What Is a Tree Lantern? Types and Selection Criteria
A tree lantern is a decorative outdoor lantern hung from a tree branch or support wire in gardens and terraces, usually fitted with an E27 lamp.
A tree lantern is a decorative outdoor lantern hung from a tree branch or support wire in gardens, terraces and tea gardens, usually fitted with an E27 lamp. The body is usually lightweight plastic; it adds colour and atmosphere rather than lighting a path.
Types of tree lanterns
| Feature | Options | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Body colour | White/opal or coloured | A white body gives more light; a coloured body is for decoration |
| Body shape | Sphere, cylinder, long oval | To suit branch spacing and the style of the space |
| Power supply | Mains (230 V) or solar | Solar where no cable reaches and the spot gets sun |
Selection criteria
- Package contents: Some lanterns come as the body only, others with a lamp holder and short cable. Check whether holder, cable and lamp are included.
- Lamp: Choose an LED lamp for the holder. It must not touch the body or exceed the manufacturer's maximum wattage; an incandescent lamp heats a plastic body.
- Outdoor protection: Where rain reaches the lantern, use a model for which the manufacturer states outdoor suitability and an IP rating.
- Weight and suspension: Plastic lanterns can hang from thin branches; glass or metal bodies need a thick branch or a support wire. Do not hang the lantern by its cable unless the manufacturer allows it.
- Light colour: Warm white (2700–3000 K) LED lamps are common in gardens.
Common installation mistakes
- Wrapping the hanger tightly around a branch: As the branch thickens the wire grows into the bark. Use a wide, loose hanger and check the ties every year.
- Leaving taped joints in the open: Connect the lantern cable to the supply line inside a sealed outdoor junction box.
- Running an indoor cable: Use an outdoor-rated cable (e.g. H07RN-F) between trees and keep it from rubbing on the bark.
- Supplying without residual current protection: Protect the outdoor lighting circuit with a 30 mA residual current device (RCD).
Related standards
- IEC 60598-1 (TS EN 60598-1): General safety requirements for luminaires.
- IEC 60529 (TS EN 60529): IP ratings; the second digit shows protection against water.
In the Welibaba catalogue
There are currently no models for sale in the Tree Lanterns category. Related products:
- Decorative Garden Luminaires: 128 products from ACK (101) and Cata (27); most take E27 lamps. These are post, wall and ground-mounted garden luminaires, not hanging lanterns.
- LED Bulbs: 94 products from ACK, Cata, Dünya LED, NisaLuce and Atlantis.
- Solar LED Garden Luminaires: 13 products from İnoled (7) and Cata (6).
Frequently asked questions
Which lamp goes in a tree lantern?
An LED lamp for the holder, E27 on most models. It must not touch the body or exceed the manufacturer's maximum wattage.
Can a tree lantern be used in the rain?
Only if the manufacturer states outdoor suitability and an IP rating. Make connections inside a junction box and protect the circuit with a 30 mA RCD.
Does a tree lantern harm the tree?
A tight hanger grows into the bark as the branch thickens; a wide, loose hanger checked yearly does not.