Christmas is coming and ‘tis the season to pick up a tree, a cherished holiday tradition for many. In fact, The British Christmas Tree Growers Association says that about five million real Christmas trees are sold in the UK every festive season. That is a lot of trees being taken home for decoration. Getting your Christmas tree home can turn into a hassle. A wrong move might land you with a fine or a scratched-up car. To help you avoid any unexpected costs this holiday season, we’ve put together a helpful guide.
Why is it important to secure you Christmas tree safely in the car?
When picking out your Christmas tree, size matters – especially if you're planning on taking it home yourself. Most Christmas trees sold in the UK are Nordmann Firs (around 75%), with Norway Spruces making up 10-15%, according to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association.
A typical Nordmann Fir stands about six to seven feet tall, but the average small car boot only holds 300 litres, so stuffing a full-sized tree inside is usually wishful thinking. If you're going to transport a tree via car, here are some things to keep in mind:
Roof racks are ideal for large or awkwardly shaped items.
A smaller tree (four to five feet) is more likely to fit into a car boot, especially if you have a family or executive car.
A larger tree will need to be strapped to the roof, but make sure you’re not exceeding your car roof’s load limit.
In the car boot, position the tree with the trunk side down and load it first. This keeps the centre of gravity low, improving stability and handling.
Push the tree firmly against the back of the rear seats to minimise movement; this positioning reduces the risk of items shifting forward in the event of sudden braking.
Below are some of the associated dangers and fines with transporting a Christmas tree incorrectly.
Potential car damage
Never attach anything to your car’s roof that could cause damage or endanger other road users in the event of an accident. An improperly secured Christmas tree can damage your car, as pine needles and branches may scratch the paint or windows.
To avoid this, keep the tree wrapped in its netting to contain the branches. You can also protect your car’s paint by covering the tree with a blanket or sheet. Repairing a scratched roof can cost between £90 and £300, depending on the extent of the damage and your car's make and model.
Avoid using twine to secure your tree, as looping it through doors or windows can cause serious damage to door seals and window frames. A damaged door seal may lead to water leaks during bad weather, potentially ruining your car's upholstery and interior. If the window or frame is badly damaged, you might need to replace the window, which can cost between £80 and £350. Instead, bring strong rope or nylon ratchet straps to properly secure the tree to your vehicle's roof rack.
Transporting a Christmas tree in your car’s boot can cause potential damage to both the vehicle’s interior and the boot itself. The tree’s needles, sap, and rough edges can scratch the upholstery or leave stubborn marks that are difficult to clean. To protect your car, consider using a fitted boot liner. These liners are waterproof, wipeable, and easy to remove, offering a simple solution to safeguard your car from any mess or damage while transporting your tree. It’s a small investment that could save you from costly repairs or extensive cleaning.
Potential fines
Transporting a Christmas tree unsafely can not only be hazardous but also result in significant fines. According to The Highway Code, section 98, you must not overload your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations, so it's important to choose a tree that isn’t too heavy. The tree must be securely fastened, and it cannot protrude dangerously. In the event of a collision, unsecured or sharp objects could cause serious injury.
If a Christmas tree or any other load obstructs the rear window of your car, it could result in fines for impaired visibility, as per UK road safety laws. The Highway Code mandates that drivers maintain an unobstructed view, and failure to do so can lead to a £100 fine and three penalty points. To avoid this, ensure the tree is properly secured and does not block the rear window, ensuring safe driving and compliance with the law.
If your car is overloaded, the AA warns that you could face fines ranging from £100 to £300, along with points on your licence, depending on the level of overloading:
£100 fine for less than 10% overloaded
£200 for 10% to 14% overloaded
£300 for 15% or more overloaded, plus 3 points on your licence
Additionally, when transporting a large tree, your stopping distance will increase, and you may be required to follow reduced speed limits. It’s recommended to drive at least five miles per hour below the speed limit on motorways due to the added wind resistance of a tree on your roof. Winter driving is challenging enough, so extra caution is essential.
Speeding while transporting a tree can lead to even steeper penalties. Speeding fines are currently classified into bands based on severity, with penalties ranging from £100 to £2,500, in addition to points on your licence:
Minimum fine: £100 and 3 points
Maximum fine: £1,000, or £2,500 if on a motorway
If you decide to transport the tree in the boot with parts hanging out and covering your number plate, you could face fines of up to £1,000. The tree must not extend beyond 50cm from the side or rear of the car and not more than 15cm from the front of the car.
A poorly secured tree can also be dangerous to other drivers. If it falls off and causes an accident, you could be liable for the resulting damage, repairs, or even medical expenses. Moreover, making a claim could raise your insurance premium by 20-50%.
The experts answer how to secure a Christmas tree securely
George Kemp, Marketing Executive at Harwoods, weighs in on how to safely transport your Christmas tree.
“It’s not illegal to transport your Christmas tree home using your car. However, if not transported securely, you run the risk of getting fined. Let’s not risk ruining the Christmas spirit. Since Christmas trees usually don’t fit inside a vehicle, using a roof rack is a practical and safe solution for transport. Be sure to consult your car manual to check the maximum roof load your vehicle can handle, and ensure the tree is securely strapped down with strong ropes or straps to prevent it from shifting during transit. This will not only protect your car from potential damage but also ensure a safer journey for you and other road users.” Also, as a bonus, he has some advice on your Christmas tree too! “The needles on a Nordmann Fir Christmas tree are less likely to drop, helping you keep your car cleaner while taking it home. When you get home, try placing ice in the bottom of your tree stand instead of just water. The slow melt keeps your tree fresher for longer!”
The dos and don’ts of transporting a Christmas tree
Below is our infographic detailing the best way to transport a Christmas tree.