How to Safely Transport a Real Christmas Tree

Real Christmas tree has many benefits as they are disposable, smells great, and are usually sold locally. They also offer many families a fun way to bond. The only tough part about a real tree is having to bring it home. Typically, transport is easier if you have a bigger vehicle, such as SUV or truck. If you are planning to pick up your tree soon, we hope these tips find you well and make bringing the tree home a little easier:

• Come with the Right Tools – You're going to need strong rope to tie the tree down if you don't have a truck. Additionally, you'll need an old blanket or tarp to lay down. And lastly, you're going to need gloves for protection against the pointy parts of the tree.
• Wrap the Tree – Once you have chosen the tree you want at the farm, you will need to have the tree netted. This process is usually done by the tree farm. However, you should lay down a blanket or tarp to wrap the tree a second time. This ensures your car is protected from damage and minimizes the mess made by loose branches.
• Position the Tree - Make sure the Christmas tree's trunk is pointing toward the front of the vehicle as this will allow the branches to move in a natural direction. Otherwise, you can damage the branches.
• Tie It Down – Once you have loaded the tree on the roof rack or trunk, make sure you wrap the top, bottom, and middle of the tree. Do not skimp on the rope because you'll want it to be as secure as possible. 
• Give It One Last Tug Before Driving – Once you've tied your knots, give the tree a strong tug. There shouldn't be any side-to-side or up-and-down movements. It should be secured in place for safe transport.
• Drive Slowly – If possible, we recommend taking back roads so you can get away with driving at a slower pace. Traveling at higher speeds, such as highway speeds, can cause the airflow to lift up your tree. 

We hope some of these tips make your holidays go a little smoother. With the holidays around, we want to make sure your vehicle is running in tip-top shape. If your vehicle is due for maintenance or repairs, please call or visit Woodie's Auto Service & Repair Centers today.