(Getty Images)

You may have already given in to the temptation and put up holiday lights and decorations outdoors. But for those who haven't, experts share some tips to assist in lighting up the landscape.

Bob Byers, associate executive director of Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark., offers some pointers from his holiday lighting team, which covers 17 acres of the wooded park with 2 million brilliant bulbs for its annual holiday lights display, which is a stop on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights.

"There are some obvious safety things," said Byers. "Make sure you've got the right size cord for your lighting needs. And look at the box of lights and don't plug in more than is allowed for the sets you're using."

Byers said the LED, or light emitting diode, lights have become a favorite for decorating.

"They last a lot longer," Byers said of the LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient than the traditional C7 incandescent bulb. "They are a little more expensive, but they're getting more competitive with traditional bulbs all the time."

Byers said Garvan has some LED light sets that are five years old, where the incandescent sets had to be replaced every year or two.

(MORE: )

"You can light up your home and not have to feel guilty about it," he added.

According to the Edison Electric Institute, an association of shareholder-owned electric companies, the LED bulbs are the best choice from an energy-efficiency standpoint.

"In terms of electrical use, LED bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light," a news release from EEI states. "LED lights are more durable than incandescent bulbs, with many manufacturers providing a limited lifetime warranty."

When it comes to covering areas with lights, Byers said Garvan's team goes by one general rule.

"When you're doing any kind of display where you have multiple sets or rows of sets side by side, the distance between the strands should never be more than the distance between bulbs on a strand," Byers explained, adding that if there is three inches between bulbs on a strand, then those strands should be placed no more than three inches apart when hanging them.

Another tip Byers offered for wrapping deciduous trees with lights is to wrap each branch by starting at the trunk and wrapping out to the tip of the branch, then wrapping all the way back in to the trunk.

"You've lit the tree then rather than just lighting things by random," he added.

(MORE: )

Net lights work well for shrubs or evergreens, according to Byers, as well as uniform trees, like a Bradford pear.

When it comes to lighting up buildings, Byers said most people get a little lazy.

"Most people just string lights across the front of the house and quit," he said. "If you'll go ahead and light ... up and down the ends of the gables -- it only takes a couple of sets more -- and they will look like the whole house is lit.

"If you want to do a really good job, light the ridge line. That really leaves ... the impression you've done a whole lot of work," Byers added.

And don't forget to pick up some shingle tabs at the local craft or home improvement store that can clip the lights to the edge of the eaves. "It's a lot faster and easier," Byers said.

If a homeowner has a lot to light, Byers suggests starting with a heavy extension cord in the middle and running lights both directions off of it. With the tradition C7 bulbs, he recommends no more than two sets of lights being used end to end before adding another extension.

For any big job, Byers also encourages homeowners to make a wiring diagram to help get them started and know how many extension cords will be needed.

He also advised that for anyone interested in synchronized displays, some residential user-friendly sequencers are available online through a company called Light-O-Rama, found at www.lightorama.com.

"There are some pre-programmed with several different music pieces," Byers said. "They are pretty self-explanatory."

The EEI also suggests homeowners only decorate during the daylight hours so that it's easier to see power lines and avoid them with a ladder. And before stringing lights in trees, make certain the tree hasn't grown too close to a power line. They recommend maintaining at least a 10-foot distance away from power lines.

Another way to lower holiday lighting electricity use, according to EEI, is to use timers to turn the lights on and off. If the lights are set to blink on and off, that will reduce electricity even more.

Byers gave a final tip -- have plenty of plastic zip ties on hand.

"They are really good for attaching lights to those pre-fabricated metal or wicker forms," he said, adding that they can be purchased in black which can't be seen or white, which often matches the light color. "The two-inch ones are plenty long enough. We go through thousands of those every year."

More Twinkle Tips

Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use.Match power needs (amperage) of electrical products with amperage rating of extension cords.Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and require no special knowledge or equipment to install.Inspect all lights, decorations, and extension cords for damage before using.Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage, but take care not to attach the lights in a way that could damage the cord's insulation.Keep all extension cords and light strings clear of snow and standing water.Make sure spotlights used to illuminate decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather, and a safe distance from flammable items.Inspect ladders for loose or missing screws, hinges, bolts, and nuts before using.Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity.Use the right ladder height, ensuring ladders extend at least three feet past the edge of the roof.Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from power lines.Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire.Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord's insulation.Do not mount or support light strings in a way that might damage the cord's insulation.Always unplug electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses.Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.