How To Transport a Christmas Tree on Top of Your Car

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which means it’s finally time to bring out the tinsel and ornaments for the Christmas tree. However, before you can start decorating, you’ll have to bring home your new real Christmas tree first, a task that can certainly be challenging. In some cases, it can even be dangerous.

We know you’re excited about the holidays, but it never hurts to be more careful amidst the holiday rush. Here are some helpful tips on how to tie a Christmas tree to your car:

Measure Your Home and Vehicle

The last thing you want to do is buy a Christmas tree that’s too big for your living room. Before leaving your house, measure the height of the room where you plan on displaying the tree. Leave at least one foot of space between your ceiling and the tree.

Consider measuring your vehicle’s interior storage area and roof. Take note of these measurements, so you can buy a Christmas tree that’s just the right size for your car and home.

Choose the Right Vehicle

If you can, bring a vehicle with a roof rack. Roof racks make it easier to transport large cargo. If you don’t have a car with a roof rack, consider a pickup truck, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), or a van with a spacious cabin.

Gather the Necessary Equipment

Before leaving the house, make sure you have all the necessary items to secure your new Christmas tree to your car. You’ll need a large blanket or plastic sheet to act as a layer between the tree and your roof. To tie the tree to your car, you’ll need strong rope, bungee cording, or nylon ratchet straps.

Try Transporting It Inside Your Car

You don’t always have to transport your Christmas tree on top of your car. If it fits, you can transport it in your cabin or trunk instead. Just make sure it doesn’t block your view of your sides and rear if you decide to place it inside your vehicle.

Wrap the Tree in Netting

The last thing you want is for your Christmas tree to start shedding and leaving loose needles in your car. To protect the Christmas tree, wrap it in netting, a blanket, or a tarp. You can also shake the tree first to get rid of any loose needles before wrapping it up securely.

Put an Old Blanket on Your Roof

If you’re transporting your Christmas tree on a car roof without a rack, you’ll need a thick blanket, towel, or large tarp. Christmas trees have sharp needles and pine sap that can damage your vehicle’s paint and sunroof. The damage can be pretty expensive to fix, so if you want to avoid spending money on a new paint job, set a blanket between your car roof and the tree.

Position the Christmas Tree Correctly

Before you start tying your Christmas tree to your roof, make sure it’s positioned correctly. The tree trunk should be facing forward, with the top of the tree facing backward. This position is the most aerodynamic, so the wind is less likely to blow the tree off your car roof as you drive.

Secure the Tree Using Ropes

There’s a correct way of driving your car with a Christmas tree on top, and it’s only possible if you secure the top, bottom, and center of the tree with rope or ratchet straps. Prevent the tree from sliding side to side by using fixed vehicle tie-down points and looping a rope around the trunk and above the branches.

If you don’t have a roof rack, you’ll have to open your car doors before you can tie the tree to your roof. Be sure to tie a reflective flag on the end of the tree in case it extends a few feet past your bumper so you can alert other drivers on the road.

Avoid Highways

Once you’re 100% sure your tree is secured to your car, it’s finally time to drive home. Check for possible routes where you won’t have to pass through highways. As much as possible, take back roads that are less busy, and avoid driving at high speeds. Accelerate and brake gently, especially when turning.