This Holiday Season, Keep Those Outdoor Decorations Tree and Wildlife Friendly!
Submitted by Rachel Broskey, sales arborist, The Davey Tree Expert Company in Knoxville
Dec 1, 2025

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The Christmas holiday is here! Throughout December, Knoxville’s trees will play host to hanging ornaments, outdoor decorations, and of course, those iconic shining string lights.

Most people think about ladder safety and electrical precautions when decorating outdoors, but there’s another important consideration: keeping your trees healthy and safe, too. A few simple steps will help you enjoy beautiful outdoor décor without harming the trees you rely on for shade, structure, and wildlife habitat.

It’s important to avoid injuring trees when hanging decorations. When trees experience physical damage, particularly extensive damage, the stress can leave them more vulnerable to adverse health effects.

A good rule of thumb this time of year is to think twice before nailing or stapling into trunks. Attaching décor directly to a tree can cause long-term damage because holes from nails, screws, or staples invite pests and disease and force the tree to expend energy on wound repair.

If you absolutely must attach something, avoid rusty nails or screws, keep holes to a minimum, never drill into trees weakened by pests or disease, and skip thin-barked or small trees. Whenever possible, use alternative methods like straps, ties, or hooks that don’t penetrate the bark.

If possible, avoid hanging heavier decorations on the branches of your outdoor trees. Heavy ornaments can pull down branches and cause cracking or breakage. If you need to hang a larger item, select a sturdy limb and secure your décor loosely so the branch can continue to grow naturally.

It’s also best to pass on fake berries in outdoor décor. Although they may look festive, wildlife can mistake them for real food and may attempt to eat them, which poses choking or digestive hazards. If your décor includes faux berries, keep it indoors or place it away from trees and areas where wildlife is active.

Holiday string lights are generally safe, but there are a few best practices to keep in mind. Choose mature, healthy trees, to wrap, and always opt for lights and extension cords rated for outdoor use. Remove tree guards or burlap wraps before decorating. Avoid wrapping lights in tight spirals that can girdle branches as they grow, and be sure to take lights down promptly after the holidays so the tree doesn’t begin to grow around them.

This time of year also happens to be the perfect season for a quick tree-health check. While you’re up close hanging lights and ornaments, look for signs such as dead wood or decay, deep cracks in the trunk or major branches, or mushrooms and fungal growth near the base of the tree. These can be early warnings of structural or health issues.

If you see anything concerning or simply aren’t sure, call a certified arborist. Arborists at The Davey Tree Expert Company can spot problems that are easy to miss, explain what issues pose immediate risks, and recommend the right care to keep your trees healthy. With a little extra attention to tree safety, you can enjoy a festive holiday display in the yard while protecting the trees and local wildlife this winter!