Hi Jason, I'm upgrading to high-quality LED Christmas lights this season. However, I'm overwhelmed by the array of lens designs and at a loss for determining the optimal choices for illuminating outdoor foliage. I need your advice!
– Gary
Gary, this is a common query. And it's a significant one, because enhancing a property's foliage can elevate a holiday display from ordinary to extraordinary.
Think back to the last time you toured neighborhoods admiring the festive displays. Which setups made you slow down and savor the magnificence of a breathtaking Christmas tribute?
Was it only the house illuminated? Or was it when the Christmas spirit extended beyond the home, enveloping the landscape with lights climbing trees, adorning bushes, and outlining walkways and borders with dazzling, straight lines?
Undoubtedly, the displays that caught your eye were those richly adorned with lights on the outdoor foliage. So it is a crucial question.
However, as with many significant questions, the answer is somewhat intricate. The best Christmas lights for outdoor foliage are largely subjective and hinge on personal taste.
Let's explore the three most favored options for lighting outdoor foliage. This discussion might help you decide the ideal lights for your exterior greenery.
5 MM Wide Angle Conicals
I didn't randomly choose which light to discuss first. The 5 mm Wide Angle Conicals top the list for a specific reason: They're the most preferred for illuminating outdoor foliage.
This is based on sales; we sell more of this style than any other. In fact, Conical sets outsell all other styles, combined!
It's also recognized within the professional Christmas light installation community. We know that Wide Angle Conicals are the unanimous top choice for lighting outdoor foliage. Our company's installation team, which offers professional lighting services, uses these lights almost exclusively.
What makes these bulbs so popular? Mostly, it's their blend of durability and visual appeal.
These bulbs are especially suitable for harsh outdoor conditions. The lens design is small and sturdy, able to withstand years of exposure to the elements. This is a clear advantage for professional installers and also beneficial for the budgets of individual Christmas enthusiasts.
Wide Angle Conicals also offer a distinctive look that many Christmas Enthusiasts find captivating. They are, in fact, the brightest LED Christmas lights available, thanks to their unique shape combined with the diode intensity.
Moreover, wide-angle Conicals closely resemble the traditional incandescent mini lights that were popular for decades, catering to those nostalgic for that classic look.
M5 LED Mini Lights
M5s are similar in size to Wide Angle Conicals but present a different appearance.
The light from an M5 is less intense and more evenly spread compared to Wide Angle Conicals. Where Conical bulbs are bright and dazzling, M5s offer a warm, cheerful glow.
This distinction is important because each bulb type creates a unique visual effect.
Another difference is the faceted surface of the M5 bulb, producing a consistent light intensity from any angle. This can be very helpful when illuminating outdoor foliage.
C6 LEDs
C6 LED light sets are also favored for lighting outdoor foliage. The C6 is somewhat different from both Wide Angle Conicals and M5s due to its larger size, yet it maintains a traditional teardrop shape that many find appealing.
If you prefer not to use mini-sized bulbs, the C6 can be a great option. It's larger than the M5 and Wide Angle Conicals but won't overpower winter foliage as larger bulbs might.
Additionally, C6s work wonderfully in artificial greenery like wreaths, trees, and garlands, offering a distinctive, attractive look for both indoor and outdoor decorations.
What We Typically Don't Advise
All the aforementioned bulbs are excellent for outdoor foliage lighting. Among the three, it really comes down to personal taste.
However, we generally advise against using C7 or C9 light sets for most outdoor foliage applications. They're often too large and can overwhelm winter foliage. Additionally, their size makes them prone to falling out of trees or slipping down if used on trunks.
An exception is when lighting an evergreen tree and desiring larger bulbs scattered throughout. In such cases, a C7 or C9 stringer set is preferable. The sturdy nature of evergreens prevents the heavier lights from slipping off.
If You Just Can't Decide…
If you're still undecided about which lights to use for outdoor foliage, remember that any of the three – 5mm Wide Angle Conicals, M5 mini lights, C6 LEDs – will serve you well. And for evergreen trees, C7 or C9 LED stringer sets are highly recommended.
If you remain unsure, opt for the most popular choice: the 5mm Wide Angle Conicals. It's a reliable option that you won't regret.
Ultimately, the best way to determine your preference is to experiment. Purchase a few of each type, test them in different areas of your landscape, and see which you like best. You'll likely find a favorite, and that can become your go-to choice for years to come.
Related Posts
