Whether you are going to trek through the forest to cut down your own or visiting a Christmas tree stand, you’ll need to consider getting your tree home safely and securely.
Here’s what you’ll need to ensure that you and your tree arrive ready to celebrate the season:
- Gloves
- Old blanket
- Ratchet straps
- Measuring tape
- Rope
- Roof rack
- Reflective flag
Before You Go
Measure the top of the car (as well as where you want to place your tree at home). Be sure you will be able to take the tree off the car by yourself or ask a friend or neighbor to meet you at home to assist.
Choose a day when the weather is clear. Daytime is better than evening unless you like “hemming and hawing” in the cold and dark.
The Big Decision
When selecting a tree, make sure the height of the tree doesn’t exceed the length of your car by too much. Bigger might be better, but be sure the tree will fit where you want it to in height and width.
Getting Your Tree Home
Be sure the tree is wrapped in netting, which makes it more manageable to carry and it protects the tree from damage in transit.
Lay an old blanket on the roof of your car between the roof racks. Place the tree on the roof with the stump facing forward, which will help avoid wind damage to the tree. Wrap the blanket around the tree. Tie down the bundle at its bottom, center, and top using strong rope or nylon ratchet straps. Use the vehicle’s tie-down points and loop the rope or strap around the tree trunk above a branch to prevent side-to-side or front-to-rear movement.
If you don’t have a roof rack, fasten the tree around the roof. Open the car doors – not just the windows – to tie the tree around the roof. Wrap the base, middle, and top of the tree to fasten it securely.
Give the tree strong tugs from different angles to ensure it is secured in place.
If you are transporting the tree inside the vehicle or in the bed of a truck, make sure you can still see out of your windows and rearview mirror.
Off You Go
If your tree extends more than a couple of feet past the rear bumper, you’ll need to tie on a reflective flag to alert other drivers on the way.
Drive slowly! Take back roads, avoiding high speeds that can create high winds around the car, increasing the risk of damaging or unfastening even the most securely tied tree.
Selecting a tree and getting it home safely are the first steps to getting ready for the holidays. No matter how you celebrate this joyous season, we at BDR Automotive wish you a happy and healthy holiday with thanks and gratitude for your continued support.
If you have questions about getting your vehicle ready for our New England winter, or to make an appointment, call 508-429-4720, or contact us on our website.