Net Lights are pre-constructed grids that drape over shrubs in seconds — the best Christmas lights for bushes and hedges — available in 4'x6' (professional-grade LED or incandescent) and 4'x8' (incandescent only), with LED SoftTwinkle® options. StretchNet Pro® Net Lights are the best Christmas lights for tree trunks and columns — a patented stretchable design in three sizes covering trunk circumferences up to 52" and column circumferences up to 37", LED only.
Everything You Need to Know About Net Lights
Wrapping bushes with lights has been a popular outdoor Christmas decorating idea for many years. Originally the only way to achieve lighting on bushes was through the use of string lights either wrapped around or tucked into the interior of the shrub, until one day a very smart elf came up with an easier solution and net lights were born. In our 25+ years of helping customers light their homes and businesses, net lights remain one of the fastest, most satisfying upgrades a decorator can make. Net lights are string lights that have been connected to form a grid, which can easily cover the exterior of bushes or tree trunks in a fast, hassle-free installation process.
How do I hang net lights on bushes?
Net light installation is easy once you know where to start. Here are a few tips for getting a professional look:
Square bushes — Start at a corner of the bush, draping the net as you would wrap a present. This creates smooth edges and even light distribution across the face of the bush.
Conical and round shrubs — Turn the net vertical and hang in overlapping panels around the bush. This prevents a heavy concentration of lights bunching at the top.
Holly and sharp-leafed bushes — Take care when placing net lights on prickly foliage. Wear gloves and try to prevent wires from getting snagged or damaged.
Covering a long hedge row? Lay the nets side by side on the ground in front of your hedges before draping them, aligning the vertical and horizontal strings across each net. Keep nets facing the same direction as you place them and avoid overlap to prevent uneven light concentration along the seam. In our experience, the green wire disappears against foliage even in daylight, so the seams are virtually invisible once the nets are in place.
Prefer a random light pattern? Overlap the nets slightly and push them deeper into the branches rather than laying them flat on the exterior. The foliage above the net will diffuse the light, creating an inviting glow from within the bush while also creating a more random light pattern.
PRO TIP:
Pro Tip: Use commercial-grade LED net lights that stay cool to the touch, use a fraction of the energy of incandescent, and are wired so if one bulb goes out the rest stay lit. Look for UL-listed sets with one-piece sealed construction to keep moisture out — and flicker-free (rectified) options for clean, steady light. These are the features that separate commercial-grade lights from what you'll find at a big box store.
Which Net Light Is Best for Tree Trunks and Columns?
Thanks to their ease of installation, net lights work beautifully on tree trunks and columns as well as bushes. The right product depends on what you're wrapping: trees or columns.
Best for Trees: StretchNet Pro® Tree Wrap Lights
StretchNet Pro® tree wrap lights are the best choice for wrapping tree trunks of varying sizes without measuring. A special stretchable cord woven into the net makes them expandable to fit a wide range of trunk diameters, and simple loop clasps secure the ends — no zip ties needed. Available in four sizes covering circumferences from 14" to 52". For even thicker trunks, attach two StretchNet Pro sets back to back. StretchNet Pro tree wrap lights are LED only.
For smaller trees, traditional trunk wrap lights are available in a 2'x6' LED option. Incandescent options include a 2'x8' trunk wrap and longer, narrower 6"x12' and 6"x15' wraps — these spiral around the surface rather than clasping like StretchNet Pro.
How do I know which StretchNet Pro size I need?
Wrap a piece of string around your trunk at its widest point and cut it where the two ends meet. Lay the string flat and measure it — that's your circumference. Match that measurement to the StretchNet Pro size that covers it.
Best for Columns: StretchNet Pro Column Wrap Lights
StretchNet Pro® column wrap lights are the best choice for round or square columns, pillars, and posts. The same stretchable cord design expands to fit columns up to 37" in circumference, and the loop clasp system keeps everything secure and polished — no bunching, no zip ties. Stack sets end to end to reach your desired column height. StretchNet Pro column wrap lights are LED only.
For a traditional incandescent option, a 6"x15' column wrap is available that spirals around the column for uniform coverage from base to top.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the easiest way to install Christmas lights on bushes? Net lights are the fastest solution. Hold the net by the top two corners with the male plug at the bottom corner closest to your outlet, and toss it over the bush like a blanket. Gently pull the corners down and tuck the edges into the lower branches to wrap the sides evenly and eliminate any gaps or bunching. A standard 4'x6' net covers most bushes in under 60 seconds.
What's the difference between net lights and string lights? Net lights are string lights connected into a grid. Instead of wrapping individual branches or weaving strings through foliage, you simply drape or stretch the net over the surface for fast, even coverage with no tangling. For bushes, hedges, and shrubs, net lights deliver a cleaner, more uniform look in a fraction of the time.
What size net lights do I need for my bush? The 4'x6' net covers most standard shrubs up to about 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. For larger bushes, the 4'x8' provides additional coverage. For very large bushes or long hedge rows, connect multiple nets end to end. When in doubt, size up. Nets can be tucked and folded on smaller bushes, but a net that's too small won't cover the sides.
What's the difference between tree wrap lights and bush net lights? Bush net lights are designed to drape over the exterior of shrubs and hedges. Tree wrap lights, including StretchNet Pro®, are sized and shaped specifically to wrap around tree trunks and columns, with a long, narrow profile that conforms to cylindrical surfaces.
What is StretchNet Pro and when do I need it? StretchNet Pro® is our patented tree and column wrap light. A stretchable cord woven into the net allows it to expand and conform to a wide range of trunk and column diameters, unlike traditional fixed-size wraps. Simple loop clasps secure the ends without zip ties.
How many net lights can I connect end to end? Our professional-grade LED net lights connect 14 to 21 sets end to end on a single outlet, far more than commercial-grade incandescent (6 sets) or standard residential incandescent (3 sets). Always check the maximum connections rating on the product tag for the exact limit per SKU.
What wire color should I choose for net lights? Green wire is the right choice for most outdoor applications. It disappears against foliage even in daylight. White wire works best against light-colored surfaces such as white-painted railings.
A Perfect Pair
Net Light Color Combinations
Red and Cool White
Red and Green
Blue and Cool White
Blue and Green
Orange and Purple Halloween Themed
Twinkle Net Lights
