Did you know you can turn a regular street lamp outside your home into a glowing symbol of holiday magic? Whether you’re sprucing up tall street poles or simple walkway lamp posts, adding holiday light pole decorations to your setup can transform dull fixtures into something truly enchanting.
If you’re thinking about decking out your light poles this Christmas, you need to consider the size of the light pole, if they can handle wind loads, and where the poles are located.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to consider when choosing utility pole decorations:
Size Matters
Pole decorations come in a variety of sizes, from two to eight feet tall, and luckily there’s decor to zhuzh up every type of pole. However, you need to think about where the décorations will be placed and the flow of traffic around them. Your light pole décor should be visible to the intended audience and provide enough clearance for any cars, trucks, or pedestrians.
For poles near streets, the decorations should face the road and require at least 14.5 feet of clearance. Otherwise, this can create major safety hazards. On walkways, make sure pole mounts face the path of traffic–not buildings or trees–and are mounted high enough for even your tallest visitors to pass under easily.
Understanding Wind Loads
Before you get too caught up in your street pole banner ideas, it’s important to know if your poles are structurally equipped to handle the décor you want. Wind load refers to the impact wind has on buildings, structures, and objects. It results from wind pressure, air speed, and wind velocity.
The intensity of wind load is determined by the speed of the wind. Wind loads are typically measured in pounds per square foot (PSF) and pounds per square inch (PSI). If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornados, or windstorms, you need to know what the wind load is of the poles you want to decorate.
You also need to evaluate how and where you will secure the decorations onto the pole so the decorations do not become a safety hazard during a serious weather event. We recommend securing the decorations with zip ties and wrap straps.
Location, Location, Location
Understanding the type of pole you’re working with is key to making the right design choices. Street poles are typically tall, sturdy fixtures that line public roads and highways.
Because they are often adjacent to heavy traffic, decorations on street poles should be highly visible, durable, and secured to withstand harsh weather and strong winds. These poles may require larger, bolder décor, and it’s important to make sure that any embellishments face the street, with ample clearance for vehicles below.
Parking lot light poles and small walkway lamp posts are quite different from street poles. Parking lot poles are often shorter than street poles but taller than walkway lamp posts. They can handle mid-sized decorations that provide visibility to both pedestrians and drivers in parking areas.
On the other hand, walkway lamp posts are much smaller and closer to foot traffic, meaning decorations should be smaller, more detailed, and considerate of pedestrian space. In both cases, positioning and safety are crucial to ensure that decorations do not obstruct people or vehicles.
Elevate Your Holiday Display with Jubilee Decor
Choosing the right Christmas decorations for your outdoor light poles can transform everyday fixtures into festive features that capture the holiday spirit. By carefully considering factors like pole size, wind load, and location, you can ensure that your décor is both beautiful and safe for everyone who passes by.
Whether you’re working with towering street poles, parking lot lights, or small walkway lamp posts, taking the time to plan your decorations will result in a captivating holiday atmosphere.
Jubilee Decor is ready to help you create a dazzling display. As we expand into our neighboring markets, Arkansas and Louisiana, we remain committed to offering high-quality, commercial-grade holiday décor. Plus, we ship to any US state! Reach out to a representative today to explore how Jubilee Decor can help you light up the holiday season.
