If you plan on taking a live Christmas tree home this year, make sure you follow these tips to protect your car and yourself.
Measuring
First off, before you head to your local Christmas tree farm, measure the area where you plan to place the tree. You’ll want to measure from floor to ceiling and get a measurement of the width and depth of the area where your tree will stand. It’s best to purchase a tree that’ll be about 6 inches away from the side walls and furniture when it comes to diameter and at least 6 to 12 inches shorter than the ceiling. Also, if you have a Christmas tree topper make sure you consider its height when deciding which tree to purchase. Additionally, you’ll need to measure your vehicle’s roof (or interior) to make sure you have a big enough car to haul a tree in the size you’re looking for.
Hauling Equipment
Get yourself some twine or bungee cord, gloves, a box cutter, and a couple of tarps, old blankets or sheets. When you purchase your tree, the farm will probably net it for you. However, if the farm doesn’t offer netting, make sure to shake the tree to get rid of loose needles, then wrap it in one of the blankets or tarps that you brought along.
Positioning the Tree
Put down a tarp, blanket or sheet on the roof (or interior cargo area) of your vehicle to protect it from scratches and then place the wrapped tree on top with the trunk facing the front of the vehicle. This will help protect the tree from wind damage when you’re driving.
Tying Off the Tree
If you have a car with roof racks, you’ll want to start by tying the twine to one side of the roof rack, then around the tree and on each side of the roof rack several times from trunk to tip. If your vehicle doesn’t have roof racks, the experts at This Old House say to open all the car doors (not the windows for obvious reasons) and do the same thing but wrap the twine or bungee cord through the cabin to fasten it to the roof. When finished, tug the tree to make sure it’s secure.
Driving
If your tree extends from the back of the car more than a couple of feet, you have to place a reflective flag at the end of it to make other drivers aware. Avoid taking freeways home and drive slowly.
