Been there with the solar lights—under trees, they’re basically just yard art after a while. Low-voltage is the way I usually go for reliability, even if it means dealing with some wires. I’ve tried those battery-powered string lights too, but swapping batteries gets old fast (and usually right before you’re having people over). Painting the cable covers was a smart move. Sometimes you just have to pick the least annoying option and live with a few quirks... old houses never make it easy.
Sometimes you just have to pick the least annoying option and live with a few quirks... old houses never make it easy.
Totally get this—old houses have their own “personality,” right? I’ve had better luck running low-voltage lines along the fence and tucking them behind plants. Not exactly invisible, but way less hassle than dead solar lights under my maple. If you’re worried about wires showing, I’ve seen folks use those faux ivy cable covers—kind of cheesy, but they blend in better than you’d think.
Not exactly invisible, but way less hassle than dead solar lights under my maple.
That’s the spirit—embrace the quirks. I tried solar lights once and they basically became squirrel toys after a week. Low-voltage lines tucked behind plants is genius, honestly. I’ve seen those faux ivy covers too and thought they were a bit much, but hey, if it keeps the wires from looking like spaghetti, why not? Old houses just love to keep us humble...
I hear you on the faux ivy—sometimes it looks more like a movie set than a backyard, but if it hides the mess, I get the appeal. I’ve had better luck running low-voltage lines along the bottom of the fence and just using mulch to cover them up. Keeps things tidy and doesn’t attract curious critters as much. Solar’s great in theory, but between shade and squirrels, it’s just not worth the headache for me. Old wiring in these houses is a whole other adventure...
Lighting Up the Backyard Fence: Solar, Wired, or Something Else?
Solar’s great in theory, but between shade and squirrels, it’s just not worth the headache for me. Old wiring in these houses is a whole other adventure...
I hear you on the solar struggle. I tried those little solar path lights a couple years back—looked cute for about a week, then the neighbor’s maple threw shade (literally), and half of them just sat there collecting dust. Squirrels seem to think anything with a wire is a chew toy anyway. I swear, if they ever figure out how to open my shed, I’m doomed.
Running low-voltage lines under mulch is honestly one of the tidiest solutions I’ve seen. It keeps things looking intentional instead of “I gave up halfway through.” The only hiccup I’ve run into is when you want to rearrange things later—digging through mulch to find that one stubborn connection is like playing backyard Jenga.
Old wiring... don’t get me started. My place was built in the 50s and every time I open up a wall or try to add an outlet outside, it’s like an archaeological dig. Last time, I found what looked like a lamp cord spliced into the main line with electrical tape from another era. Not exactly confidence-inspiring.
If you’re after something less permanent (or just want to avoid another squirrel-induced blackout), I’ve seen people use those battery-powered puck lights tucked into planters or even along fence posts. Not as bright as hardwired options, but at least you don’t have to worry about rewiring half your house or chasing off wildlife.
Faux ivy... yeah, it’s got that “movie set” vibe sometimes, but if it hides the chaos behind it? Sometimes function wins over form. At least until someone invents squirrel-proof solar panels or wireless electricity that actually works outside.
Anyway, curious if anyone’s tried those smart outdoor string lights? The ones you can control with your phone? Wondering if they’re worth the hype or just another thing for the squirrels to mess with...
