If you’re heading out to get your Christmas tree this weekend at Moore Tree Farm in Groton, here are five tips to get it home safely from AAA:

Choose the right vehicle  The best option is something with a roof rack, a bed of a pickup truck or an SUV, van or minivan that can fit the tree inside with the doors closed.

Use quality tie downs  Bring strong rope or bungee cords to secure the tree to your roof if you’re going that route.

Protect the tree AND your car  Have the tree wrapped in netting before loading it up if possible (Moore‘s will do this for you).  Be sure to secure loose branches with rope or twine and use an old blanket or plastic tarp to prevent paint scratches on your car. Also be sure to remove any sap on the paint or upholstery once you get home.

Trunk forward  Always place the tree on your roof with the bottom of the tree’s trunk facing the front of the vehicle and secure it in three places:  bottom, center, and top.

Give it the tug test  Before you leave the lot, give the tree several strong tugs from different directions to make sure it’s secure and won’t blow away…then drive home slowly, taking back roads instead of highways if possible.

And don’t forget to water it once you’ve got it up! 🎄