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BEACH BLVD OF CARS
405 • Beach Blvd. South

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How to Take Home Your Christmas Tree

Ever since you were young, a beautiful tree has taken the place of honor in your home during the holidays. Now that you have little ones of your own, you’re eager to continue the tradition at your place. But unlike almost any other Christmas purchase, you can’t just throw a tree into your trunk. Bringing home a freshly-cut natural wonder requires a bit of planning and care.

1. Pick the Right Vehicle.

Leave your Mazda MX-5 Miata or Volkswagen Beetle in the garage, unless it’s a Charlie Brown tree with few limbs and fewer needles. Picking the right vehicle is key to taking a tree home safe and sound. You’ll want a large transport with plenty of interior space such as a station wagon like the 2019 Subaru Outback or SUVs like the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban or 2019 Ford Expedition. Such carriers have rear seatbacks that fold down to create cargo areas that are big enough to hold a tree.

If your kids insist on coming with you, then you’ll want a vehicle with a built-in roof rack on which you can strap down your Christmas find. Examples include the 2019 Jeep Cherokee or 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Also capable of handling even large trees are pickup trucks such as the 2019 RAM 1500 or the 2019 Nissan Titan. But leave the tonneau cover at home for this chore. Even the Jeep Wrangler can transport a tree as long as it has a roof rack.

2. Prep Your Tree and Vehicle.

If the surface on which you’re laying your bounty is bare metal, protect it from scratches and sap by putting on a thick blanket whether on the roof, pickup bed, or SUV interior. Shake the tree to get rid of any loose needles and branches. Ask the attendant at the Christmas tree farm to wrap your tree in netting or twine to prevent the branches from flopping in the wind and spreading needles all over the road.

3. How to Secure the Tree.

Securing the tree is crucial if you’re putting it on a roof rack because of the potential disaster it can cause if it flies off and hits the vehicle behind you. To minimize wind damage to pine needles, make sure the trunk of the tree faces the front. Tie the tree down using rope or a bungee cord. If your tree extends more than a foot or two beyond your vehicle bumpers, attach a reflective cloth to make other drivers aware. Before setting off, tug at the tree to make sure that it is held down.

4. Drive Slowly.

Avoid the freeways and other major roads with fast-moving traffic. The speed and wind resistance could wreak havoc on your load. Drive slowly and deliberately, avoiding sudden maneuvers that may dislodge the tree.

5. Get Help with Unloading.

A 6-foot tree can weigh over 50 pounds and be unwieldy to move around due to its bulk. An attendant at the tree lot can help you load it on your vehicle but don’t try to unload it yourself. Otherwise, you may throw your back out or damage the tree or your home. If you can’t get help from a friend or relative, grab a neighbor to help you out. Remember to lift with your legs and not with your back.

Want to test drive a vehicle that you can handle your tree in Orange County? Then head over to the dealers at Beach Boulevard of Cars in Huntington Beach today?

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