Wind
Wind
Protect light strands from strong gusts by securing them with plastic zip ties (about $5 for 100) or reusable light clips (about $10 for 100) spaced every 12 inches. For a ground display, pick wire-frame sculptures over decor made of painted wood so that wind passes through; drive their stakes the entire length—ideally, 6 to 8 inches—into the ground.
Snow and Rain
Snow and Rain
Moisture and electricity don't mix. A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) prevents shorts—and shocks—and most city regulations require their use with outdoor lighting; portable units cost under $30. Cover the male and female ends of light strands with electrical tape or encase them in plastic freezer bags to help keep water out.
Ice
Ice
If rain- or snow-covered decorations freeze over, it could be lights out for your display. To allow moisture to evaporate before it turns to ice, position the connections between light strands in a way that lets air circulate around them. For lights hung on trees, use electrical tape to secure connectors to the trunk a few feet above the ground to keep them out of runoff that might pond there.