We are in the holiday season, and the smell of a real tree in your living room just makes the Christmas mood extra special.
Choosing the ideal one from a farm or a parking lot has a certain appeal, but if done incorrectly, moving it can soon cause problems. A happy event can become tense with scratched automobiles, damaged trees, or even a bad accident.
Whether you choose a live Christmas tree delivery or are gathering a tree yourself, we have some easy advice to ensure your tree arrives home safe and sound.
1. Measure Your Space First
Knowing the measurements of the area where your tree will reside is really vital before planning a live delivery or going to the tree lot.
Nothing worse than dragging a great eight-footer home just to find it won’t fit in your living room!
From the floor to your ceiling, note the height and allow space for the tree topper. Remember the width of the tree, too. Some have a broad base, so be sure it won’t crowd your furniture or space.
Measuring is just as vital for transportation. Verify whether your car or roof rack can comfortably carry the height and width of the tree. The last thing you want is for the tree to overhang too far, creating road safety concerns!
2. Wrap the Tree Properly
It’s a beginner’s error to be transporting a tree without covering it. To aid with this, most Christmas tree vendors will offer a tree-wrapping service.
Their netting equipment compresses the branches, therefore facilitating the handling and loading of them. If you are handling the wrapping yourself, though, you can use a tarp or some strong rope. This will shield the branches from driving-related wind or soil damage.
If you are securing it to your automobile, remember to cover its roof with a soft blanket or tarp. This guards both the tree against friction damage and the paint on your automobile.
3. Transport the Tree Trunk-First
Making sure you position a genuine Christmas tree correctly is one of the most crucial aspects of moving it.
Always position the tree on your car or roof rack, with the trunk facing the front. This aerodynamic alignment will lessen the effect of the wind on the branches and stop them from breaking or getting damaged while you are driving.
If you are carrying it inside the car, fold the seats down and arrange the tree accordingly, with the trunk close to the front of the car. This not only shields the fragile upper branches, but also increases tree security during transportation.
4. Secure the Tree with Ropes or Bungee Cords
Whether you’re simply strapping the tree down on your car, using a roof rack, trailer, or otherwise, securing it correctly is crucial.
To guarantee the tree stays firmly in position, use ratchet straps, bungee cords, or strong ropes. For best stability, loop the crossed rope or strap over the trunk of the tree and tightly secure them, looping around the tree and through the roof rack.
Your ropes or cord should be taut. Weak fasteners could cause the tree to slip or move during the drive. Give it a decent tug before starting, and if it doesn’t move, you’re good to go!
5. Drive Carefully and Take Your Time
It’s easy to dash home to commence decorating once you have your tree tied down and ready to go.
However, moving a real Christmas tree calls for some more care and attention than your typical drive calls. Sharp bends or sudden brakes can cause the tree to move or perhaps topple off.
Moderate your speed, particularly considering the tree is on the roof. The wind pressure can be too strong on the limbs of your tree. So, if you drive too rapidly, you could damage it.
Try to choose a path with fewer bumps or sharp twists wherever possible. Slow and consistent wins the race, right? Moreover, you will prevent subjecting your tree to a difficult ride.
6. Consider Christmas Tree Delivery
You’re not alone if you’re not eager about attaching a big tree to your car’s roof.
Live Christmas tree delivery companies are a terrific choice for people who wish to avoid trouble.
These businesses will bring the tree directly to your door, already wrapped and ready for use. You have no need to worry about whether your car is big enough or transportation logistics.
Many local nurseries and tree farms provide delivery as well, and they just send a tree straight to your house. Some firms even provide tree set-up, therefore reducing the stress of the whole process.
To ensure the shipping service is reliable, make sure to browse user comments. This will help you to be sure your tree will arrive in flawless shape.
7. Plan for Easy Unloading
So, you have effectively transported your tree, but what happens when you arrive home?
Emptying a big tree can be challenging, especially if you live alone. Ask a family member or neighbour to assist you in lifting the tree off if you have used a roof rack or secured it to your car.
Alone, trees can be somewhat weighty and difficult to handle. You want to avoid risking losing it or harming those immaculate limbs.
Remove any cables or ropes carefully, then gently take down the tree to prevent branch breakage. After you have it inside, let it settle a bit before mounting it on the stand.
8. Hydrate Your Tree Immediately
Your tree’s first need is a nice drink of water after it is in place!
Real trees dry out fast, particularly following the pains of transportation. Give it some water right away to keep those needles vibrantly green.
Check that your tree stand includes a water reservoir. Trust us, your tree will be parched!
Bonus tip: Including a small amount of sugar or tree preservative in the water will help it stay fresh even longer.
9. Be Mindful of Your Tree’s Environment
Once all the effort has gone into moving and arranging your actual Christmas tree, you want to make sure it remains in perfect shape all during the holiday.
Keep it away from radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunshine since these can quickly dry the tree out.
Furthermore, take into account putting it in a cooler environment as a lower temperature will enable it to hold moisture for longer.
Should you observe needles drying out or falling too often, that’s your cue your tree is dehydrated. Top off the water and aim to maintain the room’s temperature constant for the best effects.
Conclusion
Although moving a Christmas tree can seem like a chore, it is all part of the holiday experience.
Set your tree up, adorn it with your best ornaments, and spend the most wonderful time of the year with your friends and family.
Happy holidays!