What to bring
- Two or three ratchet or cam straps, or sturdy rope
- An old blanket or tarp to protect the roof from scratches and sap
- Gloves
Ask the farm to net the tree first. A netted tree is far easier to tie down and catches less wind. See netting and baling.
With a roof rack
Lay the blanket down, then set the tree on the rack with the trunk facing the front of the car, so the wind flows over the branches instead of catching them. Strap the tree to the rack’s crossbars in at least two places, near the trunk end and near the middle. Tighten the straps until the tree doesn’t shift when you push it.
Without a roof rack
Lay the blanket on the roof and place the tree trunk-forward. Open the car doors and run the straps or rope over the tree and through the inside of the car, then close the doors on them. Run them through the door openings, not the windows, so they can’t loosen and the windows can still close. Use at least two straps, and give the tree a good shake to check it.
Driving home
Drive slowly, especially on the curves of mountain roads, and avoid high speeds. Pull over after the first mile or so to check that everything is still tight, and again at the bottom of the mountain. California law requires loads to be secured, so a tree sliding loose isn’t just dangerous, it can mean a ticket.
Other options
A truck bed or the back of an SUV with the seats folded down works for many trees. Small trees can fit inside a car if you lay down a sheet first. Some farms help load trees onto cars, so just ask.