Christmas Tree Garland: How Much and How to Hang It

A Christmas tree takes about 9 to 12 feet of garland per foot of height, so about 63 to 84 feet on a 7-foot tree (calculated). Hicks Nurseries gives the 9-foot figure, and Matt Bowman of Tradition Company, in Martha Stewart, gives the range. Drape it loosely, and use up to 50% less in a corner.

How much garland a Christmas tree needs by height

Christmas tree garland needs are easy to work out: multiply the tree’s height in feet by 9, or by 12 for the top of Bowman’s range. Bowman says a tree in a corner can take up to 50% less, since only the front half shows.

Reviewed counts differently, at about two strands of garland for every vertical foot, or 14 strands on a 7-foot tree. It does not say how long a strand is, so the figure is hard to compare. Garland is sold in many lengths, so divide your total by the length on the package. A 63-foot total takes seven 9-foot strands (calculated).

The same Martha Stewart article also suggests weighing the balance between garland, ornaments and visible needles, so the top of the range is not a target for every tree.

Christmas tree garland

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How to hang garland on a Christmas tree

Hanging garland on a Christmas tree comes down to three methods, and all three start after the lights are on. Use a spiral for a single long strand, vertical lines for a narrow tree, and loose waves otherwise. Home Depot says garland follows the same basic steps as ribbon. Our Christmas tree ribbon guide shares several of these techniques.

Draped in waves. Reviewed works from the top down and increases the garland between each wave, so the branches do not bulge. Home Depot works from the bottom up, twisting two kinds of garland together and draping them in swags. Hicks Nurseries says to keep it loose, so it is not too tight or too heavy.

Wrapped in a spiral. Home Depot wraps garland around the tree, moving slightly upward from bottom to top. The spiral suits a single long strand.

Hung vertically. Home Depot cuts lengths, twists each one slightly into an S shape, secures it at the top of the tree and lets it hang loosely to the base. Vertical lines can suit a narrow tree too, and our slim tree guide uses vertical ribbon drops.

Garland that keeps slipping can be fixed in place. Home Depot secures ribbon with floral wire or small pieces of green pipe cleaner, and the same fixings work on garland. Tuck the joins behind ornaments once they go on. Our decorating guide shows where garland fits in the full order of work.

Bead garland and tinsel garland compared

Bead garland and tinsel garland tend to do different jobs on a Christmas tree: beads draw thin lines, while tinsel fills space. Bead strands can suit a tree that already has plenty of ornaments, and tinsel can help cover a sparse tree or bare spots. Gathered gives wide ribbon the same gap-filling job as tinsel. Hicks Nurseries lists beaded and metallic garland among its options and says to match the garland to the theme.

Beads can be placed with care or left casual. Christina Lane, a professional tree decorator featured by Southern Home and Hospitality, tucks a few silver ball garlands into the tree and takes care not to line them up evenly.

Bead garland for Christmas trees

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Gold, silver and glass bead garland choices

Gold bead garland, silver bead garland and glass bead garland differ most in color and in how much care they need. Gold warms up a scheme and sits well with red and gold ornaments, as our red and gold tree guide shows. Silver looks cooler and works with blue, white or frosted trees, and the white tree guide has more on that palette.

Glass bead garland is the one to handle with care, because glass can break. Store it wrapped, and keep it out of reach of small children and pets, as you would glass ornaments. Bows pair well with any of these, and our Christmas tree bow guide covers those.