How to transport a Christmas tree safely

There’s nothing weedy about the Christmas tree in this post; eight foot tall and half as wide. It’ll impress the neighbours for certain. And it’s a bargain. There’s only one problem - how to get it home.

Christmas is the time of year for long or bulky loads. It’s not just Santa’s sleigh that gets loaded up. The first thing to do is think ahead. If you expect to purchase something too large to go completely inside your vehicle, think about what you’ll need.

A roof rack? A large plastic sheet or a tarpaulin? Some tie-downs, elastic cords or lengths of rope? A red flag, even.

Here are some tips for carrying large loads like a Christmas tree.

1. Consider having the item delivered instead, or think about hiring a van or pick-up.

2. If you use a roof rack, make sure it is fitted securely. Check your vehicle’s handbook or your Haynes manual for the maximum roof rack load. Some vehicles have roof rails to which a rack can be fitted.

3. Lay plastic or a tarpaulin across the roof rack before you load it, then wrap this around the tree and secure it with tie-downs, rope or elastic cords.

4. Load the roof rack with the largest items at the rear.

5. Some top boxes are shaped to carry skis, other sports equipment and small items but not very useful for transporting a tree.

7. If you don’t have a roof rack, a tree may go in through the tailgate or boot. If you can, fold down the rear seats and recline the front passenger seat. Make sure the load cannot interfere with the driving controls.

8. If you cannot shut the boot-lid or tailgate, secure your tree with rope or a tie-down - use bits of rag to prevent these scratching the paintwork. Anything extending more than 0.3 metres (about one foot) beyond the rear bumper should have a prominent red flag attached to it.

9. Make sure the number plate and rear lights are still visible if you have the boot-lid or tailgate partially open. Be aware that exhaust fumes may be sucked into the car as you drive.

10. That Christmas tree may go inside your car with the top poking out through the open sunroof. Or it may go in through a rear side window and rest on the seat. Don’t let it poke out of the side windows - this could be dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists. Also, make sure it is prevented from landing on your lap when you drive around corners! You can probably secure it with a seat belt.

Haynes