spring. After 2 years that the rope lights are some what oxidized and have a white-ish milky look to them. I hate to see yours after 12 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyD Posted January 3, 2013 Author Share Posted January 3, 2013 I bought some 1/4 in vinyl tubing (.29 ft) and some 12 gauge steel wire today. I'm going to tie the string to the tubing and then insert the wire in the tubing and see if I can maneuver it up through the tree, then lash it in place as much as possible. I do have lots of squirrels unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T17443 Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 How long are you planning to leave them up and how big is this tree? We put lights in three 40' maple trees this year. All were put up using a 12' step ladder, a 25' extension ladder, and a 25' extension pole. We used a zip tie to hook a shower curtain hook to the end of the light string. Use the extention pole to loop the hook over the furthest part of the branch and run the light string down the branch. You can use multiple hooks as needed and then wrapthe lights around the branches when you get to a point you can reach. Relatively easy set-up and takedown. You can see videos here: www.AllenLightShow.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyD Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 ok, wow, those look great! If i could get that effect i'd be thrilled.I'd say my trees are 30 - 40 ft, so your method seems like it should be doable for me. I was only going to put up a string or 2 now to see how difficult it was and if i got the impact i want. If it was impossible then i wouldn't plan on using it in any sequences (i'm brand new and don't have anything yet). Depending on how hard they were to put up would dictate how long they are left in (perhaps year-around).I also love the Allen Balls. I was going to ask what they were but you have it explained in the design pictures.Thanks for the reply!Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LORi P Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I have always wondered how they do all their giant trees at SilverDollar City. I'd give anything to see how they do it.http://youtu.be/gsLRR176wP4?t=30sI just do about 15' of a 20' tree using ladders, and that is bad enough...http://youtu.be/2uftWu2C_rc?t=4m23sI've got 32 'super strings' of 35 ct LED lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyD Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 I just do about 15' of a 20' tree using ladders, and that is bad enough...http://youtu.be/2uftWu2C_rc?t=4m23sI've got 32 'super strings' of 35 ct LED lights.Sure looks great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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