Nothing says, "Christmas is finally here" like a tree tied to the top of your car. But as heartwarming as it can be, transporting a tree can be seriously dangerous (even deadly!) if not done the right way. Far too many accidents occur each year on account of poorly-secured Christmas trees in transport, ruining the holiday season for everyone involved. If you’re the one tying a tree to your car, you want to be extra-careful to not let that happen to you.
We're here to help you make sure that tree's sitting snug enough to make it home safely.
Safely Tying a Christmas Tree to the Top of Your Car
Won't the employees at the tree lot tie the tree to the roof of your car? They might. You can't count on it, though. Some places simply don't offer this service, and it's up to you.
Tying a tree to your car sounds super easy – and that's the danger of it. If that's all you do, without regard for the few key steps that are necessary to avoid problems, then problems are exactly what you're going to find. There's a little more going on than just tying a few knots and driving off. You'll want to follow the steps below to make sure you're doing it right.
Protect Your Roof
Lay down a moving blanket or a tarp before laying your tree on the roof to keep the branches and sap from eating up your roof's paint. You can skip this altogether if your car is equipped with a roof rack with cross rails or a roof basket that will separate the tree from the car. (Why yes, you’re right, that would make an excellent early Christmas present to yourself.) A good set of gloves is also a good idea, to avoid getting all sticky from the sap.
Point the Trunk Toward the Front
Always load the tree up onto the roof with the trunk facing the same direction as the windshield. This way, the wind follows the direction of growth and can pass more easily along the tree. The other way around can increase wind resistance and create the kind of trouble we're trying to avoid.
Tie a Loop In Your Twine
Now that the tree is physically on the roof, we need to secure it there. That starts by creating a loop in the twine, rope, or cargo straps you're using to tie it down. You can simply tie a knot in one end or tie both ends together to make one continuous loop. Either is fine; you just need the loop as it will be necessary to secure the tree properly.
Secure the Trunk
First, let’s get the bottom of the tree locked down. You'll start by wrapping the looped end of the rope around the trunk one time. Then, you'll run the rope either through the door openings or roof rack rails, beneath the tree, to the other end. Once there, pass the other end of the rope through the loop, then pull it tight. With your free hand, pinch the rope together, then tie it tight with the other without leaving any slack.
Secure The Rear
Next, you need to tie down the top of the tree. This time, we don't need to wrap the rope around the trunk. Simply pass the rope through the roof rack or door opening, then over the tree. You'll pass the rope through the loop end, then pull and tie it snugly to the roof.
Truck Beds are Great, But…
You truck owners will have an easier time than car owners, but that doesn't mean you can be carefree. Christmas trees can easily cause problems for you if you don't keep them under control in transport.
If you're throwing a tree in the bed of a pickup, be sure to use your tie-down points to anchor it in place. If it's too long for the bed and you need to rest it on the tailgate, be sure to orient it with the trunk in the bed. Now's the time to throw a blanket over the tailgate to protect the paint, too. And if you're wondering what your early Christmas present to yourself is, it's a bed mat that'll make getting those needles out a breeze.
Similarly, if you have a big SUV, you may be able to fit your tree in the cargo area with the rear seats flattened. An old blanket or tarp will help protect the upholstery, but consider adding in a cargo liner too. WeatherTech and Husky Liners both make heavy-duty options that are form-fit to your vehicle and are ridiculously easy to install, remove, and clean.
Drive Like You Have a Tree On Your Roof
No matter what vehicle you're driving or how secure the tree is, you still need to drive with care. Don't forget that there's a literal tree on your roof (or in the bed/cargo area of your rig). If something goes wrong and it gets loose, chaos will ensue. So, take your time and drive carefully. Avoid highways, high speeds, and high-traffic areas. Slow down and just enjoy the drive – there’s already enough rushing this time of year!