Sure, it’s only October, but if you’re thinking about hiring someone to install your outdoor Christmas lights so you’re ready for the holiday season, now’s the time to act.
Design & tall trees
Local experts like Christmas Decor, a sister company of GLO Outdoor Lighting. do everything from designing a seasonal outdoor display for your house and trees to installing, maintaining and then removing the lights in the new year.
“Outdoor lights make your holidays even more magical,” says Christmas Decor’s Darlene MacInnis. Hiring a pro to do the job means “you don’t have to worry about anything — you just enjoy the lights.”
She adds the company’s boom trucks let the installers reach spots a homeowner can’t.
When it comes to designing and installing lights on trees, MacInnis says, “We do traditional Christmas trees with brilliant lighting. For deciduous trees, we wrap lights around the trunk and branches or do the full canopy.”
She notes that over the past few years, an increasing number of businesses have turned to Christmas Decor for their seasonal needs. She says that holiday decor extends a warm and inviting welcome to business visitors and clients alike.
Prices at Christmas Decor depend on the job, with lighting for two trees and one fascia starting at $1,500.
Other local companies, including Christmas Lights Ottawa and Cityscape, offer design and installation services.
Note that holiday decor schedules fill up quickly, so booking early avoids disappointment.
Simple installation
If you have your own lights that you want installed on a tree or your home, consider giving Ray Neon Signs a call.
Cost depends on the job, says Terek Robinson. “For a 30-foot tree, I’d estimate about $650 to install the lights.”
Removal of the lights after Christmas will cost a bit less but will help your lights last longer because they won’t deteriorate as quickly from the weather. “If you leave them up year-round, they’ll only last about three to five years,” says Robinson.
What to look for in a service
If you are considering hiring a company for your lighting, ask if there is a free consultation, either in person or virtually, to identify your expectations and give you a firm price.
Before hiring anyone, ask for references, proof of insurance for public liability and property damage, and evidence that employees are covered by workers’ compensation and have been trained in safety and fall protection.
You may also want to ask if the company has other seasonal decor like lit wreaths, garlands and bows to give your home even more seasonal pop.
Previously published October 26, 2022. Pricing has been updated to reflect 2023 fees.
