For a lot of folks, bringing home the Christmas tree is the real kickoff to the season. It’s a great tradition, but every December I see far too many trees hanging halfway off a roof, tied on with what looks like dental floss, or stuffed into a vehicle that’s three sizes too small. Nothing ruins holiday spirit like watching your tree tumble off the car on the freeway or scratching up your paint because you were in a hurry. With trees getting more expensive and traffic getting busier, it’s worth taking a few minutes to do it right.
Before you even pick a tree, take a quick measurement of your vehicle’s cargo area or roof. Most full-size trees run six to eight feet, but some grow into the ten-foot range, and that’s where people get into trouble. If your vehicle won’t handle a tree lying flat inside with the hatch or tailgate fully closed, plan on using the roof. Never drive with the hatch open and the tree hanging out the back; not only is it unsafe, but exhaust fumes can easily make their way inside the cabin.
When you choose your tree, ask the seller to give it a fresh cut on the trunk and have them net it. Netting makes the tree far easier to handle and cuts down on wind resistance if it goes on the roof. It’s also safer—loose branches can whip around at highway speed and create a hazard for the driver behind you.
If you’re carrying the tree inside an SUV, crossover, or minivan, fold the seats down and lay a tarp or old blanket in the cargo area. Sap doesn’t care how new your interior is. Position the trunk toward the front of the vehicle to keep the weight forward and prevent the top from shifting. Use ratchet straps or heavy-duty cords to secure the tree to the cargo tie-downs. Don’t rely on the seatbacks to hold anything in place during a sudden stop.
For roof transport, place a blanket or towel on the roof to protect the paint. The safest method is to position the tree with the trunk facing forward; this reduces drag and makes it more stable. Run high-quality ratchet straps or rope through the front and rear doors—never through open windows, because you won’t be able to open the doors once everything is cinched down. Tie the tree snugly at the bottom, middle, and top. Give it a few strong shakes before you get in the car. If it moves, tighten everything again.
Drive slower than usual, especially if you’re using the roof. Remember that your center of gravity is higher and stopping distances will increase. Stick to surface streets if possible. And yes, keep an eye on the weather. Wind gusts can turn a poorly secured tree into a projectile.
When you get home, carry the tree trunk-first to prevent scratching doors and walls. Unwrap it outside so the branches can fall naturally and release some of the loose needles before you track them inside. Put it in the stand with water right away; a fresh cut trunk starts sealing over within an hour, which makes the tree dry out faster.
Finally, think of this as more than a chore. Picking out a tree is one of those small holiday moments that become big memories. Taking a few extra minutes to transport it safely ensures you can enjoy the season instead of repairing your roof rails or replacing a tree that didn’t make it home.
Do it carefully, do it patiently, and you’ll start your holiday off on the right foot—and with the right tree.
Photo: AAA.
Editor's note: Want to watch a how-to video? AAA shares these tips in a new YouTube video: