Net Lights Vs Individual String Placement Which Saves Time On Bushes

Decorating outdoor shrubs and bushes for the holidays is a tradition many homeowners cherish, but it often comes with a trade-off: beauty versus time. As landscape lighting becomes more elaborate, the method of applying lights—whether using pre-assembled net lights or individually wrapping strings—can dramatically affect how long the job takes. For those balancing festive enthusiasm with limited evenings after work, understanding which technique saves more time is essential. This article breaks down both approaches with practical insights, side-by-side comparisons, and real-world applications to help you make an informed decision.

The Time Factor in Holiday Lighting

Holiday decoration isn't just about aesthetics—it's also about efficiency. The average homeowner spends between 6 to 10 hours over several days installing outdoor lights. Much of that time is spent on labor-intensive tasks like draping, securing, and testing strands. When it comes to bushes, which vary in size, shape, and density, the challenge increases. Two dominant methods have emerged: using net lights (pre-woven grids of lights) and hand-placing individual strings. While both achieve luminous results, their impact on installation time differs significantly.

Time savings are influenced by three key variables: bush size, bush shape, and accessibility. Compact, spherical shrubs respond well to quick coverage, while sprawling or irregularly shaped hedges demand more precision. Understanding these factors helps determine whether speed or control should be prioritized.

How Net Lights Work on Bushes

Net lights are essentially sheets of lights woven into a grid pattern, typically in rectangular or square configurations. They're designed to drape over bushes like a blanket, offering instant, even coverage. Most models come in green or black cords with 50 to 100 bulbs per net, sized to fit common shrub dimensions such as 4x6 feet or 6x6 feet.

The primary advantage of net lights lies in their simplicity. One person can cover a medium-sized bush in under five minutes. There’s no winding, no guesswork about spacing, and minimal need for adjustments. After draping, a few clips or zip ties secure the net in place, and the installation is complete.

Tip: Choose black-cord net lights for better blending into foliage—especially effective on evergreens and dense shrubs.

However, net lights aren’t universally efficient. They perform best on rounded, full bushes with consistent volume. On flat, narrow, or oddly shaped plants, excess material may hang awkwardly, requiring trimming or folding. This not only reduces reusability but also adds unexpected setup time. Additionally, if one section of the net fails, the entire strand may go dark unless it’s a parallel-wired model.

Individual String Placement: Precision Over Speed

Wrapping lights individually involves manually coiling strands around branches from base to tip, ensuring even distribution. This method uses standard C7 or C9 LED strings, typically 25 to 100 bulbs per strand, connected end-to-end as needed.

While far more time-consuming—often taking 20 to 45 minutes per large bush—individual placement offers unmatched control. You can highlight texture, avoid bare spots, and adapt to asymmetrical shapes. It’s ideal for formal landscapes where symmetry and detail matter. Landscapers and professional decorators favor this method for high-visibility areas like entryways or street-facing gardens.

The process usually follows a spiral or zig-zag path, starting at the bottom and working upward. Clips or twist ties anchor each loop. Because each strand is independent, failure in one doesn’t compromise others. Plus, you only use as much lighting as needed, reducing clutter and energy waste.

“Hand-wrapping allows us to enhance the natural form of the plant. It’s slower, but the result looks intentional, not accidental.” — Marcus Tran, Professional Landscape Lighting Designer

Comparing Time and Effort: A Practical Breakdown

To illustrate the difference, consider two common scenarios: a single homeowner decorating four medium-sized boxwood shrubs, and a property manager preparing a commercial entrance with eight large holly bushes.

Method	Bush Type	Avg. Time Per Bush	Total for 4 Bushes	Best For
Net Lights	Rounded, full (e.g., arborvitae)	4–6 minutes	25 minutes	Homeowners, seasonal renters, fast setups
Net Lights	Flat or narrow (e.g., juniper)	10–15 minutes	60 minutes	Limited use; requires modification
Individual Strings	All shapes	20–30 minutes	100–120 minutes	Landscapers, formal displays, custom designs
Individual Strings (expert)	All shapes	12–18 minutes	60–75 minutes	Experienced installers with technique

The data shows a clear trend: net lights save time on suitable bushes, especially for beginners. However, their efficiency drops sharply when mismatched to plant shape. Individual wrapping, while slower, scales more predictably across diverse landscaping.

