Millions of Americans will soon embark on the annual pilgrimage to Christmas tree lots, aiming to find the picture-perfect pine for their holiday celebrations. But the real feat lies not in selecting the tree, but in securing it for the journey home.
AAA has a word of advice for festive drivers: plan ahead.
“Nothing will make you say, ‘bah humbug’ faster than losing the tree you just bought on the drive home,” quipped Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA.
According to AAA, nearly one in five Christmas tree buyers report experiencing an unfortunate mishap during transport, including trees falling off vehicles or causing costly damage to paint jobs and window seals. In some cases, repairs could total as much as $1,500—a steep price for holiday cheer.
Protecting Your Precious Pine
AAA recommends several steps to ensure a safe and scratch-free tree transport. First, make sure your vehicle is up to the task. Roof racks are ideal, but SUVs, trucks, and vans are also good options. Always bring strong rope or nylon ratchet straps, an old blanket to protect your car’s finish, and gloves to avoid battling prickly pine needles bare-handed.
Before heading home, have the lot wrap the tree in netting and secure any loose branches. If you’re using a roof rack, lay the tree trunk-first on the roof and fasten it securely at the base, middle, and top. For vehicles without a roof rack, placing the tree inside—if space allows—is your best bet. The final step? A rigorous tug test to confirm the tree won’t take flight.
And when you hit the road, drive carefully. Avoid highways when possible, and take it slow. Higher speeds can turn a securely tied tree into an aerodynamic disaster.
This holiday season, don’t let your tree trimming dreams turn into a nightmare. With a bit of planning and a lot of caution, you can keep the “merry” in “Merry Christmas” from the tree lot to your living room.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
