Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/advice.html#christmas

Artificial Christmas Tree Lighting Tips

    1. The first step is to fluff your tree, arranging the branches to
look full and natural.

    2. Start at the base near the trunk. Trees that fold up (like
Barthelmess, formerly Barcana) may be lighted in sections, to be taken
down and stored with the lights on.

    3. Plug in the lights before you start and leave them on while
working. There's nothing more frustrating than finishing the lights,
plugging them in, and nothing happens. We carry GKI lights, which have
the most diverse color combinations and a unique locking system to
virtually eliminate loose bulbs.

    4. Weave the lights through the side branches along the main branch
to the tip, then back to the center and on to the next branch. The trick
is to hide the wires as much as possible.

    5. Continue weaving branches until the row is completed. Add light
sets as needed.

    6. Continue working the lights up the tree trunk to the next row and
proceed until you arrive at the top of the tree. Three sets of 50-lights
can be safely plugged together.

    7. Drop any extra lights down the center.

    8. As a guide, use approximately 50 lights per foot of tree. Trees
larger than 7 ft. will probably take an extra set or two.

Decorating Your Christmas Tree  

    A beautiful tree, properly decorated, looks all the more beautiful.
Decorate in sequence, starting with lights, garland, tree trim,
ornaments and complete with a tree top and skirt.

    Follow a plan, color scheme or theme. The chart below will help you
in planning your decoration needs.

Tree        No. of Mini     Garland     Number
Height      Light Bulbs     Length      of Balls
2'          100             10'         25-35
3'          150             24'         35-50
4'          200             40'         50-75
6'          300             75'         100-150
7'          350             90'         150-200
7.5'        450+            100'        175-275