ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – With Thanksgiving behind us, many are starting to think about the winter holidays, and for those who plan to purchase a live Christmas tree, Triple-A wants you to get it home safely. 

If a tree is improperly secured to a vehicle, it may fall off during transport, which can result in as much as 15-hundred dollars in repairs.

So when taking that tree home, be sure you’re using the right vehicle – like one with a roof rack or the bed of a pickup truck – and quality tie-downs. Protect the tree with netting and your vehicle with an old blanket before securing the tree for the drive. Drive slowly – high speeds can lead to loosening tie-downs and a potential accident.