Millions of Americans will flock to tree lots across the country for the perfect Christmas tree. While finding just the right one may seem complicated – getting it home safely is where the real challenge begins. AAA urges you to have a plan to bring it home safely.

“Nothing will make you say, ‘bah humbug’ faster than losing the tree you just bought on the drive home,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If not properly secured, a tree can damage your vehicle or fly off and become dangerous to other drivers. Before purchasing your tree, please research the proper transport method or ask a professional to secure it.”

In a previous AAA study, nearly one in five genuine Christmas tree buyers reported having a tree fall off or out of their vehicle when trying to get it home.

Christmas Tree Mishaps

• Road debris could include objects like improperly secured Christmas trees that fly off cars, land on the road, or damage other cars.
• Vehicle damage that results from an improperly secured Christmas tree, such as scratched paint, torn door seals, and distorted window frames, could cost up to $1,500 to repair: 

Tips to Safely Transport Your Tree

It is best to transport the tree on top of a vehicle equipped with a roof rack, but a pickup truck, SUV, van, or minivan can work just as well.

• Come prepared – bring strong rope or nylon ratchet straps, an old blanket, and gloves.

• Wrap & Cover It – once you have found the perfect tree, have the 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.
• Protect your vehicle - before loading the tree, cover the roof with an old blanket to prevent scratches to the paint and prevent the car from any damage.
• Trunk First – place the tree on the roof rack or in the truck bed with the tree trunk facing the front of the car. Place the tree inside if the vehicle does not have a roof rack and is large enough.

• 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 tied down, give the tree several strong tugs from various angles to ensure it is secured and will not come loose.
• Nice and easy—drive slowly and take back roads if possible. Higher speeds can create significant airflow that can damage your tree or challenge the best tie-down methods.

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