It’s almost time for Christmas tree shopping! Christmas trees form a large part of the festive season and if you’re opting for a real tree this year, it’s important to prepare your car for transport.
There is nothing worse than losing your perfect tree on the highway because of poor planning. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 200,000 crashes involved debris on U.S. roadways between 2011 and 2014, and some of them were Christmas trees. Thanks to Zuto, we have compiled 7 helpful tips to help you safely transport your tree home.
1. Measure Your Car And The Tree
Having a tape measure on hand to measure both the length and width of your car and your tree is a simple step, but it can make or break your transportation project. Another important thing to remember is that you also have to fit in the car to drive home! Please make sure there is enough room in the back with the tree so that you can safely drive home.
2. Fold Down The Seats
As a result, you’ll be able to fit a larger tree and the branches will be less likely to break on your journey home. With the seats folded down, you have a lot less wiggle room and will probably cause more damage to the tree, and possibly the car, than is necessary.
3. Place Down Covers
Putting down some covers in your car helps you avoid the mess that real trees make with needles, dust, and branches falling off. A heavy-duty bin liner would work perfectly, or if not, some old sheets or blankets would also do the trick.
4. Make Sure The Tree Is Netted
In addition to making the tree easier to fit into your car, this also prevents the foliage from being damaged. You can also carry the tree to and from the car with ease. Wherever you purchase your tree, ask them to net it for you or simply do it yourself.
5. Tie it to the Roof if it Doesn’t Fit Inside
Here’s your chance to get a tree that doesn’t fit in your car or avoid most of the mess altogether. If you choose this option, invest in some roof racks and bungee cords. High winds can make driving difficult and can damage your trees. Be aware of harsh weather conditions.
6. Drive Slow and Carefully
Slow wins the race! The most important step – the precarious weather, added weight and possibly impaired vision requires extra care while transporting the Xmas centerpiece home.
7. Choose An Artificial Pop-up Tree
If all this is too much trouble for you, join the other 85% of people and get yourself an artificial tree! When you find a pop-up tree, you might not even have to take the seats down, and you can avoid all the mess that comes with purchasing a real tree.
GALLERY: Things You Should See and Do in North Carolina
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
ShareThe Morehead Planetarium and Science Center located in Chapel Hill is a great place to learn all about North Carolinas history. Some of the exhibits cover a wide range of topics, such as Firsts in Flight, which pays tribute to African Americans and describes their contributions to space exploration and the development of aviation in great detail. It is free to attend.
Explore the Breweries of North Carolina
ShareWe have a lot of beer here in the Carolinas. There are actually 30+ breweries throughout the Queen City alone! There is nothing like trying out a new beer and enjoying fun taprooms. If you like discovering new beers try tackling the NC Beer Guys map of breweries. You can see it here: https://www.ncbeerguys.com/nc-breweries/
Carolina Panthers
ShareAttending a Carolina Panthers game is a Charlotte must. With football back (Yay) who wouldn't love wrapping up in your warm team gear and cheering on our boys? Okay...you might get a little chilly out there in the stands if it is the winter time, but the Carolina Panthers are right here in the QC and a game is a perfect way to spend the day. Wear some gloves and go, team!
Charlotte Hornets Game
ShareEnter the swarm and take yourself to see at least one Hornet’s game this year. In the winter, you can enjoy a seat in the hive while watching some talented basketballers shoot some hoops and enjoying classic stadium concessions all in the comfort of the stands. It's warm and cozy and so much fun! A Hornets game is a memorable and exciting experience for all ages, regardless of whether basketball is your thing.
Carolina Hurricanes
ShareAre you ready to enter the storm? Attending a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game is fun for the whole family. The arena is located in Raleigh and is a great way to immerse yourself in some Carolina culture.
The Biltmore Estate
ShareIt is a North Carolina must-see to visit the Biltmore Estate. A beautiful place to visit, it's a very majestic and historic location. Located in Asheville, the estate spans 8,000 acres and dates back to the 1890s. The Biltmore has 43 bathrooms, 35 bedrooms, and 65 fireplaces, just to name a few features of its 180,000 square feet.
Visit William B. Umstead State Park
ShareI love this park. It is located between Durham, Cary, and Raleigh in North Carolina, across 5,579 acres of land. With its wooded paths and trails and beautiful lakes, it is certainly one of the must-see places to visit in North Carolina for nature lovers. The William B. Umstead State Park offers many different ways to spend your time. Hiking, cycling, walking, running, and even canoeing or paddle boating can all be done.
See A Durham Bulls Game
ShareBaseball your thing? You should catch a game if you are in the Durham area. Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team in North Carolina and are a great way to spend time with family and friends. Around the stadium, there is also a lot to do after the game. It is located in the historic tobacco lane, which has shops, picnic areas, and more!
Head to the Beach!
ShareBeautiful beaches can be found in North Carolina. Since the 1930s, North Carolina beaches have been a top destination for families. You could visit the Outer Banks, Wrightsville Beach, or even Topsail Beach. Rental cottages and beach houses are popular on the coast as people go to escape the heat, enjoy the ocean breezes, swim in the Atlantic waters, and have a good time with friends and family.
Battleship North Carolina
ShareFancy a trip on a real-life battleship? Imagine the daily challenges her crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Across the nation, they came, young men who had grown up in the crucible of the Great Depression. They were now determined to serve their country in its hour of need. Through their oral histories, photographs, and mementos, you will get the opportunity to hear their stories as you explore the exhibits and the Ship.
Go See the Charlotte Knights
ShareBaseball is a great way to enjoy some nostalgia. The Charlotte Knights are a minor league baseball team located in the heart of Queen City. Watch the game and enjoy live entertainment with your family. I love going these games because the ice cream in the baseball hat is my all-time favorite!
