The usual rule for Christmas tree lights is 100 LEDs for every foot of tree for an evenly lit tree, and roughly double that if you want the branches packed with light. A 6ft tree therefore wants 600 to 750 LEDs for a classic look or 1,000 to 1,500 for a dense, cluster-lit look. Here is how that works out for each tree size, with the Premier Decorations sets we stock at Sapcote Garden Centre.

How many lights for each size of tree?

• 4ft (1.2m): 400 to 500 LEDs. A 480-LED ClusterBrights or a 500-LED SupaBrights set.
• 5ft (1.5m): 500 to 750 LEDs.
• 6ft (1.8m): 600 to 750 LEDs for a standard look; 960 to 1,500 for a dense look. The 750 and 1,000 TreeBrights sets are the usual choice.
• 7ft (2.1m): 750 to 1,000 LEDs; 1,500 to 2,000 for dense coverage.
• 7.5ft to 8ft (2.3m to 2.4m): 1,000 to 1,500 LEDs; 2,000 or more for a showpiece tree.

Two sets can be joined by plugging the second set into a spare socket, but it is simpler to buy one set of the right size. If in doubt, go up a size: an extra loop of lights is easy to tuck into the back of the tree, whereas a short set leaves bare patches.

TreeBrights, ClusterBrights or SupaBrights?

Premier makes several ranges and the names tell you how the lights are arranged on the wire:

• TreeBrights are the standard tree light: LEDs spaced along a single wire, 750 to 2,000 LEDs per set, with the wire length matched to the tree height. Most tree-light sales are TreeBrights.
• ClusterBrights have the LEDs bunched in clusters along a shorter wire, so you get far more light per metre of tree. They give the dense, glowing look you see on shop display trees. Our ClusterBrights sets run from 480 to 2,000 LEDs.
• SupaBrights and UltraBright are brighter LEDs on a longer wire, equally at home on a tree or along a fence and gutter.
• FlexiBrights are on a flexible wire that bends around banisters, garlands and window frames.
• Icicle lights hang in drops from a horizontal wire and are for roof edges and gutters, not trees.

Which colour?

Warm white is the most popular for a traditional tree and flatters green foliage; bright white suits snowy and frosted trees and a modern scheme; multi-colour and rainbow sets are the family favourite. Several of our sets switch between warm white and white, and most Premier sets are multi-action, with steady, twinkle, chase and fade settings and a timer that turns them on at the same time each evening. Because colour is hard to judge from a box, several of the ranges are running on our display trees in store so you can compare them lit.

Indoor or outdoor?

Every set we stock is rated for indoor and outdoor use. The lights themselves run at low voltage from a transformer that plugs into the mains, so keep the transformer indoors or in a weatherproof box and run only the light string outside. For a house front, measure the run of gutter or fence and buy an icicle, SupaBrights or FlexiBrights set whose lit length covers it; the lit length is on every product page.

Where to buy

Our Christmas lights are sold in store at Sapcote Garden Centre on Hinckley Road, Sapcote, with live stock and prices on the website so you can plan before you come. If you would rather skip the lights altogether, around a third of our artificial Christmas trees are pre-lit; our pre-lit or unlit guide compares the two, and which size tree helps you pick the height first.

Quick answers

How many lights do I need for a 6ft Christmas tree?

600 to 750 LEDs for an evenly lit tree, or 1,000 to 1,500 LEDs for a dense, cluster-lit look.

How many lights do I need for a 7ft Christmas tree?

750 to 1,000 LEDs for a standard look, 1,500 to 2,000 for dense coverage.

Can I use indoor Christmas lights outside?

Only if the set is rated for outdoor use. All the Premier sets we stock are indoor and outdoor rated; keep the transformer indoors or in a weatherproof box.

Andrew Porwol

Andrew Porwol is an expert on gardening, plants, garden design, and outdoor furniture. He is the owner of Sapcote Garden Centre, Sharnford Garden Centre, and Garden Centre Shopping. He’s regularly featured in expert publications, like Forbes, MSN, and Better Homes & Gardens.