Tips For Transporting Your Christmas Tree

If you are like the Griswolds and are going out to search for just that perfect Christmas tree, when you find it, it is very important to properly secure and safely transport your tree.

According to the AAA, nearly one in five real Christmas tree buyers reported previously having a tree fall off or out of their vehicle when trying to get it home. That can cause as much as $1,500 in automotive repairs because of surface scratches to your vehicle, or having to repaint the roof of your vehicle because of severe scratches.

The AAA says to avoid issues make sure you are prepared by having strong rope or ratchet straps; use an appropriate vehicle, like a vehicle with a luggage rack being the best; have the lot where you buy your tree wrap it in netting before loading it; place an old blanket on top of your vehicle to protect the car’s exterior; make sure the trunk of the tree faces the front; tie down the tree at its bottom, center and top, which is easier with a vehicle that has a luggage rack; once tied down, give the tree several strong tugs from various angles to make sure it is secured in place and will not come loose; and finally, slow down. Higher speeds can create significant airflow that can damage your tree or challenge even the best tie-down methods.