How To Hang Lights Outside Without Trees

Hanging lights from trees is a great way to illuminate any outdoor space! Whether you want to dress up your backyard, prepare for a special event, or have a well-lit area to relax in at night, trees are often the first option for hanging outdoor lights. 

But what if you don’t have enough trees in your backyard or your trees are too far apart? Thankfully, there are many other options available, and each can result in an outdoor space that is just as impressive. So whether you want to light up your garden, patio, or backyard, check out these suggestions for alternatives to trees. We’re sure you will find these tips illuminating!

Alternatives to hanging lights from trees 

1. Fences

Fences are the next most obvious option after trees. It might be best to lay your lights on the ground alongside the fence to get a better idea of how to install them. Remember to have the tail end of the last light string close enough to a power outlet!

2. Patios or deck railings

Hanging lights from the patio or deck railing is also a good idea. Even if these areas are already illuminated, string lights will give you a more subdued lighting option for more intimate occasions. 

3. Existing supports

If you already have supports set up around your yard, look no further. Poles and pillars are excellent choices, but you could also hang lights from sheds, gazebos, and other structures. 

4. Shrubbery

Consider hanging your lights from shrubs and bushes. They are usually easier to install lights on because they are much easier to reach, and the results can be equally impressive. 

5. Custom-made supports

If none of the above solutions work out for you, consider making custom supports. It will cost more money and take more time to be sure, but it might be the only solution if nothing else works. And you have the benefit of being able to design and install your supports precisely the way you want. 

One of the simplest solutions is to set up as many buckets as you need with poles installed in them. This setup allows you to move the supports as required without committing to a particular spot. You can make stable supports with heavy-duty buckets filled with heavy material. 

Many homemakers prefer wood poles because of their traditional look. But metal poles and PVC pipes will work just as well. 

As for fillers, you can use gravel if you want the option to change out the poles or remove them for storage. You could also fill your buckets with concrete for a more permanent solution. 

Here’s how to create your custom made outdoor lighting supports: 

What you’ll need: 

1. Wooden or metal poles or PVC pipes
2. Heavy-duty buckets
3. Filling material  
4. Hardware for attaching the lights 

You can hang up the lights with nails, screws, or metal hooks. Screws and metal hooks can be removed if needed, and hooks, in particular, are a more attractive alternative to nails. 

Procedure: 

1. Cut the poles to the height you want 
2. Place each pole in a bucket 
3. Fill each bucket with the filling material of your choice 
4. Attach the hardware from which you will hang the lights
5. String up the lights from each pole 

Shopping for outdoor lights

As you can see, there are many alternatives to trees if you want to hang lights outside. But it is just as important to get the right type of lighting for outdoor use. Instead of going for a specific brand or model, it might be better to shop around for options based on the following factors: 

• Waterproof. Outdoor lights will be exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions so make sure they are up to the task. Many water-resistant models are available for outdoor use, but it is always best to go for waterproof designs.
• Length. Make sure your light strings are long enough to stretch across the space you need to cover. Of course, you could always string together multiple lengths, but it is best to avoid long chains for safety. 
• Bulb type. Look for bulbs that are powerful enough to illuminate your surroundings without drawing too much power. LED lights are a good option, and they last longer than standard bulbs.
• Power source. Most standard outdoor lights need a nearby electrical outlet. But there are many solar-powered options available these days, which do away with the need to have a power source. These have internal batteries that charge during the day and can illuminate your yard all night. 

The Verdict

Hanging lights from trees is a time-honored tradition that is still viable today. But if your yard doesn’t have enough trees or they are spaced too far apart, there are still many options for illuminating your yard impressively. Hopefully, the suggestions given above will inspire some creative ideas of your own!