2020 has been a year full of challenges, so I say, “It’s time to celebrate and be thankful!” One way to do that is to decorate a tree for the holidays. You may have already seen Christmas lights and decorations popping up all over your town. Some people may already have their homes fully decorated with garland, mistletoe and they may even have their tree up and decorated. Chances are, people who set their trees up before Thanksgiving choose an artificial one and those can last in a warm house until the new year.
If you always choose a live tree, you probably have transported it home each year with no issues. But, if this is your first year and you are considering a live tree, this article is full of tips that may help you get your tree home safely and adorned with ease.
- Measure your space – We all remember the scene in “Christmas Vacation” where Chevy Chase drives his family out to the middle of nowhere and finds the biggest tree in the land, chops it down, and straps it to the top of the “family truckster”. The Griswold’s get home and unwrap the tree only to discover, instantly, that it is way too big for the space. You don’t want this to happen to you this Christmas, so make sure you measure the height and width of the space you are putting your tree. The perfect tree will fit in the perfect spot if you take the time to measure your space.
- Dress yourself – Depending on where you live in the country, you may need to bundle up in warm clothes or you can wear shorts and a tee out to find your perfect tree. Either way, make sure you bring gloves and wear comfy shoes with non-slip soles.
- Pack your equipment – In order to tie down your tree securely without damaging your vehicle make sure you pack rope or twine, a burlap sack or netting, a sheet or blanket, and bungee cords. These items are all the tools you need to make sure the tree stays in its place without flopping or falling off of your vehicle.
- Secure your tree – It helps to not do this solo, so bring a friend or family member with you. Wrap your tree in netting (they do this at the tree lot usually, and bind it to the top of your car rack. If you don’t have a car rack, use a blanket or tarp to protect your car top and tie it down with rope, securing it through your windows. Drive slowly and safely!
- Trim your tree – When the tree is cut down, it sends sap to the cut area to protect itself. This sap dries to a coating over time so you need to cut it off in order to get the most water absorption once you place it in its stand at your home. Use a saw and cut off about 1’ or more so that the tree can soak in the water. Make sure you check the water levels in the tree stand a couple of times a day during the first week. The tree is very thirsty during this time and can absorb all the water in a matter of hours.
I hope you find the perfect tree for your home this holiday season and protect your car while transporting it! Happy Tree hunting! Happy Holidays!!!
