A good rule of thumb is to have one string of lights per foot of your tree's height. So, if you have a 7-foot tree, you'll need about 7 strings of lights to completely cover the tree. Additionally, it's important to use lights that are appropriate for the size of your tree, as smaller lights will look dimmer when spaced out over a larger tree. Make sure to also consider the power consumption of your lights and ensure they are safe to use around your tree.