Rope Lights Vs Net Lights Which Is Better For Covering Shrubs In Winter

As winter approaches and holiday traditions begin, many homeowners turn to decorative lighting to enhance their landscape. Shrubs, hedges, and bushes offer excellent structures for wrapping or draping lights, creating a warm, festive ambiance. But when it comes to choosing between rope lights and net lights, the decision isn’t always straightforward. Each option has distinct advantages and drawbacks depending on your goals—whether you're aiming for subtle elegance, full coverage, or long-term durability.

The ideal light type should not only look appealing but also withstand winter conditions such as snow, wind, ice, and temperature fluctuations. It should be easy to install, safe for outdoor use, and simple to store after the season ends. This article compares rope lights and net lights across multiple practical dimensions to help you determine which is better suited for covering shrubs during the winter months.

Coverage and Aesthetic Impact

One of the most important factors in selecting holiday lights for shrubs is how evenly and naturally they illuminate the plant. The visual outcome depends heavily on how well the lights blend with the foliage without appearing clunky or overly artificial.

Rope lights consist of LED bulbs encased in a continuous plastic or silicone tube, forming a flexible \"rope\" that can be wrapped around objects. They are typically used for outlining shapes or wrapping trunks and branches. When applied to shrubs, rope lights work best on larger, more structured plants where defined lines add character—such as columnar evergreens or topiaries. However, because they follow a single path, they don't provide uniform coverage across dense foliage.

Net lights, on the other hand, are arranged in a grid pattern resembling a fishing net, with lights spaced evenly across both horizontal and vertical strings. This design allows them to drape directly over shrubs like a blanket, offering even illumination from top to bottom. For small to medium-sized rounded shrubs—like boxwoods, dwarf spruces, or hollies—net lights create a glowing effect that mimics snowfall lit from within.

Tip: For maximum visual impact on dense shrubs, choose net lights with 6-inch spacing between bulbs—they offer balanced brightness without dark spots.

If your goal is complete coverage with minimal visible wiring, net lights have a clear advantage. Rope lights excel when artistic contouring is desired, while net lights deliver consistency and simplicity.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Winter brings harsh conditions—moisture, freezing temperatures, and physical stress from snow accumulation. Your chosen lights must endure these elements without failing mid-season.

Rope lights generally feature a thick outer jacket that protects internal wiring. High-quality versions use UV-resistant PVC or silicone, making them less prone to cracking in cold weather. Because the entire circuit is sealed, moisture intrusion is minimized. That said, cheaper models may develop brittleness over time, especially if bent repeatedly or stored improperly.

Net lights, while often made from durable insulated wire, expose individual bulb sockets to the environment. Though modern LED net lights are designed for outdoor use and include waterproof seals, the multiple connection points increase vulnerability to corrosion or short circuits over several seasons. Additionally, snow buildup can weigh down the mesh structure, potentially stretching or tearing weaker nets.

“Outdoor-rated LED net lights perform well in moderate winters, but in regions with heavy snowfall, I recommend reinforcing the frame with stakes or opting for sturdier rope lighting.” — Daniel Reeves, Landscape Lighting Specialist, Northern Lights Design Group

In terms of longevity, rope lights tend to last longer under repeated seasonal use due to fewer exposed components. Net lights are more disposable in nature—many homeowners replace them every few years rather than risk partial failures.

Installation and Ease of Use

Time and effort matter when decorating multiple shrubs across a yard. How quickly and securely you can install and remove lights plays a major role in your overall experience.

Installing rope lights requires manual wrapping. You’ll need to weave the cord through branches, securing it at intervals with twist ties or clips. This method offers control over placement but becomes tedious on large or thick shrubs. Achieving an even distribution takes planning, and poorly wrapped sections can result in hotspots or gaps.

Net lights, by contrast, are remarkably fast to deploy. Simply unfold the net, lay it over the shrub, and tuck the edges into the foliage. Most come in standard sizes (e.g., 6'x6', 8'x8') that fit common foundation plantings. Some models even include corner weights or built-in stakes for stability. Removal is equally simple—just lift and fold.

However, net lights lack flexibility in shaping. If your shrub is irregularly shaped or taller than the net dimensions, you may end up with uneven coverage or dangling corners. In such cases, custom wrapping with rope lights might yield superior results despite the extra labor.

Step-by-Step Installation Comparison

1. Rope Lights:
1. Measure the height and circumference of the shrub.
2. Begin at the base and wrap upward in a spiral motion.
3. Use plastic plant clips every 6–8 inches to secure the rope.
4. Avoid sharp bends; maintain a smooth curve around branches.
5. Plug in and test before final adjustments.
2. Net Lights:
1. Lay the net flat and check all bulbs are intact.
2. Align the center of the net with the top of the shrub.
3. Gently drape over the plant, allowing sides to fall naturally.
4. Tuck loose ends into lower branches for a clean look.
5. Secure corners with U-shaped garden staples if needed.

Tip: Always plug in your lights before final installation to catch any dead bulbs or faulty connections early.