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Net Lights Efficiently

If you choose net lights for speed, follow this optimized process to minimize effort and maximize coverage:

1. Assess your bushes – Measure height and width. Choose net sizes that match or slightly exceed dimensions.
2. Lay out the net on the ground – Unroll it fully to check for dead bulbs or tangles before lifting.
3. Drape from the top down – Hold the top center of the net and toss it gently over the bush. Let gravity assist in settling.
4. Adjust corners and edges – Pull loose sections toward outer branches to eliminate sagging.
5. Secure with plant clips – Use 3–5 UV-resistant plastic clips per net to prevent wind displacement.
6. Connect to power – Test before finalizing. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and GFCI outlets.
7. Store properly post-season – Fold gently and return to original packaging or a labeled bin to preserve shape.

Tip: Pre-test all nets before installation. A single faulty bulb can render a whole section dark and require removal and replacement.

Mini Case Study: Suburban Home vs. Commercial Entrance

In December 2023, Sarah Lin, a homeowner in Portland, Oregon, decorated six foundation shrubs around her bungalow. She used 4x6-foot net lights on four rounded yews and attempted the same on two narrow hollies near the driveway. The yews took less than 30 minutes total. The hollies required cutting and folding the nets, adding nearly 40 extra minutes. “I thought it would be faster,” she said. “But the second pair looked messy until I rewired parts by hand.”

Meanwhile, Brookline Properties, managing a corporate plaza in Boston, hired a landscaping crew to decorate 12 large holly bushes along the entrance walkway. They opted for individual C9 strings. Though the project took two workers four hours, the result was uniform, professional, and tailored to each plant’s structure. “Clients notice the quality,” said project lead Diego Mendez. “We charge more, but we also get repeat contracts.”

This contrast highlights a core truth: time savings depend on context. For simple, symmetrical bushes, nets win. For complex layouts or premium appearances, hand-wrapping delivers value despite the labor.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs

• ✅ Assess the shape and size of your bushes—round and full favors nets; irregular or thin favors strings.
• ✅ Determine your available time—under 30 minutes for multiple bushes? Prioritize nets.
• ✅ Consider reusability—nets last longer if stored properly and not cut.
• ✅ Evaluate visibility—high-traffic areas benefit from the polished look of individual wraps.
• ✅ Check bulb type and color—ensure consistency across all strands or nets.
• ✅ Inspect power access—plan outlet locations and cord runs to avoid tripping hazards.
• ✅ Think long-term—investing in durable strings pays off over multiple seasons.

FAQ

Can I combine net lights and individual strings?

Yes. Many decorators use net lights for bulk coverage and add individual strings to fill gaps or accentuate focal points. This hybrid approach balances speed and detail.

Do net lights work on tall, narrow bushes?

Poorly. Standard nets are too wide or short for columnar shrubs like Sky Pencil holly. In these cases, vertical wrapping with individual strands is more effective and visually cohesive.

Which method uses more electricity?

Neither inherently. Energy use depends on the number of bulbs and LED efficiency. Both methods typically use similar wattages when covering the same surface area with comparable light density.

Expert Insight: Balancing Aesthetics and Efficiency

“For residential clients, I recommend starting with net lights on easy bushes. Save the hand-wrapping for specimen plants near the front door. That way, you get speed where it matters and elegance where it’s seen.” — Lena Pruitt, Outdoor Lighting Consultant, Northwest Seasonal Design

This tiered strategy is increasingly popular among time-conscious homeowners who still want curb appeal. By mixing methods strategically, you gain flexibility without sacrificing quality.

Final Recommendations

If your priority is saving time, net lights are the superior choice—for the right bushes. They deliver rapid, consistent results on full, rounded shrubs and are ideal for beginners or those with tight schedules. However, they’re not a universal solution. Attempting to force a net onto an incompatible shape leads to frustration, wasted materials, and poor appearance.

Individual string placement remains the gold standard for control and craftsmanship. It demands more time but rewards with a customized, polished outcome. With practice, experienced installers can reduce application time significantly, narrowing the gap with net lights.

Ultimately, the best approach may be situational. Use net lights where they fit naturally. Reserve individual wrapping for showcase plants or challenging forms. This balanced method maximizes both efficiency and visual impact.

Conclusion

When it comes to decorating bushes, time is just as valuable as sparkle. Net lights offer a compelling shortcut for compatible shrubs, often cutting installation time by 50% or more. But they’re not magic—success depends on matching the tool to the task. Individual string placement, though slower, provides unmatched precision and durability. By understanding your landscape and your goals, you can choose the method that fits your lifestyle.

🚀 Ready to trim your holiday setup time? Start by measuring your bushes tonight—then decide: blanket them with nets or craft each display by hand. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below!