Last year, an estimated 84 million Americans flocked to tree lots across the country in search of the perfect Christmas tree. While finding just the right one may seem like the hard part, getting the tree home is where the real challenge begins.

Just like moving furniture, appliances or other large objects, transporting a tree is challenging. If not properly secured, a tree can cause vehicle damage such as scratched paint, torn door seals or distorted window frames. Even worse, the tree could fly off or out of the vehicle and become a danger to other drivers. A recent survey from AAA found that 44% of Americans who plan to purchase a real Christmas tree this year will use unsafe methods when transporting it home, including placing it in the bed of a pickup truck unsecured or failing to use the roof rack. 

Losing a Christmas tree on the drive home would no doubt put a damper on the holiday season. More importantly, a tree that comes loose from a vehicle could also cause an accident.

Previous research from AAA found that road debris caused more than 200,000 crashes during a four year period, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths. Luckily, with a little preparation, the right tools and the right vehicle, transporting a Christmas tree is easy. 

AAA’s tips include: 

• Plan Ahead. Before heading out to buy a real Christmas tree, make sure to bring strong rope or ratchet straps, an old blanket, gloves and, of course, the right vehicle. One with a roof rack is ideal, but a pickup truck, SUV, van or minivan can work just as well. 
• Wrap & Cover It. Once you’ve found the perfect tree, have the farm or lot wrap it in netting before loading it. Loose branches can also be secured with rope or twine to help protect the tree from damage. Also, prior to loading the tree, cover the roof with an old blanket to prevent scratches to the paint and protect the car from any damage. 
• Trunk First. Place the tree on the roof rack or in the bed of the truck, with the trunk facing the front of the car. If the vehicle does not have a roof rack and is large enough, place the tree inside.
• Secure It. Tie down the tree at its bottom, center and top using strong rope or nylon ratchet straps. Avoid using the nylon offered by many tree lots. Use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop the rope or strap around the tree trunk above a branch to prevent any side-to-side or front-to-rear movement.
• Tug Test. Once it’s tied down, give the tree several strong tugs from various angles to make sure it is secured in place and will not come loose.
• Nice & Easy. Drive slowly and take back roads if possible. Higher speeds can create significant airflow that can damage your tree or challenge even the best tie-down methods. 

If you’re driving to find that perfect Christmas tree (or anywhere else) this winter, make sure your AAA membership level covers your needs.

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