How to Securely Transport a Christmas Tree!
The tradition of heading down to the lot and getting a real Christmas tree is alive and well. This time of the year, you see no shortage of cars driving with Christmas trees strapped to the roof. However, many overlook the importance of properly securing their tree to their vehicle.
Dangers of unsecured Christmas trees
Failure to secure your Christmas tree can be extremely dangerous:
- It can cause distractions
- It can impair your vision
- It could damage other vehicles
- It could cause an accident
- It could cause injuries to pedestrians or other motorists
Want to safely transport your Christmas tree? Try ratchet straps
Even if you are only travelling a few blocks, you need to properly secure your Christmas tree. A lot can happen to an unsecured load on any length of trip, especially when you get up to speed, or take a corner too quickly. The tree could fall off, or it could be launched off your vehicle if you are required to come to a sudden stop.
As outlined in Top tips on securely transporting a Christmas tree, “when objects travelling at 50 km per hour come to a sudden stop, they can take on 25 times their own weight. A 30-kg tree, for example, would hit its target with the force of an object that weighs 750 kg.”
This could cause serious damage to other vehicles and could potentially be fatal if the tree hit a person.
While most rely on bungee cords, ropes, and netting to secure their Christmas tree, there is a safer and more effective option – ratchet straps.
Ratchet straps are the safest way to transport anything on your car roof, and for this reason they are becoming more widely used. Plus, they are available at your local hardware store.
Steps to secure your Christmas tree
- If you have a smaller car, consider asking a friend or family member with a SUV or pick-up truck to help you out.
- If possible, net the tree before loading it on the roof of your vehicle. This will make it easier to strap down and transport.
- Load the tree with the stump end facing forward.
- Wrap the ratchet strap around the stump – secure the strap to the roof rack.
- Fasten the strap around the middle and tip of the tree for added stability.
If you are not sure what to do or are having difficulties, ask for assistance from someone at the Christmas tree lot.
Driving tips once the tree is strapped on the car
- Don’t drive alone – Bring someone else with you to keep an eye on the tree while you keep your eyes on the road.
- Take a less busy route home – Because you never know what could happen, take a less busy route, even if it takes you longer to get home.
- Use your hazard lights – Alerting other drivers is important.
- Slow down – Take your foot off the gas and adjust your driving to ensure the tree doesn’t shift in transit.
Do you buy a real Christmas tree? How to you get it home? What tips can you offer to other who want to safely and securely transport their tree home for the holidays?
Read more about Christmas tree safety