Avoid #TannenbaumTrouble With These Christmas Tree Transport Tips
There’s no substitute for a real Christmas tree. They’re recyclable; you get that natural, piney smell you just can’t get with an artificial tree; and they just look prettier — if you can get ’em home intact, that is.
Too many people on the road seem to be taking cues from Clark Griswold when driving their tree home from the lot or farm. In addition to being unsafe, improper transport risks damaging that tree you just dropped a hundred bucks on.
Here are six ways to avoid Tannenbaum trouble:
1. If You Go Big, You Still Have to Go Home
This tree’s going in your living room, not Rockefeller Plaza. Choose one that fits in your vehicle’s cargo area or on the roof.
2. Enjoy ‘Net Savings’
Have your tree netted at the lot to make it less unwieldy and to reduce wind damage.
3. Needles to Say, Protect Your Paint Job
Place a tarp or blanket between the tree and the roof to guard against scratches, or from having to clean up loose needles in your cargo area.
4. The Trunk Goes in Front
Don’t point the treetop in the direction of travel. As opposed to going against the grain, you want the base of the tree pointing forward so the wind flows around the branches in the natural direction of growth while you drive.
Center the tree on the roof to minimize the effect on your car’s center of gravity, too.
5. Make It Tight
Bring along rope or bungee cords. Wrap your bungee around the tree first, then loop it through the roof racks; you can also loop it through the interior of the car via the windows, though that’s not our recommendation.
Before leaving the lot, give your tree a good tug to make sure it’s secure.
6. Like the Song Says: Slow Ride, Take It Easy
Drive slowly and avoid the highway if possible. This will reduce wind damage as well as the threat of the tree coming loose.
Related: 12 Days of Christmas Gifts for Car Lovers
Thousands of crashes occur each year as a result of debris from another vehicle, so be sure to strap that tree down even if it’s only for a short distance. If the tree seller offers to do this for you, leave it to the pros.
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