How to Put a Christmas Tree on Your Car

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, it’s time to deck the halls. We know you’ve heard the debate of the real tree vs. the artificial Christmas tree many times before, so we won’t bore you with that. Assuming you are purchasing a real Christmas tree, you may be wondering what is the best way to haul it home. If you have an SUV or a hatchback with fold-down seats, you could simply haul it inside your vehicle (however, this may leave you with a mess of needles). If you have a larger tree or a particularly small vehicle, it is best to secure your tree to the top of your car. We at Landers Kia have created a foolproof guide for securing your tree on top of your car. Read on to learn how! 

1. Get your Christmas tree netted before leaving the store or lot.

   Your Christmas tree will be much more manageable when it is netted. Christmas-tree pros recommend tying the tree to the roof with the trunk facing forward. The will help reduce wind damage on your tree branches. 

2. Ensure that you have enough rope.

   Make sure you have enough rope to securely tie your Christmas tree down. If you are storing your tree in the cargo area, make sure the tree fits, and place a tarp below the tree to prevent a massive mess of needles and branches! If the tree is on the roof, you may choose to place a tarp or blanket between the tree and the roof to prevent scratches on your vehicle.

3. Drive slowly and avoid the highway if possible.

   You really don’t want to be the person whose tree falls off your car on a busy freeway. Not only is this dangerous, but it’s just plain embarrassing. Before you drive off, give your tree a good tug to make sure it’s tied down tight. Drive slowly and carefully all the way home and avoid highways if possible. Hauling heavy objects can affect your vehicle’s center of gravity and emergency handling, so it’s best to take it slow and steady! 

After you’ve enjoyed your tree for the holidays, don’t forget to take it to a recycling center that will properly dispose of the tree. If you’re a gardener, you may choose to place your tree in the compost pile. Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree from the National Christmas Tree Organization here. 

Do you need a vehicle for Christmas shopping? Come and see us at Landers Kia on Colonel Glenn to find your perfect sleigh to carry all your gifts this year. The new 2021 Kia Telluride has plenty of cargo space for all your presents, and it offers advanced safety features to keep your little elves safe all year long!

Browse our inventory of the Telluride