Energy Efficiency and Safety

Both rope and net lights commonly use LED technology today, meaning they consume significantly less power than older incandescent options. A typical 25-foot rope light uses about 5–7 watts per hour, while a 6'x6' LED net light consumes roughly 4–6 watts. Over a six-week holiday season running 6 hours per night, either option adds less than $2 to your electricity bill.

Safety is another critical consideration. LEDs run cool, reducing fire risk near dry foliage or flammable mulch. Both types should carry an UL certification for outdoor use and be connected via GFCI-protected outlets. Avoid daisy-chaining more than three sets unless explicitly rated for it, regardless of type.

That said, rope lights often have integrated transformers or dimmers built into the end plug, offering additional control options. Many net light sets are designed for basic on/off functionality, though smart versions with app control or timers are becoming more available.

Cost and Long-Term Value

Initial price shouldn’t be the only factor—consider total cost of ownership, including expected lifespan, storage needs, and replacement frequency.

Feature	Rope Lights	Net Lights
Average Price (25 ft / 6'x6')	$20–$40	$15–$30
Expected Lifespan	5–7 seasons	3–5 seasons
Storage Requirements	Coil carefully; avoid kinks	Fold loosely; prevent tangling
Repairability	Limited (entire section may fail)	Low (usually replaced entirely)
Reusability	High (if handled gently)	Moderate (prone to wear at joints)

Rope lights generally offer better long-term value due to their robust construction and multi-purpose usability beyond shrubs—such as outlining walkways, railings, or architectural features. Net lights are more specialized and often discarded after a few seasons due to broken sockets or tangled wires.

Real-World Example: The Johnson Family’s Front Yard Makeover

The Johnsons live in upstate New York, where winters bring consistent snow cover and sub-zero temperatures. Their front yard includes six dwarf Alberta spruce shrubs lining the porch steps and two tall arborvitae near the driveway. Previously, they used string lights, which looked messy and failed halfway through the season.

Last year, they experimented with different solutions: using green-wire LED net lights on the spruces and white rope lights on the arborvitae. The results were strikingly different. The net lights transformed the small conical shrubs into glowing orbs, enhancing curb appeal even under snow. However, by mid-January, one net developed a dark row of unlit bulbs after being compressed under heavy snowfall.

The rope lights on the tall arborvitae required about 20 minutes each to wrap properly but remained fully functional throughout the season. Despite ice accumulation, the sealed casing prevented moisture damage. The family concluded that net lights worked well for low, compact shrubs but weren’t durable enough for long-term exposure. They now plan to invest in higher-grade commercial netting next year or switch to custom-wrapped rope lighting for all plants.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Lights for Your Shrubs

• ✅ Assess shrub size, shape, and density before selecting a light type
• ✅ Choose LED lights with outdoor UL certification
• ✅ Check voltage and wattage compatibility with your outlet
• ✅ Test all strands before installation
• ✅ Use non-metal fasteners (plastic clips or zip ties) to avoid damaging wires
• ✅ Install near a GFCI outlet for safety
• ✅ Plan storage method—use reels for rope lights, original packaging for nets
• ✅ Consider timer integration to reduce energy use and extend bulb life

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave rope or net lights on shrubs all year?

While both types are rated for outdoor use, prolonged exposure to sun, rain, and temperature swings reduces lifespan. UV rays degrade plastic coatings, and repeated freezing/thawing cycles weaken connections. For best results, install them for the holiday season only and store indoors afterward in a dry, temperature-stable location.

Are net lights suitable for large shrubs?

Standard net lights work best on shrubs up to 6 feet wide and tall. For larger specimens, consider using multiple nets side-by-side or switching to rope lights for customizable coverage. Overlapping nets can create visible seams, so precise alignment is crucial.

Which uses less energy—rope or net lights?

Both consume similar amounts of energy when comparing equivalent lengths or areas covered. A 25-foot rope light and a 6'x6' net light each draw about 5 watts. Actual usage depends more on runtime and number of connected sets than light type.

Final Recommendation: Match the Light to the Shrub

There is no universal “better” option between rope lights and net lights—the best choice depends on your specific landscaping and priorities.

For **small to medium, densely foliaged shrubs** where you want quick, even coverage with minimal effort, **net lights are ideal**. They deliver instant visual payoff and are perfect for seasonal displays that don’t require multi-year durability.

For **larger, uniquely shaped, or architecturally significant shrubs**, or if you prioritize longevity and reusability, **rope lights are the superior choice**. Though they demand more installation time, they offer greater design flexibility, better weather resistance, and longer service life.

Many professionals recommend a hybrid approach: use net lights for foundation plantings and low hedges, and reserve rope lights for vertical elements, specimen trees, or areas exposed to heavy snow. This strategy balances efficiency with resilience.

🚀 Ready to transform your winter landscape? Start by evaluating your shrubs’ size and location, then choose the lighting solution that matches both your aesthetic vision and maintenance preferences. Share your setup tips or photos with others—great ideas deserve to shine!