There is something about the practice of tying a tree to the roof of my car that seems unsound. Maybe I don't trust the knots other people tie. Maybe I think too much about the aerodynamic disruption this bulk causes on the vehicle. Maybe I don't want to deal with the consequences if that living lumber comes suddenly unattached. Maybe I don't like to waste twine. No matter the root cause, I have figured out an easier way to more securely transport a Christmas tree with a sedan.
Shrink wrap.
That's right. Use a roll of stretch wrap to secure the tree to the top of your car! The tree stays in place better, the car doesn't feel completely unbalanced by the odd shaped load, and getting it off the car is super easy!
Step one: Go to a place that has trees and select on that you want to put in your house. Purchase that tree.
Step two: Set the tree on top of your car, trunk forward.
Step three: Now this one is really vital. OPEN ALL THE CAR DOORS! If you just roll down the windows, you won't be able to get back in the car. You will look like an idiot and have to redo all your work. Not that his has happened to me, but to a guy I know...
Step four: Tie an overhand knot onto the trunk of the tree with the shrink wrap. Then feed the shrink wrap through the open door, out the other side of the car, and over the tree. The tree will want to shift a bit until you get a layer or two on it. This part is much easier if you have help but certainly can be done single handedly.
Step five: Continue wrapping. When wrapping the tree, make sure to cover the trunk. By having a smooth leading edge, there is less wind noise and less overall drag. I usually go over the tree 5 or 6 times moving front to back.
Step six: Cut the plastic when you feel confident the tree is well covered. Get in the car. Shut the doors. Head home to start your holiday decorating! When you get home, just cut the plastic down one side with a knife and the tree is loose lickety-split.
The end product will look something like this.
Just a note: There will be less head room in the car. Be ready for that.
I actually invented this technique after Christmas several years ago. Our trash service charges what I consider to be an unreasonable amount to dispose of Christmas trees. For reasons that now escape me I decided it would be 'easier' to cut up the tree and burn it in the fire place. That was a load of crap and very poor reasoning. The whole experience was regrettable. The next year I found out that Washington County (where I live in MN) has a composting site that will accept Christmas trees for $5. I found that out on the last day they would take the tree. So, short on time and out of twine I used what I had available. I have been using the technique ever since. The tree stays put at 55 mph no sweat.
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